Pulaski County, located along the beautiful New River, comprises an area of 330 square miles (320 square miles in land; 10 square miles in water). The 2015 population estimate was 34,332 people; with a population density of 104 people per square mile. Pulaski County includes Claytor Lake State Park,
located on Claytor Lake. This man-made lake was built for a hydroelectric project of Appalachian Power Company. Part of the County is within the Jefferson National Forest, a National Protected Area.
Pulaski County has two incorporated towns: Dublin and Pulaski. The larger unincorporated communities in the County include:
- Allisonia
- Belspring
- Caseknife
- Claytor Lake
- Draper
- Fairlawn
- Hiwassee
- Newbern
- New River
- Parrott
- Snowville
- Wurno
The major highways to and through Pulaski County are:
- Interstate 81
- US Route 11
- State Routes 99, 100, 114
Interstate highways present the expected dangers associated with high-speed travel. Yet smaller, “rural roads” also present serious dangers due to the nature of the surrounding land, the presence of a variety of road hazards, greater danger due to weather, and the characteristics of the roads themselves (for example, soft road shoulders).
If you, or a loved one, are injured in a car crash or small truck crash, call Altizer Law, P.C. Bettina Altizer has been helping people who have been injured in highway collisions for more than 25 years. When you call us, you will be surrounded with our well-known compassion, as well as the skill and experience of our legal team. Whether negotiating or litigating in court, Bettina approaches each client’s case with a well-known combination of determination and aggressive tenacity. When you hire us, you can be assured that we are always on your side and only on your side.
History
Pulaski County was created of portions of Montgomery and Wythe Counties in 1839. It was names for Count Casimir Pulaski, an exiled Polish nobleman who came to America and became a brigadier General and chief of cavalry in the Continental Army. He was killed at Savannah in 1779. In 1840, the Census placed the population of the County at 3,739. At that time, the County was largely agricultural, with 1,525 people employed in agriculture. In addition, 142 people were employed in manufacturing, and 6 were engaged in the professions.
By the late 1800s, Pulaski County had survived the Civil War and Reconstruction. It had also begun an economic boom. There were two incorporated towns: Newbern and Dublin. The economy was by then more broadly based than in the past. “There were 65 merchants and tradesmen in business, nine hotels, 20 flour and grist mills, and 17 saw mills scattered throughout the county.” By 1890 several “heavy” industries opened in Pulaski County. These included the Bertha Zinc Works, the charcoal fire Boom Furnace near Allisonia, the Pulaski Iron Company, and the Dora Furnace in Pulaski. This rapid economic expansion provided impetus to the Norfolk and Western Railway to build two branch lines from Pulaski County. Despite the growth in manufacturing and trade, agriculture still accounted for the largest economic sector.
By the early 1900s, many of the larger landowners began to invest in livestock. There were Aberdeen-Angus and purebred Herefords, as well as horses and sheep. The County was gaining a reputation for production of some of the best cattle, horses, and sheep in the Nation.
Economy
According to the Virginia Employment Commission report of 2010, the top industries in Pulaski County in terms of number of employees are:
- Manufacturing
- Government
- Retail Trade
- Health Care and Social Assistance
- Accommodation and Food Services
The largest employers in Pulaski County, according to 2010 Census data, are:
- Volvo Group North America, Inc.
- Pulaski County School Board
- Wal Mart
- New River Community College
- Phoenix Packaging Operations — Plastic Injection Molding Service
- Valley Staffing, Inc.
- Pulaski County
- HCA Virginia (Lewis Gale) Health System
- Moog, Inc. – Electrical Equip., Appliance, & Component Manufacturing
- New River Regional Jail
- Highland Ridge Rehabilitation – physical therapy and physical rehabilitation services
- Imperial Group Manufacturing – Auto and Home Supply Stores
- Lowes’ Home Centers, Inc.
- Mar Bal, Inc. – Mar-Bal is an industry leading plastic and injection molding company
- Town of Pulaski
- Gretna Health Care Center
- Korona Candles, Inc. – candle manufacturing
- MKG Operations, Inc. – Marketing services
- Kroger
- Food City
Accidents happen in workplaces. Some jobs are, by definition, dangerous. Other jobs can also be dangerous if someone makes a mistake. These mistakes might do harm to a co-worker. Or that mistake affects the product the person is making, and harms the consumer.
If any workplace becomes dangerous for employees, due to failure of the company to observe safety regulations or failure to maintain equipment and machines, employees can be harmed. In this case, the company and its insurance company may be liable for the harm done.
