According to babyinger, Bedford County, Virginia is a county located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is bordered by the cities of Lynchburg to the northeast and Roanoke to the southwest. Bedford County has an area of 754 square miles and a population of about 68,676 people as of 2019.

The geography of Bedford County is varied and includes rolling hills, mountains, valleys, and streams. The highest elevation in the county is at Sharp Top Mountain which stands at 3,816 feet above sea level. The county’s major rivers are the James River which runs along its eastern border and Staunton River which runs along its western border.

The climate in Bedford County is considered humid subtropical with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid while winters are mild with occasional snowfall. The average annual temperature is around 55 degrees Fahrenheit with an average annual precipitation rate of 41 inches per year.

Bedford County has a diverse population with a variety of backgrounds including Native American, African American, European American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino American and other ethnicities. Its largest cities are Bedford (population 6,214) and Forest (population 498). Other towns include Moneta (population 2,902), Big Island (population 1,515), Thaxton (population 1,077) and Goodview (population 869).

Economy of Bedford County, Virginia

Bedford County, Virginia has a diverse and vibrant economy. It is home to a variety of industries including manufacturing, agriculture, health care, and tourism.

The county’s largest industry is manufacturing which employs more than 5,000 people in the region. Major employers in this sector include the Bedford County Industrial Park which manufactures automotive parts and machinery, as well as GKN Sinter Metals which produces metal parts for the aerospace industry.

Agriculture is also an important part of Bedford County’s economy with more than 1,200 farms spread throughout the region. The most common crops grown here are corn, soybeans, hay, wheat and tobacco. Livestock farming is also popular with beef cattle being the most common livestock raised in the county.

Healthcare is another major industry in Bedford County with several hospitals and medical centers located throughout the region including Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital and Carilion Clinic-Bedford Medical Center. There are also numerous private practices located here offering a variety of services from family medicine to specialty care.

Tourism is also an important part of Bedford County’s economy with numerous attractions such as Peaks of Otter Winery & Orchard, Smith Mountain Lake State Park and The National D-Day Memorial all located here. Additionally, there are several outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking trails and camping sites that draw visitors to the area each year.

Overall, Bedford County has a strong economy that provides many employment opportunities for its citizens as well as numerous recreational activities for visitors to enjoy.

Education in Bedford County, Virginia

According to TOPSCHOOLSINTHEUSA, Bedford County, Virginia has a strong commitment to providing educational opportunities for its citizens. The county is served by Bedford County Public Schools which consists of 14 elementary schools, four middle schools, three high schools and two alternative education centers.

The school district offers a variety of academic programs that are designed to meet the needs of all students. These include advanced placement courses, foreign language classes, career and technical education programs and special education services. Additionally, there are several magnet programs available for students who are interested in pursuing more specialized studies such as engineering or health sciences.

Bedford County also offers numerous extracurricular activities for students to participate in such as sports teams, theatre productions and clubs. These provide an opportunity for students to develop their interests outside of the classroom while also fostering a sense of community within the district.

The county also has several higher educational institutions located here including Liberty University, Blue Ridge Community College and Central Virginia Community College. These institutions offer a variety of degree programs from associate’s degrees to doctorates in various fields such as business, nursing and engineering.

Overall, Bedford County provides a quality education system that is designed to meet the needs of all its citizens from pre-K through college level studies.

Landmarks in Bedford County, Virginia

According to a2zdirectory, Bedford County, Virginia has a rich history and is home to a number of landmarks that provide insight into the county’s past. These include the National D-Day Memorial, which is located in Bedford and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served in World War II. The memorial includes several monuments, sculptures and an amphitheater that are dedicated to the men and women who fought for freedom during that time period.

Another landmark in Bedford County is the Thomas Jefferson Poplar Forest. This historic plantation was owned by Thomas Jefferson from 1774 to 1826 and includes a plantation house, garden, slave quarters and several other buildings. Visitors can take guided tours of this site which provide an interesting look at life on the early American plantation.

The county also has several historic churches such as St. John’s Episcopal Church, built in 1827; Smith Mountain Baptist Church, built in 1849; and Trinity United Methodist Church, built in 1882. These churches are popular destinations for visitors who wish to learn more about the area’s religious history.

In addition to these sites, there are also numerous outdoor activities available in Bedford County such as hiking trails, fishing spots and camping sites. These provide visitors with an opportunity to explore nature while enjoying some of Virginia’s most beautiful scenery.