Websites to Visit :

• Greene County Website
  
• Greene County's Historical Markers

History

The modern history of Greene County, Virginia began in August, 1716, when Governor Spotswood and his "Knights of the Golden Horseshoe" traveled through Greene on their history making expedition to the summit of the Blue Ridge Mountains, reaching Swift Run Gap, a short distance from what is now Stanardsville. Tradition has it the former Governor bestowed golden horseshoes upon his followers at a point approximately three miles west of Stanardsville. Swift Run Gap was used by General Stonewall Jackson during the "War Between The States" to shift troops from the Shenandoah Valley to the Piedmont battle areas. Now U.S. Route 33 crosses the Blue Ridge through this gap.

Numerous land grants and birth rights were given to settlers in the 18th Century, the most famous one being made to William Monroe, a hard working farmer. Upon his death and the death of his wife, his estate was sold and the proceeds used to establish a trust fund, the interest from which was to be used for the education of poor children. Funds from this account were later used to pay the debt service on the existing William Monroe High School.

Greene County named for Nathanael Greene of Revolutionary War fame, was formed in 1838. Originally, Greene was part of Orange County, but was eventually partitioned from Orange County when settlers complained of the long distance between their farms and the Orange County Seat.

The present courthouse stands on the land donated by Robert Stanard in 1838, creating Stanardsville as the County Seat. The County office building, dedicated on the County's centennial birthday in 1938, was destroyed by fire on October 24, 1979. A new clerks' office was built on the original site and a new County Administration building was constructed on the corner of Main Street and Celt Road.

In 1935, 14,619 acres of the County land was acquired by the State and given to the Federal Government for the formation of Shenandoah National Park, which is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is estimated that a total of 285 County citizens were displaced by the dedication of the parkland.

Location

Located in the north-central portion of Virginia, Greene County is approximately 100 miles southwest of Washington, DC, 20 miles north of downtown Charlottesville, Virginia on US 29, and about 90 miles east of Richmond on US 33. The County is also easily accessible from Interstate 64 to the south and Interstate 81 to the west and only 10 miles from the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport. The County is located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Skyline Drive. The location of the County not only makes it convenient for commercial development, and industrial development, but also travel realted industry such as bed and breakfasts, hotels, and wineries.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 15,244 people, 5,574 households, and 4,291 families residing in the county. The population density was 38/km² (97/mi²). There were 5,986 housing units at an average density of 15/km² (38/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 90.99% White, 6.45% Black or African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.45% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.64% from other races, and 1.25% from two or more races. 1.32% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.There were 5,574 households out of which 38.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.90% were married couples living together, 10.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.00% were non-families. 18.00% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.30% had someone

Recreation, Attractions, Dining & Shopping

• Shenandoah National Park/Skyline Drive

Website

Shenandoah National Park lies astride a beautiful section of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which form the eastern rampart of the Appalachian Mountains between Pennsylvania and Georgia. The Shenandoah River flows through the valley to the west, with Massanutten Mountain, 40 miles long, standing between the river's north and south forks. The rolling Piedmont country lies to the east of the park. Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road that winds along the crest of the mountains through the length of the park, provides vistas of the spectacular landscape to east and west. The park holds more than 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Trails may follow a ridge crest, or they may lead to high places with panoramic views or to waterfalls in deep canyons. Many animals, including deer, black bears, and wild turkeys, flourish among the rich growth of an oak-hickory forest. In season, bushes and wildflowers bloom along the Drive and trails and fill the open spaces. Apple trees, stone foundations, and cemeteries are reminders of the families who once called this place home. Shenandoah National Park has many stories waiting to be told, and a world of beauty that can renew and bring peace to the spirit. For visitor information call 540-999-3500.

• Greene Hills Club

Website

A scenic private 18-hole golf club with golf shop, driving range, putting green, restaurant, pool and tennis courts. Golfing is open to the public Monday-Friday from 9 am to 3 pm. Located off of Rt. 230 in Stanardsville. Phone-434-985-7328. 

• Old Greene County Jail

Bulit in 1838. Such fame as it has comes from an escape told by John Casler in his "Four Years with the Stonewall Brigade." Located next to the Courthouse it now houses the County Historical Museum.

