Charlotte County, Virginia

Charlotte County
County
Charlotte County Courthouse in September 2014
Flag Seal
Location within the U.S. state of Virginia
Virginia's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 37°01′N78°40′W / 37.01°N 78.66°W / 37.01; -78.66
Country	United States
State	Virginia
Founded	1764
Named for	Queen Charlotte
Seat	Charlotte Court House
Largest town	Keysville
Area
• Total	478 sq mi (1,240 km2)
• Land	475 sq mi (1,230 km2)
• Water	2.2 sq mi (6 km2)  0.5%
Population  (2020)
• Total	11,529
• Density	24/sq mi (9.3/km2)
Time zone	UTC−5 (Eastern)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district	5th
Website	www.charlotteva.com

Charlotte County is a United States county located in the south central part of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Its county seat is the town of Charlotte Court House. ^[1] As of the 2020 census, the county population was 11,529. ^[2] Charlotte County is predominantly rural with a population density of only 26.5 persons per square mile.

History

Red Hill Patrick Henry National Memorial in Charlotte County, the final resting place of Patrick Henry

European settlement of the future county began in the early 18th century, ^[3] and early settlers included mostly English people, with some French Huguenots, and Scotch-Irish., ^[4] and a modest population of Germans. After approximately fifty years of European settlement, the House of Burgesses established and incorporated Charlotte County in 1764 from part of Lunenburg County. The new county was named in honor of Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the Queen and wife of King George III of Great Britain. ^[5] The county residents later became staunch supporters of independence and the American Revolution and Founding Father Patrick Henry was one of its most famous residents. His grave and the national memorial dedicated to him are located in Charlotte County. Residents of Charlotte County were heavily involved in the American Revolution. County delegates supported resolutions against the Stamp Act of 1765, ^[4] and the county government was the second governing body to declare independence from English rule. ^[3] In addition, Charlotte militia units fought under General Robert Lawson during the Yorktown campaign, which effectively led to the end of the American War of Independence. ^[4] Finally, the final resting place and national memorial to revolutionary hero Patrick Henry is at Red Hill Plantation. ^[6]

Charlotte County has also played a role in other wars on American soil. An artillery company from Charlotte played a key role in the Battle of Craney Island during the War of 1812. ^[4] Also, a significant battle in the American Civil War occurred in Charlotte and Halifax counties during the Battle of Staunton River Bridge, which resulted in a victory for the Confederacy. ^[3]

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 478 square miles (1,240 km²), of which 475 square miles (1,230 km²) is land and 2.2 square miles (5.7 km²) (0.5%) is water. ^[7] The county is bounded on the southwest by the Roanoke River, locally known as the "Staunton River". The terrain is hilly. ^[8]

Adjacent counties

• Prince Edward County – north
• Lunenburg County – east
• Mecklenburg County – southeast
• Halifax County – southwest
• Campbell County – west
• Appomattox County – northwest

Major highways

• US 15 (Farmville Rd on the extreme northside of the county; joins US 360 in Keysville and separates in Wylliesburg
• US 360 (Kings Hwy)
• SR 40 (Lunenburg County Rd on the extreme eastside; Front St & Church St in Keysville; George Washington Hwy; joins SR 47 in Charlotte Court House and becomes David Bruce Ave; Patrick Henry Hwy)
• SR 47 (Thomas Jefferson Hwy; forks from SR 40 and becomes LeGrande Ave; Tollhouse Hwy; Drakes Main St in Drakes Branch; Craftons Gate Hwy
• SR 59 (Highway Fifty-Nine)
• SR 92 (Jeb Stuart Hwy)

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1790	10,078		—
1800	11,912		18.2%
1810	13,161		10.5%
1820	13,290		1.0%
1830	15,252		14.8%
1840	14,595		−4.3%
1850	13,955		−4.4%
1860	14,471		3.7%
1870	14,513		0.3%
1880	16,653		14.7%
1890	15,077		−9.5%
1900	15,343		1.8%
1910	15,785		2.9%
1920	17,540		11.1%
1930	16,061		−8.4%
1940	15,861		−1.2%
1950	14,057		−11.4%
1960	13,368		−4.9%
1970	11,551		−13.6%
1980	12,266		6.2%
1990	11,688		−4.7%
2000	12,472		6.7%
2010	12,586		0.9%
2020	11,529		−8.4%
U.S. Decennial Census [9] 1790–1960 [10] 1900–1990 [11] 1990–2000 [12] 2010 [13] 2020 [14]

2020 census

Charlotte County, Virginia – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.

Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic)	Pop 2010 [13]	Pop 2020 [14]	% 2010	% 2020
White alone (NH)	8,383	7,677	66.61%	66.59%
Black or African American alone (NH)	3,739	3,140	29.71%	27.24%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)	31	18	0.25%	0.16%
Asian alone (NH)	26	23	0.21%	0.20%
Pacific Islander alone (NH)	0	6	0.00%	0.05%
Some Other Race alone (NH)	14	35	0.11%	0.30%
Mixed Race or Multi-Racial (NH)	153	377	1.22%	3.27%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)	240	253	1.91%	2.19%
Total	12,586	11,529	100.00%	100.00%

2000 Census

As of the census ^[15] of 2000, there were 12,472 people, 4,951 households, and 3,435 families residing in the county. The population density was 26 people per square mile (10 people/km²). There were 5,734 housing units at an average density of 12 units per square mile (4.6 units/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 65.51% White, 32.89% Black or African American, 0.14% Native American, 0.16% Asian, 0.70% from other races, and 0.59% from two or more races. 1.65% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 4,951 households, out of which 28.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.50% were married couples living together, 13.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.60% were non-families. 27.40% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the county, the age distribution of the population shows 24.30% under the age of 18, 7.20% from 18 to 24, 26.20% from 25 to 44, 24.80% from 45 to 64, and 17.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 92.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $28,929, and the median income for a family was $34,830. Males had a median income of $26,918 versus $20,307 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,717. About 12.70% of families and 18.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.10% of those under age 18 and 20.80% of those age 65 or over.

Elected officials

Board of Supervisors

• Gary D. Walker (R), District A – Charlotte Court House, Chairman — Term expires 12-31-23
• Kay M. Pierantoni, District B - Wylliesburg/Red Oak — Term expires 12-31-21
• Garland H. "Butch" Hamlett, Jr. (I), District C – Drakes Branch— Term expires 12-31-23
• Robert L. "Butch" Shook, Jr. (I), District D – Keysville — Term expires 12-31-21
• M. Anthony “Tony” Reeves, District E - Cullen/Red House — Term expires 12-31-23
• Donna L. Fore, District F – Aspen/Phenix — Term expires 12-31-21
• Will D. Garnett, District G – Bacon/Saxe, Vice-chairman — Term expires 12-31-23

The Board of Supervisors is the legislative policy making body for the county. It considers and adopts policies regarding administration, budget, finance, economic development, health, planning, public safety, childcare, recreation, sanitation and waste removal. The Board appropriates funds for all functions, including the schools, Social Services, Law Enforcement and operation of courts. The Board's regularly scheduled meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 1:30 pm in the Board of Supervisors Room of the County Administration Building, 250 LeGrande Avenue, Suite A, (PO Box 608) Charlotte Court House, Virginia, 23923. ^[16]

Sheriff

Royal Freeman (I) is the sheriff. The Sheriff is responsible for overseeing criminal investigations, calls for service, court room security, service of civil process and the operation of the Charlotte County jail.

Clerk of Court

The clerk is Nan R. Colley (I). The Charlotte County Clerk of the Circuit Court manages the records for the Judicial Circuit. In addition, Colley manages the records for the Judicial Circuit and serves as general record keeper for the county, recording all documents relating to land transfers, deeds, mortgages, wills, divorces and other statistics that date back to 1765. ^[17]

Commissioner of the Revenue

Naisha P. Carter (I) is the Commissioner of the Revenue.

Commonwealth's Attorney

William E. Green, Jr. (I) is the Commonwealth's Attorney, a position similar to that of District's Attorney in many other states.

Treasurer

Patricia P. Berkeley (I) is the Treasurer.

County Administrator

Charlotte County's administrator is Daniel Witt. Clark's duties include and are not limited to: general administration, personnel management and supervision of all county departments, budget preparation, funds management, purchasing, property management, compliance with laws, regulations and ordinances, coordination with independent agencies and the community, representing the Board at meetings and functions, and any and all other duties imposed by the Board and by law to facilitate the accomplishment of the work of county government.

