Virginia counties came into formation ever since the state had come under colonial rule by the British. The counties were originally large shires, created by the British, for effective administration. It was only when Virginia acquired independent status as part of free America, did the shires become sub-divided into smaller counties.
County administration within the Commonwealth of Virginia was started with the 8 original counties of Accomack, Charles River,Elizabeth City, Charles City, James City, Henrico, Warrosquyoake and Warwick River. Later these counties were broken up to create the present number of 95 counties which are displayed on the present
Virginia county map. However, the 40 independent cities that Virginia now possesses are no longer part of any county jurisdiction and are subject to independent administration.
There are many independent cities and
counties in Virginia which possess the same name but it should be remembered that according to laws of 2006 these are politically separate entities. All the
Virginia counties have separate administrative systems presided over the by the city council, which is elected by the common people of the county, but the chief official, the county supervisor is elected by the members of the city council. However, all the cities and
Virginia counties within Virginia are bound by the state legislature, the Virginia House of delegates, whose members are elected by citizens of the state. The governor of Virginia, who is elected through
Presidential elections, is the the chief executive officer within the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Some of the more significant
Counties in Virginia include;
Fairfax county which lies to the northern end of the state and is by far the most densely populated of the counties within Virginia. The
Washington county consists of a population that is predominantly Afro-American. The
Greene county is located in central Virginia and is one of the less densely populated counties of Virginia. The
Highland county, most well-known for the Battle of McDowell and the Shenandoah valley campaign, is the least populated amongst the counties of Virginia. However, the capital of Virginia, Richmond city, is not part of any county and is an independent city within Virginia.
