Cities and Towns in Wise County, Virginia

Founded in 1856, Wise County is one of 95 counties in the state of Virginia. Historically, Wise County was formed from Lee, Scott, and Russell Counties. The city of Wise is the county seat. With FIPS code of 195, Wise County has a population of 35,647 and area of 403 square miles (1,044 km²).

List of all cities in Wise County, VA alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Andover, VA	24215	276
Appalachia, VA	24216	276
Big Stone Gap, VA	24219	276
Coeburn, VA	24230	276
East Stone Gap, VA	24246	276
Exeter, VA	24216	276
Pound, VA	24279	276
Saint Paul, VA	24283	276
Stonega, VA	24216	276
Wise, VA	24293	276

Major Cities and Towns in Wise County, Virginia

Wise County, located in the Appalachian region of Virginia, encompasses several towns and communities, each with its own unique history, educational institutions, and landmarks. Below is an overview of some of the notable towns within the county:

Wise

• Area: Approximately 3.1 square miles
• Population: 3,286 (as of 2020)
• ZIP Code: 24293
• Coordinates: 36.9759° N, 82.5757° W

Wise, the county seat of Wise County, is situated in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Established in the mid-19th century, the town was named in honor of Henry A. Wise, the 33rd Governor of Virginia. Wise has historically been a center for education and commerce in the region. The town is home to the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, a prominent liberal arts institution that plays a significant role in the community’s cultural and economic life. Wise’s downtown area features a blend of historic architecture and modern amenities, reflecting its rich heritage and ongoing development.

Major Schools

• University of Virginia’s College at Wise: A public liberal arts college offering a variety of undergraduate programs.
• Central High School: Provides comprehensive education for grades 9-12, focusing on academic excellence and extracurricular involvement.

Major Landmarks

• Wise County Courthouse: A historic building serving as the center of county government and a symbol of the town’s legal heritage.
• The Inn at Wise: A restored historic hotel offering accommodations and dining, showcasing early 20th-century architecture.
• Lonesome Pine Regional Library: Provides educational resources and community programs, serving as a hub for local events.

Big Stone Gap

• Area: Approximately 4.9 square miles
• Population: 5,643 (as of 2020)
• ZIP Code: 24219
• Coordinates: 36.8665° N, 82.7743° W

Big Stone Gap, nestled in the Powell Valley, was originally known as “Mineral City” due to its rich deposits of coal and iron ore. The town was officially renamed in 1888, with “Big Stone Gap” referring to the nearby geological formation. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Big Stone Gap aspired to become the “Pittsburgh of the South,” leveraging its mineral resources for industrial growth. The town is also notable as the setting for several novels by local author Adriana Trigiani, including “Big Stone Gap,” which was adapted into a film shot on location. Today, Big Stone Gap celebrates its heritage through various cultural events and historic sites.

Major Schools

• Union High School: Offers a range of academic and extracurricular programs for high school students.
• Powell Valley Primary School: Provides early childhood education with a focus on foundational learning.

Major Landmarks

• Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park: Showcases regional history through exhibits and artifacts housed in a historic mansion.
• John Fox Jr. Museum: Preserves the home of the noted author, offering insights into his life and works.
• June Tolliver House: A historic house museum associated with the Trail of the Lonesome Pine Outdoor Drama, reflecting local cultural heritage.

Coeburn

• Area: Approximately 2.0 square miles
• Population: 1,588 (as of 2020)
• ZIP Code: 24230
• Coordinates: 36.9437° N, 82.4643° W

Coeburn, located along the Guest River, was originally known as “Guest Station” before being renamed in honor of W. W. Coe, a railroad official, and Judge W. E. Burns. The town’s development was closely tied to the expansion of the railroad and the coal mining industry in the late 19th century. Coeburn’s rich history is reflected in its historic districts and buildings, some of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town serves as a gateway to various outdoor recreational activities, with access to trails and natural attractions.

Major Schools

• Eastside High School: Provides secondary education with a focus on preparing students for post-secondary success.
• Coeburn Middle School: Offers educational programs for middle-grade students, emphasizing academic and personal growth.

Major Landmarks

• Guest River Gorge Trail: A scenic trail offering hiking and biking opportunities along the Guest River.
• Coeburn Masonic Lodge: A historic building reflecting the town’s architectural heritage and community involvement.
• Lick Creek Park: Provides recreational facilities, including picnic areas and walking trails, for residents and visitors.

Pound

• Area: Approximately 2.6 square miles
• Population: 1,037 (as of 2020)
• ZIP Code: 24279
• Coordinates: 37.1232° N, 82.6021° W

Pound, often referred to as “The Pound,” is considered one of the oldest settlements in Wise County, with exploration dating back to 1751 by Christopher Gist. The town’s name may derive from a family name or from a pounding mill built in the area in 1815. Pound was officially incorporated in 1950, making it the last town in Wise County to do so. Historically, Pound’s economy was linked to the coal mining industry, which influenced its development and culture.