Abingdon Virginia

Abingdon, Virginia, established in 1778 and located in Washington County, holds a distinguished place in the early settlement history of Southwest Virginia. As one of the oldest towns in the state, Abingdon played a significant role as a frontier settlement and was a key location during westward expansion. The town’s proximity to the Great Valley Road, a critical migration route for early European settlers and an ancient pathway for the Native American tribes, notably the Cherokee, before them, positioned it as a crucial junction for trade, travel, and communication. Genealogical research in Abingdon is enriched by records from the 18th century onwards, including land grants, deeds, court records, and wills housed at the Washington County Courthouse. These documents are invaluable for tracing lineage and understanding the lives of early settlers in the region. Abingdon’s strategic location also made it a focal point during the Civil War, adding layers of military records and personal histories to the town’s genealogical resources. The town is not only a treasure trove of historical and genealogical records but also a testament to the enduring significance of its geographical and historical position in Virginia’s development.