Map of Alleghany County, Virginia

Alleghany County is an American county located on the far western edge of Commonwealth of Virginia. It is bordered by the Allegheny Mountains, from which the county derives its name, and it is the northernmost part of the Roanoke Region. The county seat is Covington. As of the 2020 census, the population was 15,223.

The county was created in 1822 from parts of Botetourt County, Bath County, and Monroe County (now in West Virginia). At the time, the majority of the population lived around Covington, and the primary cash crop then was hemp, which was used for rope production.

Alleghany County overview:
Name:	Alleghany County
FIPS code:	51-005
State:	Virginia
Founded:	1822
Named for:	Alleghany Mountains
Seat:	Covington
Largest town:	Clifton Forge
Total Area:	449 sq mi (1,160 km²)
Land Area:	445 sq mi (1,150 km²)
Total Population:	15,223
Population Density:	34/sq mi (13/km²)

Alleghany County location map. Where is Alleghany County?

Alleghany County location on the U.S. Map. Where is Alleghany County. — Location of Alleghany County in the the United States.

Alleghany County location on the Virginia map. Where is Alleghany County. — Location of Alleghany County in Virginia.

History

Alleghany County was established on January 5, 1822, by an act of the Virginia General Assembly. The new county was formed from parts of Botetourt, Bath, and Monroe (now West Virginia) counties, with most of the population centered in the new county seat in Covington. Alleghany County was named for the Allegheny Mountains, which border the western edge of the county.

When the county was established, the principal export was hemp, used for rope production in Richmond. However, as hemp demand and prices declined, the farmers of Alleghany switched to grain, hay and livestock production.

During the American Civil War, the iron for the CSS Virginia (Merrimac) came from Longdale Furnace in the county. Regiments from Alleghany County were at the surrender at Appomattox.

Alleghany County Road Map

Alleghany CountyStreet Map. — Street map of Alleghany County, Virginia. Source: OpenStreetMap (OSM)

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 449 square miles (1,160 km), of which 445 square miles (1,150 km) is land and 3.3 square miles (8.5 km) (0.7%) is water.