• Greene County Parks & Recreation

Website

Offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities in the County year round. The new Greene County Community Park will be opening in the near future and will offer walking trails, a picnic shelter, a playground, soccer fields and more.You can call the Parks & Rec office at 434-985-5226.

• The Lafayette Inn

Restaurant open Tuesday-Sunday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Full service catering available on and off site. Wine Enthusiast Magazine Award of Distinction for 2005. Located on Main Street in Stanardsville.Phone-434-985-6345.

• The Blue Ridge Cafe & Catering Company

Serving American Continental Cuisine in a casual atmosphere for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Open 7 days a week. Located on Rt. 29 South in Ruckersville. Phone-434-985-3633.

• Sal's Pizzeria and Restaurant

Full menu of Italian/American food for dine-in or take out. New York style subs, seafood, pasta, salads and more. Open daily. Located in the Stanardsville Shopping Center. Phone-434-985-1234.

• Vinny's New York Pizza & Pasta

Authentic New York style pizza, pasta, salads, sandwiches, dinners and burgers. Casual friendly family dining. Open 7 days a week. Located in the Countryside Square Shopping Center on Rt. 29 South in Ruckersville. Phone-434-985-4731.

• El Agave Authentic Mexican Restaurant

Serving a variety of authentic Mexican food. Featuring delicious specialties, lunch menu and children's menu. Located on Rt. 29 North in Ruckersville. Phone-434-990-9500.

• Hog Heaven

Restaurant specializing in BBQ. Catering also available. Open Tuesday-Sunday. Located on Rt. 29 North in Ruckersville under Adelphia Cable. Phone-434-990-1744.

• China Jay

Chinese cuisine. Dine-in or carry out. Located in the Food Lion Shopping Center on Rt. 29 South in Ruckersville. Phone-434-985-1618.

• Dean's 29 Family Restaurant

Locally owned and operated. Located on Rt. 29 South in Ruckersville. Phone-434-985-7336.

• Hong Kong Restaurant

Chinese cuisine. Located in the Countryside Square Shopping Center on Rt. 29 South in Ruckersville. Phone-434-985-8811.

• Groovy Grinds Expresso Bar and Cafe

Coffee shop located on Rt. 29 South in Ruckersville in the Countryside Square Shopping Center. Also serving breakfast and lunch. Open Monday-Friday 7:30 am to 3:30 pm and Saturday 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Phone 434-990-8359.

• Angel Cakes

Bakery offering cookies, cakes, canolis, cheesecake, tarts, doughnuts and more. You can also place special orders for cakes. Located in the Food Lion Shopping Center on Rt. 29 South. Phone-434-985-CAKE (2253).

•  The 48 Greene House Shops

Antiques, local crafts, collectibles and specialty items. Located at the corner of Rt. 29 and Rt. 33 West in Ruckersville. Phone-434-985-6053.

• Red Fox Antiques

Fine furniture, art, Christmas ornaments, collectibles, jewelry and more. Located on Rt. 29 South in Ruckersville. Phone-434-985-2080.

• Joan Palmer Antiques & Fine Art

A gallery of fine oil paintings, 18th & 19th Century furniture, fabulous mirrors, silver, glass, objects d'art. Located on Rt. 29 North in Ruckersville. Phone-434-985-3602.

• Country Store Antique Mall

Houses 14 different dealers with a variety of antiques and collectibles. Located on the corner of Rt. 29 and Rt. 33 East in Ruckersville. Phone-434-985-3649.

• Country Morning Antiques

Fine antiques. Located on Rt. 29 South next to the Blue Ridge Cafe in Ruckersville. Phone-434-985-3958.

• Noon Whistle Pottery

Working clay studio and art gallery selling over 60 artists' work. Most days customers will find Holly Horan, resident potter, throwing pots at the wheel at the Noon Whistle Pottery in Stanardsville. Her husband, John Pluta, the resident sculptor is usually sculpting figures out of clay or constructing birdhouses at their Ruckersville shop in an 1800's barn behind Red Fox Antiques. Different artists are featured at each shop. Located on Main Street in Stanardsville and Rt. 29 South in Ruckersville. Phone-434-985-6500 or 434-985-9688.

