Rockbridge County is the southern gateway to the Shenandoah Valley. It includes the cities of Lexington (the County Seat) and Buena Vista, and the incorporated towns of Glasgow and Goshen. The population of the county (2010) was 22,307. Rockbridge County includes an area of 601 square miles (598 land; 3.4 water). The population density is 34 people per square mile. More than 14,000 people reside within the cities of Lexington and Buena Vista. It also includes the unincorporated communities of Brownsburg, Raphine, Fairfield, and Natural Bridge Station.
Outdoor Activities
The County was named for Natural Bridge, considered among the world’s natural wonders. A significant portion (64,000 acres) of the county lies within the boundaries of several National protected areas:
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- George Washington National Forest
- Jefferson National Forest
- S. National Radio Quiet Zone.
These protected areas are home to two rivers – the Maury and the James, where many outdoor enthusiasts enjoy fishing, kayaking, tubing, and canoeing. These areas also offer abundant resources for bikers, hikers, and campers. There is access to both the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Trail.
Lexington and Buena Vista are college towns. Not only do they offer outstanding educational opportunities and employment, but they offer cultural opportunities and points of historical interest. Cyrus McCormick invented the reaper near Steele’s Tavern at the northern end of the County.
If you are looking for a unique opportunity, you might want to try llama trekking.
Transportation and Tourism
Two Interstate Highways intersect in Rockbridge County: I-64 (East-West) and I-81 (North-South). It is also accessible via US Routes 11, 60, and 501, and State Routes 39, 56, 130, 251, and 252.
Among the most popular tourist attractions in the County are:
- Goshen Pass – formed by the Maury River, this mountain gorge is three miles long. It is a spectacular sight, and offers swimming, tubing, canoeing, fishing, picnicking, and a walking trail. This part of the Maury River also has six miles of class II, class III, and class IV rapids, some of which require high-level skills. The most challenging are Devil’s Kitchen and Corner Rapid.
- Lake A. Willis Robertson – a 31 acre lake that offers fishing and boating (no gas-powered engines), as well as outdoor sports areas, interpretive programs, camping and a pool.
- Cave Mountain Lake – this 7-acre lake was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. They used the existing buttresses of natural rock to construct a 35-foot high dam. They also built the Log Picnic Shelter, using on-site natural resources. Visitors enjoy fishing, swimming, and picnicking. There are wonderful opportunities for wildlife and bird viewing. The numerous hiking
trails surrounding the area offer opportunities ranging from a short walk to an all-day hike along the ridges. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the James River Face, and the Thunder Ridge Wilderness area are very popular with backpackers.
- Wade’s Mill – this working water-powered grist mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built around 1750. It still produces a number of stone-ground flours which can be purchased in the Shop.
- The Virginia Horse Center is a 361 acre facility that presents a variety of equine events throughout the year.
- Virginia Safari Park is the state’s only drive-through zoo. It features animals like antelope, zebra, deer, bison, elk, and many more animals.
Outdoor activities can become dangerous. Sometimes people are seriously injured. If you, or a loved one, are injured while enjoying an outdoor adventure, count on Bettina Altizer’s knowledge and experience. We can help you win the compensation to which you are entitled if the injury was not your fault.
Industries and Employment
The leading industry sectors in Rockbridge County are Higher Education, Retail Trade, Accommodation and Food Service and government. Other industries include:
- Manufacturing,
- Construction,
- Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
- Mining,, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction.
These industries can be dangerous. If you are injured while working in one of these industries, the injuries could be very serious. Workers Compensation may or may not be available if you are injured. If worker’s compensation is not available for some reason or if an insurance company is refusing to honor claims for injuries sustained through no fault of your own, call the legal team of Altizer Law. We can answer your questions, evaluate your situation and, if necessary, represent you with an insurance company or employer to ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to under Virginia Law.
Health Care and Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers
Health Care is important in every community. Most providers of health care services are dedicated professionals committed to providing quality care to each patient. Sometimes, however, mistakes are made or a provider is negligent. If this should happen to you or a loved one, the experienced medical malpractice attorneys of Altizer Law, P.C., are prepared to help you. Bettina has 25 years experience in seeking compensation for those harmed my medical mistakes or negligence. We will answer your questions, help you as you recover, and build a case to win the maximum allowable compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers also strive to provide quality care to their patients. Yet mistakes can be made, caregivers can be negligent, and occasionally an employee harms or abuses patients. Should this happen to you or a loved one, we hope you will call us. We are aggressive and determined in seeking compensation for the hurts and harms suffered in these facilities.
Call Altizer Law
Rockbridge County is a wonderful place to live, to learn, and to enjoy outdoor activities. If you are injured in a car wreck, or if you are hurt due to the wrongdoing or negligence of another, we are prepared to help you understand your rights and to pursue justice and appropriate compensation for your injuries and losses. We hope you never need us. If you do, please call us immediately.