Virginia Counties: History and Information

Find a brief history of Virginia Counties

There are 134 Counties in Virginia including 38 Independent Cities. Virginia is divided into independent cities and counties, which function in the same manner. As reported by the Census Bureau, independent cities are considered county-equivalent. As of 2006, thirty-nine of the forty-two independent cities in the United States are in Virginia. Incorporated towns are recognized as part of the 95 counties in Virginia, but are not independent. There are also hundreds of other unincorporated communities in Virginia. Virginia does not have any further political subdivisions, such as villages or townships.

Birth of Virginia Counties

The Virginia General Assembly soon found it necessary to create eight shires in which to govern the colony and hold court. There were six kinds of courts in Virginia: (1) Magistrate's court (2) Parish court (3) Monthly court (4) General court (5) General Assembly (6) Court of Admiralty. In 1623-1624, courts were kept in Charles City, Elizabeth City, and James City. In February 1631-162, the Virginia General Assembly added five more shires.

The eight original shires: Charles City; Henrico; James City; Elizabeth City; Warwick River; Warrosquyoake, later Isle of Wight; Charles River, later York; and Accawmacke (Accomack)

The creation of these shires, which later became known as counties, was to make the administration of justice more accessible to the colonists.

During the period 1750-1770, 26 new counties were formed. The westward trek of settlers demanded the government provide courts in their areas. As the westward expansion continued, Virginia created Kentucky county and Illinois county. Kentucky County was eventually split into 3 counties: Jefferson; Fayette; and Lincoln. Illinois county (the Northwest Territory) was ceded to the nation and became a territory. This included all of the Ohio Valley and parts of Wisconsin and Michigan. The counties of Mercer, Madison and Bourbon were created in 1786, and later became part of the State of Kentucky in 1792 when it was organized as a state. Madison, Woodford and Fayette Counties were also formed while Kentucky was still a part of Virginia. By the time Kentucky received statehood, it was comprised of 9 counties. The records of those counties are housed in Kentucky. West Virginia was also a part of Virginia until it ceded to the Union in 1863 and became a state.