about virginia

Dinwiddie County, Virginia consists of several small towns that include DeWitt, Dinwiddie, McKenney and Sutherland.  Located in the prosperous Appomattox Basin, this southeastern VA County spreads through more than 500 square miles.  At the time of the 2000 Census, Dinwiddie County reported a population of 24,533 individuals.  Estimates in 2005 indicate the population currently lies closer to 25,391 residents.

The Town of Dinwiddie and McKenney are the largest of Dinwiddie County’s communities.  Dinwiddie serves as the seat and center of commerce of Dinwiddie County.  This historic community was the site of several significant battles, including the Battle of Dinwiddie Court House, the Battle of Five Forks and the Battle of Sutherland’s Station, which occurred at the time of the Appomattox Campaign.  McKenney, a pastoral town that covers less than one square mile, was home to 441 citizens according to 2000 Census data.

Dinwiddie County boasts a thriving, pro-business atmosphere, with access to numerous benefits and resources provided by the Dinwiddie Economic Development agency.  Agricultural and manufacturing sectors drive the economy, with employers such as Chaparral Virginia, Inc., Philip Morris Products, Inc. and Tindall Concrete Company providing employment options for local residents.  In 2005, transportation and warehousing were among the largest of Dinwiddie County’s twenty major sectors and provided an average wage per job of $34,373 annually.  In addition, this growing county’s per capita income grew by 15 percent between the years of 1994 and 2004.

Dinwiddie County has convenient access to the burgeoning business markets of the North and Southern Piedmont Crescent via I-85, I-95 and VA Route 460.  Primarily a rural county, Dinwiddie enjoys the benefits of close proximity to several major cities.  Richmond, Virginia’s historic capital city lies 25 miles north of Dinwiddie County, while Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital, is 140 miles north.  In addition, Dinwiddie County sits between two busy Army facilities.  Fort Lee is to the east of the county, while Fort Pickett is in the west.

The family-friendly communities of Dinwiddie County enjoy access to modern public school facilities and several opportunities for recreation in the immediate vicinity.  Lake Chesdin, found along the Dinwiddie County’s northern border, offers boating, fishing, picnicking and swimming.  The County Department of Parks and Recreation enhances the quality of life by providing athletic facilities, beautifully developed parks and year-round activities for residents of every age.  Dinwiddie County, Virginia offers tranquil, small-town living, while access to modern amenities lie just minutes away.  Fantastic scenery, a centralized location and historic charm make Dinwiddie County an attractive location for residents and visitors alike.

Located in the bustling metropolitan area of Richmond, the serene communities that comprise Dinwiddie County have easy access to big city life.  Richmond, population 197,790, offers a range of big city advantages that include higher education facilities and opportunities for recreation.  Popular destinations include the exciting NASCAR events at the Richmond International Raceway  and the Science Museum of Virginia.  History buffs enjoy such notable sites as National Battlefield Park, the Museum of the Confederacy, St. John’s Church and the beloved Virginia War Memorial. 

The vibrant capital city also has a wide array of community celebrations throughout the year.  These include Carytown Watermelon Festival, the Grand Illumination, the James River Film Festival and all the traditional festivities of the Virginia State Fair.  Richmond’s outstanding colleges and universities include the campuses of Strayer University, the University of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University and Virginia State University.