Medical practitioners and providers, no matter how dedicated and competent, can make mistakes. In health care, human error or negligence can have very serious outcomes. Medical malpractice causes serious harm. Nursing home abuse or neglect can take several forms. Whether the abuse or neglect is physical, financial, mental, or emotional, it causes harm to some of our most fragile citizens. Medical malpractice and nursing home abuse or neglect are serious matters.
If you are injured in the workplace, and you need help negotiating with an insurance company, we might be able to help. We negotiate with insurance companies every day. If you are injured due to a defective or dangerous product (products liability) you purchased, you may have a legal case that would result in a financial settlement to compensate you for your medical costs, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
Tourism and Outdoor Activities
For those interested in the arts, the town of Pulaski is home to The Fine Arts Center of the New River Valley. In one of the Center’s locations, visitors will find a gallery, gift shop, and offices. In the other location, one will find facilities for gymnastics, dance, and Jujitsu. The Pulaski Theatre, located in the 
town’s historic downtown area, was built in 1911. It offers films, theatrical productions, and live musical performances. Another venue is the New River Community College Fiddle, Banjo & Dance Club, has become a local gathering spot, offering free music events. Additional musical events are offered by Draper Mercantile and The Marketplace.
Those with an interest in history may want to begin their visit at the Raymond F. Ratcliffe Transportation Museum in Pulaski. They may then want to visit the Historical Society at the site of the Civil War Battle of Cloyd’s Mountain (with reenactments), the New River Historical Society, the Pulaski County Civil War Sesquicentennial, or the Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution.
The Historical Smithfield Plantation offers visitors an opportunity to experience the joys and trials of life during the 19th century. When the plantation was built, it stood in stark contrast to the rough log cabins and poverty that surrounded it. It includes a store where many visitors find special mementos and gifts.
Every visit to Pulaski County should include the Wilderness Road Regional Museum in Newbern. The Wilderness Road was a branch of the Great Wagon Road, which was the route taken by early settlers traveling from New Jersey and Pennsylvania to points south and west. The Wilderness Road led settlers into Kentucky. Several towns and other points along the road offered lodging, supplies, and other services to help these travelers along the way. Newbern, in Pulaski County, was one of these towns.
The Wilderness Road Regional Museum is built on the site of an early 1,000 acre plantation owned by Adam Hance, a Swiss immigrant. He founded Newbern and opened a general store and a tavern, in addition to serving as the Postmaster. The plantation included several homes, which are now used by the museum. Visitors may tour the museum with volunteers who provide historical interpretation. On some special days, visitors can experience the daily life of early Newbern residents. The museum is an effort to present living history to tourists and to school-age children.
Draper Mercantile is both of historical interest and a center of local community life. Although the origin of the site is uncertain, there are records of construction in 1812, 1865, and 1885. The Mercantile sold material goods for Pulaski and surrounding areas for about 100 years. It housed a barber shop, a blacksmith’s shop, the post office, and a dress shop at some time. Each spring, farmers brought crops and livestock to settle their accounts. Today it is a local gathering place for good food, great atmosphere, and a place to gather with friends for a bridge game. It is also a popular place for dancing and live music, as well as the chance to watch a local artist at work.
Those who love to explore and enjoy the outdoors will find wonderful opportunities in Pulaski County. Claytor Lake and State Park are an obvious choice for outdoor activity. The Lake, with its 100 miles of shoreline, includes a beach and a marina. Claytor Lake State Park covers 497 acres, including hiking trails, campsites and cabins. It is a beautiful spot for canoeing and kayaking, fishing, and swimming.
For runners, hikers, and cyclists, the New River Trail State Park offers more than 50 miles of trail through Pulaski, Wythe, Carroll and Grayson Counties. The Dora Trail provides a direct route to the 
town of Pulaski.
Gatewood Park and Reservoir is set amid the Blue Ridge Mountains. It features crystal emerald water, active wildlife, and the beauty of the surrounding mountains. It offers camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, and more.
Cyclists are drawn to Pulaski as they travel the U.S. Bicycle Route 76, known as the “Trans-America Trail.” The Trail begins in Oregon and ends in Yorktown, VA. It has 1,613 miles of approved route designations.
The New River is recognized as the oldest river on the North American continent and second-oldest in the world (after the Nile River). It is unique because it flows northward (contrary to most eastern seaboard rivers). It is a popular spot for fishing and boating, but the scenery along its banks offers opportunities for bird watching, photography, and more.
Call Altizer Law, P.C.
Residents and visitors to Pulaski County have abundant opportunities to learn, enjoy music and the arts, and to enjoy outdoor activities. Altizer Law, P.C., is here to help you if you are injured through no fault of your own. We have focused on personal injury and medical malpractice law for many years. We offer you our knowledge, skill, and experience, combined with a determination to obtain justice and just compensation for each of our clients. When you need a personal injury lawyer, call Bettina.