Nottoway County Virginia

A pleasant balance of open spaces and friendly towns.

Location: Nottoway County is located in the south-central portion of Virginia, bounded by the counties of Amelia to the north, Dinwiddie to the east, Brunswick and Lunenburg to the south, and Prince Edward to the west.

The county seat, Nottoway Courthouse, is approximately 59 miles southwest of Richmond, the state capital; 128 miles west of Norfolk and the Ports of Hampton Roads; 167 miles south of Washington, D.C.; 412 miles south of New York City; and 795 miles southeast of Chicago and 440 miles northeast of Atlanta.

History: Nottoway County was first inhabited by native American Indians of the Iroquoian nation tribe called Nadowa. The Nadowa lived along the County’s only river and the name of their tribe became associated with the area they inhabited. This name was Anglicized with the coming of English settlers to ‘Nottoway’.

The area was visited by explorers and traders as early as 1650. English settlers began to populate the area in the early 1700’s, bringing with them their traditions and customs. Most of the land was claimed by the mid-1700’s and these early inhabitants operated self-sufficient farms and plantations, taking advantage of the area’s favorable topography and wealth of natural resources. Together with a substantial number of craftsmen and laborers from west Africa and continental Europe, the difficult task of frontier living produced an independent and resourceful population.

Before the County established its own government, it was known as Nottoway Parish, a district of Amelia County. Nottoway Parish became Nottoway County by legislative act in 1788. The County, by virtue of its favorable location, contained numerous early crossroads settlements connecting the new western frontier with the population centers to the north and east. Railroad construction also followed early, first occurring around 1850.

The County was the site of one battle during the War Between the States, the “Battle of the Grove,” which was fought over control of the rail line in Nottoway (a line that served as a major supply line to General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia).

The County’s three towns were incorporated in the late 1800’s, all along what was to become the U.S. Highway 460/Norfolk Southern Railway corridor that bisects the County. Industrialization blossomed at the same time, exploiting the ease of moving raw materials in and finished products out. County manufacturing often utilized the area’s abundant natural resources, particularly agricultural products, timber, and wood products.

The 20th century saw an increase in the diversification of the County in its agricultural, industrial and commercial sectors. This diversification created an economy and community that mirrored its citizen’s attitudes, skills, and talents. During this time, major state and federal facilities were created in the County. Fort Pickett, established at the outbreak of World War II, is noted as one the finest military training facilities in the east.

Today, the county continues to enjoy a healthy diversity of people and economic interests. Small business has thrived, as evidenced by the vitality of its three towns. Nottoway manufacturing facilities produce a wide variety of goods.

Throughout its history, Nottoway’s people have remained hard working, industrious and friendly. They are proud of the community that they and those who came before them have created.

The future holds great promise for Nottoway County. Its close proximity to the growing edge of Virginia’s “Golden Crescent” will continue to create great opportunity for its “new settlers.”

Recreation: Nottoway County has many recreational opportunities for all ages. There are two recreation associations in the County.

The Blackstone Recreational Association organizes sports activities for young people ages 3 to 18. Using three lighted fields, they sponsor Dixie Youth baseball, softball, T-ball, football, and cheerleading.

The Crewe-Burkeville Recreation Association (www.CBYRA.com) holds its activities at Beamer Field and Hackney Field in Crewe and in the Burkeville Recreational Park. They sponsor Dixie Youth baseball and softball, T-ball, and soccer for children ages 4 to 18. The associations work together on basketball programs.

Other community facilities available for recreational events include the 14,000-square-foot Memorial Center in Blackstone, the meeting room of the Burkeville Municipal Building, the Crewe Community Center, and the Virginia United Methodist Assembly Center in Blackstone.

The Virginia United Methodist Assembly Center has conference-center capabilities designed to accommodate large and small groups. Facilities include an auditorium, gymnasium, indoor pool, dining room, sleeping quarters for 300 people, and numerous rooms that can seat up to 500 persons.

There are two country clubs open for membership. Both the Crewe Country Club and the Nottoway River Country Club in Blackstone have nine-hole golf courses, swimming pools, and clubhouse facilities. The Nottoway River Country Club also has tennis courts.

Nottoway County has several public lakes available for boating, fishing, swimming, and picnicing. These include Nottoway Lake (Lee Lake), 175 acres, operated by the Virginia Division of Game and Inland Fisheries; Crystal Lake, 52 acres, owned and operated by the Town of Crewe; and the Fort Pickett reservoir, 161 acres, located in Fort Pickett.

Hunting and fishing opportunities are nearly limitless in Nottoway County and surrounding areas. A variety of small and large game, as well as fish, can be found in great abundance. Hunting and fishing are favorite pastimes for many Nottoway citizens.

Nottoway County lies midway between Virginia’s mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. A two-hour drive is all that is necessary to visit either the Blue Ridge Mountains or Virginia Beach. Snow skiing, hiking, boating, and dozens of other outdoor activities are readily available for Nottoway citizens.

For more information about Nottoway County, please call, write or email

John N. Prosise
344 West Courthouse Road
P.O. Box 92
Nottoway, Virginia 23955
(434) 645-8696
(434) 645-9197
(434) 645-8667 Fax
nottoway@nottoway.org