Members of the School Board

• Carmalita Escoto, District A (Charlotte Court House)
• William "Bill" Devin, District B (Wylliesburg/Red Oak)
• Gloria Talbott, District C (Drakes Branch)
• R.B. "Jay" George (Vice Chairman), District D (Keysville)
• Scotty Hamlett, District E (Cullen/Red House)
• Robert Johnson, District F (Phenix/Aspen)
• JonPaul Berkley (chairperson), District B (Bacon/Saxe)
• Dana Ramsey, Clerk of the Board

Voter Registrar

Virginia Booth

United States presidential election results for Charlotte County, Virginia ^[18]

Year	Republican		Democratic		Third party
	No.	%	No.	%	No.	%
2020	3,815	61.62%	2,317	37.43%	59	0.95%
2016	3,479	59.91%	2,155	37.11%	173	2.98%
2012	3,311	56.14%	2,503	42.44%	84	1.42%
2008	3,372	54.77%	2,705	43.93%	80	1.30%
2004	3,166	58.22%	2,223	40.88%	49	0.90%
2000	2,855	57.17%	2,017	40.39%	122	2.44%
1996	2,103	45.58%	2,007	43.50%	504	10.92%
1992	2,293	44.86%	2,098	41.05%	720	14.09%
1988	2,699	57.44%	1,923	40.92%	77	1.64%
1984	2,999	61.76%	1,811	37.29%	46	0.95%
1980	2,322	51.26%	2,108	46.53%	100	2.21%
1976	2,023	46.04%	2,312	52.62%	59	1.34%
1972	2,501	66.22%	1,182	31.29%	94	2.49%
1968	1,042	24.43%	1,045	24.50%	2,178	51.07%
1964	1,974	62.11%	1,191	37.48%	13	0.41%
1960	867	32.90%	1,735	65.84%	33	1.25%
1956	791	27.86%	1,431	50.41%	617	21.73%
1952	949	36.56%	1,630	62.79%	17	0.65%
1948	285	17.10%	964	57.83%	418	25.07%
1944	356	19.45%	1,473	80.49%	1	0.05%
1940	251	14.58%	1,467	85.24%	3	0.17%
1936	190	9.89%	1,727	89.85%	5	0.26%
1932	169	11.44%	1,300	88.02%	8	0.54%
1928	403	26.60%	1,112	73.40%	0	0.00%
1924	154	12.38%	1,006	80.87%	84	6.75%
1920	364	22.28%	1,266	77.48%	4	0.24%
1916	227	20.79%	856	78.39%	9	0.82%
1912	175	19.06%	609	66.34%	134	14.60%

Communities

Towns

• Charlotte Court House
• Drakes Branch
• Keysville
• Phenix

Unincorporated

• Abilene
• Cullen
• Harrisburg
• Madisonville
• Randolph
• Red House
• Red Oak
• Wren
• Wylliesburg

Notable people

• David K. E. Bruce – diplomat and politician
• Isaac Dabbs – politician
• Patrick Henry – politician and Founding Father
• William Hoffman- famous author
• John McCargo- former NFL player for the Buffalo Bills
• John Randolph – politician
• Joe Reed- NFL player for the Los Angeles Chargers
• A. Leo Weil – lawyer

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Charlotte County, Virginia

References

1. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
2. "Charlotte County, Virginia". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 30, 2022.
3. "Charlotte County: History". Charlotte County. Retrieved May 12, 2015.
4. Bailey, Annie Lou D. "History of Charlotte County; Sketch No.1". The Charlotte Gazette, Drakes Branch. No. April 30, 1964. Retrieved May 12, 2015.
5. Salmon, Emily; Edward D.C. Campbell, Jr., eds. (1994). The Hornbook of Virginia History : a ready-reference guide to the Old Dominion's people, places, and past (4th ed.). Richmond: Library of Virginia. ISBN   0884901777.
6. "Biography of Patrick Henry". Red Hill Patrick Henry National Memorial. Archived from the original on July 27, 2013. Retrieved May 13, 2015.
7. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
8. Ripley, George; Dana, Charles A., eds. (1879). "Charlotte, a S. county of Virginia"  . The American Cyclopædia .
9. "Census of Population and Housing from 1790-2000". US Census Bureau . Retrieved January 24, 2022.
10. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Archived from the original on August 11, 2012. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
11. "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
12. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved January 1, 2014.
13. "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Charlotte County, Virginia". United States Census Bureau .
14. "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Charlotte County, Virginia". United States Census Bureau .
15. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved May 14, 2011.
16. "Charlotte County - BOS Meetings, Minutes, & Public Hearings". www.charlotteva.com. Retrieved August 18, 2018.
17. "Charlotte County Circuit Court Clerk". www.charlotteva.com. Retrieved August 18, 2018.
18. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved December 9, 2020.

External links

• Charlotte County
• County History

37°01′N78°40′W / 37.01°N 78.66°W / 37.01; -78.66