About Bland Co.

Bland County and Southwest Virginia are becoming a hub for tourism. The scenic vistas, historical landmarks, outdoor activities, and abundant rivers, lakes and streams make this area a mecca for the tourist.

Bland County’s location near the intersection of I-77 and I-81 is midway between Myrtle Beach and the Midwest, a convenient stopping point for the family looking for more than just the Grand Strand experience on their vacation.

The Jefferson National Forest covers much of Bland County and the Appalachian Trail traverses its ridges and valleys.

Bland County also borders southern West Virginia and is a hop, skip, and jump from the popular ski resorts of Winter Place and Snowshoe. Lewisburg and the world famous Greenbrier Resort are a short drive away.

History

Bland County was formed in 1861 from portions of Giles, Tazewell, and Wythe Counties. The people of the area had become dissatisfied with the distance to the various county seats.

The rough mountain trails did not lend themselves to the quick and pleasant conduct of necessary legal affairs. There was also great dissatisfaction with taxes paid for the benefit of those far removed from the rugged mountains and valleys of Bland.

Thus an act to establish the County of Bland passed the General Assembly of the State of Virginia on March 30, 1861.The County was named after Richard Bland, a leader of Colonial Virginia whose arguments laid the intellectual foundation for freedom and independence from the mother country.