rockbridge county
Rockbridge County was established in October 1777 from parts of now-neighboring Augusta and Botetourt counties, and the first county elections were held in May 1778. Rockbridge County was named for Natural Bridge, a notable landmark in the southern portion of the county. Rockbridge County was formed during an act of assembly intended to reduce the amount of travel to the nearest courthouse, and to ensure trials were held fairly, and among friends rather than strangers. Lexington is the county seat.vital statistics
Population: 22,659
County: Rockbridge
Cities: Lexington and Buena Vista
Climate: Average annual 54.8 degrees F
Area: 601 square miles, located in the Shenandoah Valley in Southwest Virginia
helpful telephone numbers
Chamber of Commerce
(540) 463-5375
Regional Tourism Bureau
(540) 463-3777
Buena Vista City Hall
(540) 261-8601
Lexington City Hall
(540) 462-3700
Rockbridge County Administrative Offices
(540) 463-4361
Buena Vista Police Department
(540) 261-6174
Lexington Police Department
(540) 462-3705
Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office
(540) 463-7328
Natural Bridge State Park
Once owned by Thomas Jefferson and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 215-foot tall Natural Bridge is a limestone gorge carved out by Cedar Creek.
The newest Virginia State Park is more than just the bridge. Beautiful forests, open, rolling meadows showcase the area’s karst terrain, and vistas of surrounding mountains and the James River valley display nature’s splendor. Access these via 6 miles of hiking trails, including the accessible Cedar Creek Trail that leads from the bridge to the Monacan Indian Village and Lace Falls with its 30-foot cascade. Living history programs connect you to the past and cover how people once used the area’s resources for survival and inspiration. Start at the visitor center where you will find exhibits and a gift shop.