Buckingham County’s story begins in the colonial era and continues to captivate those moving to the area for its tranquility and charm. Officially founded in 1761 from a portion of Albemarle County, it was named after England’s Duke of Buckingham – and notably, it’s the only Buckingham County in the United States. Early on, this region south of the James River was predominantly farmland and tobacco plantations, developing a resilient agricultural community that thrived through the Revolutionary period and beyond.
Through the 19th century,Buckingham remained a countryside defined by agriculture and natural resources.Vast plantations gradually transitioned from tobacco cultivation to a more sustainable mix of crops and timber as markets changed. Grains, soybeans, and livestock became staples, and large tracts of woodland were harvested by the timber industry. The county seat village of Buckingham sprang up with its stately courthouse as the centerpiece of civic life. By the early 20th century, small farms, mills, and rural businesses dotted the landscape, and the arrival of the railroad in towns like Dillwyn helped connect this quiet county to the wider region.
Today Buckingham County remains rural but vibrant, offering a peaceful residential community that embraces its history. With only about 17,000 residents spread across 584 square miles ofPiedmont countryside, it has maintained the kind of small-town atmosphere that’s increasingly hard to find. Locals delight in the rolling hills, deep forests, and open farmland that surround them – the same landscape that greeted travelers on U.S. Route 15 and Route 60 centuries ago. Prospective homebuyers are drawn to the county’s blend of space, serenity, and heritage; indeed, homes for sale in Buckingham County, VA often come with generous acreage, historic farmhouses or homesteads, and a promise of a gentler pace of life.
If you love the outdoors, Buckingham County is a paradise of natural beauty and recreation. The county is home to the vast Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest, nearly 20,000 acres of protected woodlands crisscrossed with trails for hiking, horseback riding, and biking. Tucked within this state forest is Holliday Lake State Park, a local favorite for camping, swimming, and picnicking on warm summer days. At Buckingham’s western edge, you’ll find James River State Park, 1,500 gorgeous acres along the historic James River. Here you can launch a canoe or kayak, cast a fishing line, or simply enjoy a riverside picnic with Blue Ridge Mountain vistas in the distance.
History and culture abound as well, offering plenty to do for those days you’re not on the trail. Historic Village at Lee Wayside is a charming collection of log cabins and restored buildings where living-history events and festivals bring Buckingham’s pioneer era to life. The county’s heritage is also on display at sites like the Buckingham County Courthouse Historic District and small museums run by the Historic Buckingham society. For a truly unique experience, visit the Satchidananda Ashram – Yogaville community in the county’s south. This 1,000-acre yoga and spiritual retreat features the breathtaking LOTUS shrine – a lotus-shaped temple that honors all faiths under one roof.
Lifestyle attractions in Buckingham often center on its simple pleasures and local flavor. Scenic drives are themselves a pastime – cruising down Route 60 or Route 56 offers panoramic views of undulating green hills, forests, and farmland. Wine lovers can spend a relaxing afternoon at one of the local wineries: try a fruit wine tasting at Muddy Paws Winery or visit Eagle Zen Winery near Dillwyn. Throughout the year, Buckingham’s community calendar fills with down-home events that make newcomers feel like family – from classic county fairs to holiday parades and tree-lightings.
Moving to Buckingham County, Virginia is an exciting opportunity to enjoy country living with plenty of practical support from the community. Electricity is provided by Dominion Energy or regional electric cooperatives, and the county manages public water and sewer service in select areas. Trash and recycling are handled via convenient county collection centers. Broadband internet access is rapidly improving: the Firefly Fiber broadband project is underway to bring gigabit-speed fiber internet to every home by 2025. That means even in the heart of the country, you can work remotely or stream movies with ease.
Families will find a supportive education system and community services here. Buckingham County Public Schools operate an elementary, primary, middle, and high school, all with a close-knit feel and modern facilities. Smaller class sizes and engaged teachers mean your kids won’t get lost in the crowd. For shopping and healthcare, expect a more rural approach: day-to-day needs can be met at local markets, pharmacies, and the post office in Dillwyn or Buckingham, while larger grocery runs or medical visits might involve a drive to nearby towns. Farmville, Charlottesville, and Lynchburg all offer easy access to city conveniences.
This area is full of unique history and quirky trivia. For instance, Buckingham County contains the geographic center of Virginia. It’s also the only Buckingham County in the USA. The county is famous among builders for its Buckingham slate – a blue-black slate rock found only here that’s so durable it can cap a roof for 200 years. Buckingham has been home to some remarkable Americans as well – it’s the birthplace of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the esteemed historian known as the 'Father of Black History.' And did you know it once had one of the nation’s largest gold mines? These fun facts add to the county’s charm and give you plenty to share at your next neighborhood get-together.
