In 1847, 416 square miles of spectacular mountain
terrain were formed into Highland County out of
portions of Bath and Pendleton counties.
The county received its name from its prevailing
high altitude; it has one of the highest mean
elevations of any county east of the Mississippi
River.
The county has a rich historical tradition. During
the Civil War, the Battle of McDowell, a significant
battle in Stonewall Jackson's 1862 Valley Campaign,
was waged in Highland County. The Town of Monterey
was established in 1848. Originally named Highland,
the town was renamed in honor of the Mexican town
where General Zachary Taylor defeated the Mexican
Army during the Spanish-American War.
Highland County was built around the richness of
its natural resources. Wool remains one of Highland's
major agricultural commodities. In 1990, the county
ranked third in the state in the number of sheep.
The
county is typically one of the largest wool-producing
counties in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
To learn more about the local
government, taxes and finances, education and
living conditions of Highland County, read excerpts
from the Economic Overview Bath and Highland
County.
In 1847, 416 square miles of spectacular mountain
terrain were formed into Highland County out of
portions of Bath and Pendleton counties. 
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