Cities and Towns in Wythe County, Virginia

Founded in 1790, Wythe County is one of 95 counties in the state of Virginia. Historically, Wythe County was formed from Montgomery County. The city of Wytheville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 197, Wythe County has a population of 28,178 and area of 463 square miles (1,199 km²).

List of all cities in Wythe County, VA alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Austinville, VA	24312	276
Barren Springs, VA	24313	276
Cripple Creek, VA	24322	276
Crockett, VA	24323	276
Fort Chiswell, VA	24360	276
Foster Falls, VA	24360	276
Grosclose, VA	24368	276
Ivanhoe, VA	24350	276
Max Meadows, VA	24360	276
Rural Retreat, VA	24368	276
Speedwell, VA	24374	276
Stones Mill, VA	24382	276
Wytheville, VA	24382	276

Major Cities and Towns in Wythe County, Virginia

Wythe County, Virginia, is home to several notable communities, each with its own unique history, educational institutions, and landmarks. Below is an overview of these areas:

Wytheville

• Area: Approximately 14.3 square miles
• Population: 8,211 (as of 2020)
• ZIP Code: 24382
• Coordinates: 36.9487° N, 81.0848° W

Wytheville, the county seat of Wythe County, is strategically located at the intersection of Interstates 77 and 81, earning it the nickname “The Hub of Southwest Virginia.” Founded in 1790 and named after George Wythe, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, the town has a rich history. During the Civil War, Wytheville’s proximity to the lead mines in nearby Austinville made it a target for Union forces, leading to the Battle of Wytheville in 1863. In the 1950s, the town gained national attention during a polio outbreak, which led to significant advancements in public health responses. Today, Wytheville is known for its historic charm, with numerous preserved buildings and a vibrant downtown area that reflects its deep-rooted heritage.

Major Schools

• George Wythe High School: Offers a comprehensive curriculum with a focus on academic excellence and extracurricular activities.
• Scott Memorial Middle School: Provides education for middle-grade students, emphasizing both academic and personal development.

Major Landmarks

• Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum: Celebrates the life of First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson, who was born in Wytheville.
• Haller-Gibboney Rock House Museum: A historic house museum offering insights into 19th-century life in the region.
• Great Lakes to Florida Highway Museum: Chronicles the history of the historic U.S. Route 21, which passes through Wytheville.

Rural Retreat

• Area: Approximately 2.6 square miles
• Population: 1,483 (as of 2020)
• ZIP Code: 24368
• Coordinates: 36.8937° N, 81.2734° W

Rural Retreat is a small town located in the western part of Wythe County. Established in the mid-19th century, it became a notable stop along the Norfolk and Western Railway, which spurred its development. The town is perhaps best known as the birthplace of Dr. Charles T. Pepper, a physician who is believed to have inspired the name of the popular soft drink, Dr Pepper. Rural Retreat’s rich agricultural heritage is evident in its surrounding farmlands and annual community events that celebrate this legacy.

Major Schools

• Rural Retreat High School: Provides a range of academic programs and extracurricular activities for high school students.
• Rural Retreat Middle School: Focuses on the educational and developmental needs of middle school students.

Major Landmarks

• Rural Retreat Depot: A restored historic train station that serves as a community center and museum.
• Rural Retreat Lake and Campground: Offers recreational opportunities such as fishing, camping, and hiking for residents and visitors alike.

Max Meadows

• Area: Approximately 3.5 square miles
• Population: 562 (as of 2020)
• ZIP Code: 24360
• Coordinates: 36.9476° N, 80.9523° W

Max Meadows is an unincorporated community in Wythe County, situated near the New River. The area has historical significance due to its proximity to the lead mines in Austinville, which were vital during the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Max Meadows developed as a rural community with a strong emphasis on agriculture and mining. Its location near major transportation routes has influenced its growth and accessibility.

Major Schools

• Max Meadows Elementary School: Provides foundational education for children in the community, focusing on early childhood development.

Major Landmarks

• Shot Tower Historical State Park: Features a historic shot tower used in the 19th century for manufacturing lead shot, offering panoramic views of the New River.
• New River Trail State Park: A 57-mile linear park that follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Austinville

• Area: Approximately 1.8 square miles
• Population: 1,500 (estimated)
• ZIP Code: 24312
• Coordinates: 36.8668° N, 80.9906° W

Austinville is an unincorporated community located along the New River in Wythe County. Founded in the late 18th century, it is notably the birthplace of Stephen F. Austin, known as the “Father of Texas.” The community’s history is closely tied to the lead mines established by Colonel John Chiswell in 1756, which played a crucial role in supplying materials during the Revolutionary War. Austinville’s rich history is commemorated by various historical markers and sites that highlight its contributions to the nation’s early development.

Major Schools

• Austinville Elementary School: Offers primary education with a focus on community involvement and student engagement.

Major Landmarks

• Stephen F. Austin Birthplace Marker: A historical marker commemorating the birthplace of the influential American empresario.
• Lead Mines Historical Site: Preserves the history of the lead mining operations that were vital during the colonial and revolutionary