According to iamaccepted, Bedford, Virginia is a small town located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is about 20 miles east of Roanoke and covers an area of 7.2 square miles. The town sits at an elevation of 1253 feet above sea level and has a population of just over 6,000 people.
The geography of Bedford is defined primarily by its mountainous terrain and lush forests. The area is known for its rolling hills, wooded valleys, streams, and rivers that make up the Blue Ridge Mountains. In the town center lies Peakwood Lake, a small body of water surrounded by a park that offers various recreational activities such as fishing and boating.
One of the most remarkable features in Bedford is Liberty Mountain, which rises to an elevation of over 2200 feet above sea level and provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Other notable geological features include Crabtree Falls which cascades down 500 feet over large boulders in three distinct tiers; Thaxton Mountain which has two peaks that reach up to 3100 feet; and Otter Creek which flows through the region providing clean drinking water for local residents.
In addition to its varied topography, Bedford also has a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters. This makes it an ideal place to live or visit year-round as outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, camping, fishing and more can be enjoyed all season long. Furthermore, Bedford’s proximity to Roanoke allows for easy access to additional amenities such as shopping centers and entertainment venues that are not available in town itself.
All in all, Bedford’s varied geography provides locals with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation while also offering stunning views for visitors to enjoy. With its mountain peaks, wooded valleys, streams and rivers all within close proximity to Roanoke’s urban amenities – it’s no wonder why so many people choose to call this small Virginia town home!
History of Bedford, Virginia
Bedford, Virginia has a long and rich history that dates back to the early 1700s. The area was first settled by German and Scots-Irish immigrants in the 1730s, and the town of Bedford was officially founded in 1750. It served as an important trading post for settlers traveling from Pennsylvania to North Carolina.
In 1755, Bedford was chosen as the site of Fort Lyttleton, a British fort built to protect against Indian raids during the French and Indian War. During the American Revolution, Bedford became a major supply center for troops fighting in the war effort.
In 1839, Bedford County was established and included parts of what are now Roanoke County and Campbell County. In 1851, Bedford became an independent city with its own government and mayor. During this time period, Bedford experienced significant growth as it became an important stop on several major transportation routes including the Great Wagon Road and later the Norfolk & Western Railroad.
In 1863, Bedford was one of only four towns in Virginia that did not support secession from the Union during the Civil War. As a result, it served as a safe haven for Union sympathizers who were fleeing Confederate forces throughout much of Virginia.
During Reconstruction after the Civil War, many African Americans moved to Bedford due to its relative safety compared to other parts of Virginia which had been ravaged by war. This influx of new residents caused tensions between African Americans and white residents leading up to several race riots in 1883-1884 which resulted in several deaths on both sides.
After Reconstruction ended in 1877, Bedford experienced a boom period with population growth fueled by immigrants from Germany and Italy who came to work at local factories such as Leggett & Platt Furniture Company which opened its doors in 1888. This growth continued into World War I when many local men enlisted or were drafted into military service while women took over factory jobs left vacant by their male counterparts fighting overseas.
Today, Bedford is still a small town with a population of just over 6,000 people located 20 miles east of Roanoke in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains where lush forests provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation year-round while still being close enough to larger urban amenities like shopping centers and entertainment venues located nearby in Roanoke City itself – making it an ideal place for locals or visitors alike!
Economy of Bedford, Virginia
Bedford, Virginia is a small town located 20 miles east of Roanoke in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With a population of just over 6,000 people, Bedford offers a quiet and peaceful atmosphere for those looking for a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. The town’s economy is largely driven by its proximity to larger urban amenities such as shopping centers and entertainment venues located nearby in Roanoke City itself.
The local economy has been historically based on agriculture, but with the advent of industrialization in the late 19th century, industries such as furniture manufacturing began to take root in the area. Leggett & Platt Furniture Company opened its doors in 1888 and continues to be an important employer to this day. Other major employers include Centra Health System, which operates several hospitals and medical centers throughout Bedford County; Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce; and Liberty University which has several campuses located in Bedford County.
In addition to these major employers, Bedford also boasts a thriving small business sector with many locally owned restaurants, cafes, boutiques, galleries, antique stores and other small businesses that help keep the local economy vibrant. Tourism is also an important part of the local economy as many visitors come to explore the area’s natural beauty or take advantage of recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating at Smith Mountain Lake or hiking trails along the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Overall, Bedford’s economy is stable and continues to grow thanks to its diverse mix of businesses that provide jobs for both skilled workers as well as unskilled laborers who are looking for an opportunity to work hard and provide for their families. With its close proximity to larger cities like Roanoke plus its own unique charm that comes with being part of a small rural community – Bedford offers something unique for everyone!
Politics in Bedford, Virginia
Bedford, Virginia is a small town located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, about 20 miles east of Roanoke. It has a population of just over 6,000 people and is part of Bedford County. The town’s politics are largely driven by the county’s political leanings, which are generally conservative.
The local government consists of a Board of Supervisors as well as an elected mayor and Town Council. The Board of Supervisors is responsible for setting the budget and levying taxes for the county. They also oversee local government departments, such as public works and law enforcement.
The Town Council is responsible for enacting ordinances and regulations within the town limits and they are also responsible for appointing members to various boards and commissions. The mayor serves as the head of government within Bedford and is elected to a four-year term by the people living in the town limits.
Bedford’s politics have traditionally been dominated by conservative values, but in recent years there has been an influx of more progressive-minded individuals who have sought to bring about change in how things are done in Bedford. This has resulted in some heated debates on certain issues such as taxes, zoning regulations, education funding and other matters that affect residents’ quality of life.
In terms of national politics, most residents tend to lean Republican but there is still a sizable Democratic minority that makes their voices heard during elections. As far as state politics are concerned, most representatives from this area tend to be conservative but there have been some progressive lawmakers who have represented this area in years past.
Overall, Bedford’s politics have typically been driven by conservative values but there are signs that more progressive views may be gaining ground in recent years as new voices join the conversation on important issues facing this small town community.