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History of Amherst, (Amherst County) VirginiaOur database does not include an historic photo for Amherst, (Amherst County) Virginia, do you have one you would like to contribute? Contact Us! 15% - 35% off all Products ยป The Ready Store Local History Notes:The 1854 Gazetteer of the United States by Thomas Baldwin shows: AMHERST, a county in the S. central part of Virginia, has an area of 418 square miles. The James river flows along its S. W. and S. E. borders, forming in its course almost a right angle, and constituting about half of the entire boundary. The Blue Ridge forms the boundary of the county on the N. W., and the surface is beautifully diversified by mountains and valleys. The passage of James river through the Blue Ridge is a sublime feature in the scenery of this region. The soil is naturally fertile. Indian corn, wheat, oats, hay, tobacco, and butter are the staples. In 1850 the county produced 358,183 bushels of corn; 122,088 of wheat; 94,262 of oats; 948,261 pounds of tobacco, and 84,968 of butter. It contained 24 churches; 250 pupils attending public schools, and 130 attending academies and other schools. A canal has been opened along James river, on the border of the county. The county was formed from Albemarle in 1761. Capital, Amherst Court House. Population, 12,699, of whom 6746 were free, and 5953 slaves. |
Virginia Facts: Amherst is situated 232 meters above sea level. |