Pittsylvania County, Virginia
Pittsylvania County was shaped by the tobacco industry, and reminders of that history can still be seen in the old warehouses scattered across the landscape. Located in south-central Virginia, it is the state’s largest county by land area, covering a vast stretch of countryside.
Today, the county is working to build a more diverse economy. Agriculture remains an important part of local life, but tobacco is no longer the only major crop or industry. Manufacturing has also become an increasingly important part of the economy.
The Dan River flows through Pittsylvania County, providing popular opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Although the county has a distinctly rural character, there is a sense of progress in the air.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Pittsylvania County |
| County Seat | Chatham |
| Population | Approximately 61,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Chatham, Gretna, Hurt, Blairs, Danville (independent city but county offices are here) |
| Interstates and Highways | US-29, US-58, VA-40, VA-57 |
| FIPS Code | 51-143 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 978 sq mi (Land: 969 sq mi; Water: 9 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Bedford County (Northwest), Campbell County (Northeast), Franklin County (West), Halifax County (East), Henry County (Southwest), Danville City (South) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (ET) |
| State | Virginia |
| Coordinates | 36.8106° N, 79.3950° W |
| Etymology | Named after William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham, British Prime Minister |
| Major Landmarks | Smith Mountain Lake, Leesville Lake, Pittsylvania County Courthouse |