Tazewell County

Welcome to Tazewell County, Virginia

Tazewell County nurtures a special position in the majestic Appalachian Mountains of southwest Virginia. The Nature Conservancy declared the Clinch River Basin to be one of only twenty “Last Great Places” in the world (1990), and this basin, supporting “…the world’s largest collection of rare and endangered fresh water species,” begins in Tazewell County. The county’s 500+ square miles of hillsides and valleys, streams and rivers, meadows and forests form a largely agricultural land. Home to about 40,000 people, its towns bring you back to the feeling of safer, more relaxed times. It’s a wonderful place to live, raise a family or to retire, and a great place to visit!

If you’re looking for the joys of the great outdoors, your search is rewarded in Tazewell County. Plentiful fish leap from native trout streams, the Clinch River, and local lakes; hunting is bountiful. You’ll find the ease—or challenge—the county has to offer in its versatile hiking and biking opportunities on country roads and through vast expanses of national forests.

America’s roots call to those who live and visit in Tazewell County. A reconstructed pioneer settlement and museum houses intriguing models and illustrations of the pioneers in the area, and astounding fossils prove an even earlier history of Native American activity and prehistoric development. For industrial history, tour the world’s oldest exhibition coal mine and then visit the Coal Miners’ Memorial listing those whose lives were sacrificed in their efforts to power a nation.

Agricultural history remains alive at local farms where you’ll learn about traditional farming with rare breed horses and sheep, and newer endeavors such as raising ostriches. Time your visit to enjoy one of Tazewell County’s many festivals and fairs that feature traditional Appalachian music and crafts.

We are proud to partner with: Tazewell County Tourism Committee, Historic Crab Orchard Museum, Richlands Area Citizens for the Arts and Richlands Area Chamber of Commerce.