FIRST CALL FOR INDEPENDENCE

Cumberland County invites you to experience “Virginia’s Heartland,” an area rich in tradition and resources. The County was formed in 1749 and named after the Duke of Cumberland, son of King George II. In 1776, from the steps of Effingham Tavern in Cumberland County, Colonial Patriot Carter Henry Harrison led the colonies in calling for an independent nation. This, and other historical moments, are preserved and remembered throughout Cumberland County.

LOCATION

Covering 292 square miles, Cumberland County is home to over 9500 people. Located in the center of the Commonwealth, Cumberland offers a short drive to Charlottesville, Richmond, and Lynchburg. It’s the perfect blend of a peaceful, rural setting with easy accessibility to nearby metropolitan areas. The Town of Farmville (partly located in Cumberland County) serves as the retail hub for the central region of Virginia.

BUSINESS FRIENDLY

Cumberland is a business-friendly community. While preserving the vast agricultural areas, Cumberland supports new and existing business in the Courthouse area along U.S. Route 60, the historic Cartersville area adjacent to the James River, and the Farmville area along Route 45, including Riverside Industrial Park. Cumberland County offers low tax rates and incentives for the business community, along with quick access to U.S. Route 460, U.S. Interstate 64, U.S. Interstate 81, and U.S. Interstate 95. 799 business licenses were issued in 2007, an 8-percent increase from the previous year.

WORKFORCE

The workforce of Cumberland is well-trained. The award-winning public school system will open the doors to its new high school and middle school complex in September 2008. The County is also home to Southside Virginia Community College’s newest center, which opened in 2007. Longwood University is also located nearby.

TOURISM

Tourism is very important in Cumberland County. The County is home to several stops along the Lee’s Retreat Driving Tour and the Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail. High Bridge, spanning 2400 feet across, and 160 feet above, the Appomattox River, was the location of a Civil War skirmish in April of 1865. The bridge will soon be part of the 33.5-mile long High Bridge Trail State Park. Bear Creek State Park offers 13 brand new cabins along with swimming, hiking, and boating. Cumberland State Forest, the 2nd largest state forest in Virginia, includes the Willis River hiking trail.

We welcome you to, “come stand on our historic ground.” We provide a window to the past while progressing towards the future. To learn more about Cumberland County, please visit our website, www.cumberlandcounty.virginia.gov.

We look forward to meeting you!