• Blue Ridge Pottery

Retail shop and pottery studio. Tours available. Located on Rt. 33, 12 miles west of Ruckersville. January-March open Tuesday-Sunday 9 to 5 and April -December 23 open Daily 9 to 5. Phone-434-985-6080.

• The Music Store

Full service music retail store with CD's, tapes, records, strings, accessories, instruments (featuring guitars, banjos, mandolins, & violins), rentals, repairs, books and lessons. The Music Store, Where Music is Art. Located on the corner of Rt. 29 and Rt. 33 West in Ruckersville. Phone-434-985-7133.

• Boot' Vil

Wall to wall western boots, hats and western attire. Located on Rt. 29 South in Ruckersville. Phone-434-985-4574.

• The Clothing Store

Clothing store for the whole family. Located on Rt. 29 South Ruckersville in the Countryside Square shopping center.

• Angela's Attic Floral and Gifts

Florist and gift and craft shop. Located on Rt. 29 South in Ruckersville. Phone-434-985-1289.

• Harp's Music, Gifts & Florist

Offering concrete pottery, flowers for all occasions, music and crafts. Located just off Rt. 29 in Ruckersville. Phone-434-985-8581.

• Crawford Saddlery

The area's leading tack store. Find all of your English and Western riding needs. Full line of stable and grooming supplies. Located on Rt. 29 South in Ruckersville. Phone-1-866-985-4262 or 434-985-4262.

• Woodson Home and Hardware

Local family-owned and operated home center. Serving all your appliance, lawn and garden, and hardware needs. Located on Rt. 29 North in Ruckersville. Phone-434-985-2094.

• Stanardsville Hardware

Full-line hardware store. Electrical, plumbing, fencing, signs, pet supplies and more. Located on Main Street in Stanardsville. Phone-434-985-1019.

• Willie's Auction House

Auctions held every Saturday evening. Outdoor Flea Market held every Saturday and Sunday. Located North of the Rt. 29 and Rt. 33 intersection on Rt. 29 South in Ruckersville. Phone-434-985-7530.

• Corner Store

Garden Center open March through December for all your planting and gardening needs as well as your stop for pumpkins and mums in the fall and your Christmas tree in December. Located on Rt. 29 North in Ruckersville next to Sheetz. Phone-434-985-7818.

• Collier's Furniture

Selling traditional style living room, dining room, and bedroom furniture. Open Monday-Friday from 9 am to 6 pm and Saturday from 8:30 am to 5 pm. Located at the intersection of Rt. 33 West and Business Rt. 33. Phone-434-985-6284.

• Pennington Nursery & Greenhouses

Offers annuals, perennials, shrubs, color bowls, assorted soils, hanging baskets, and much more. Located beside Red Fox Antiques on Rt. 29 South in Ruckersville. Phone-434-985-4599.

• D.C.'s Seafood & Produce

Market selling fresh seafood and produce. Some of the great seafood available includes catfish, salmon, tilapia and trout as well as multiple sizes of shrimp. The seafood selection will be changed occasionally and there will be weekly specials. The produce includes all types of fruits and vegetables. Located on Main Street in Stanardsville, the store is open 10-7 on weekdays, 10-4 on Saturday and 11-3 on Sunday.

• Randall Frey 18th Century Authentic Furniture Reproductions

Making quality-crafted period furniture using the same techniques that have been passed down for generations. Each Queen Anne, Chippendale, and Hepplewhite piece is reproduced in cherry, walnut, mahogany, or maple. Backs and drawers are constructed from poplar or pine, and drawers are hand dove-tailed with chamfered bottoms. All of the furniture backs are fastened using the same kinds of cut nails used in the 18th century, case fronts are set with antique glass and trimmed with the finest reproduction brass fittings. Stains are hand-mixed, and finishes are hand rubbed between coats, bringing to each piece the satiny patina found in the antique originals. Located on Rt. 621 (South River Road) in Stanardsville. Phone-434-985-7631.

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