Appalachia
Virginia

Home of the Bulldogs

Appalachia is a town in Wise County, Virginia, United States. The population was 1,839 at the 2000 census.
 

Geography

State of Virginia.

Map of Town of Appalachia.

Appalachia is located at
36°54′23″N 82°47′8″W / 36.90639°N 82.78556°W / 36.90639; -82.78556
the town has a total area of 2.3 square miles

Coal Camps

Coal Industry Boom
Click above for more information on coal camps of Appalachia, Va.

Appalachia is surrounded by numerous coal camp communities. They include Andover, Arno, Derby, Roda, Imboden, Exeter, Dunbar, Pardee, Osaka, and Stonega. Many of these communities formed at the beginning of the century with the arrival of the mining and railroad industry.

Special Events

Each year, usually in the first week of August, the residents of Appalachia and the surrounding area celebrate their heritage in a week long celebration known as Coal/Railroad Days. The festival includes a 5K road race, music concerts at the town's amphitheater, amusement rides, street vendors, a parade, and numerous other festival type events. Twice, Coal/Railroad days has coincided with other celebrations in Appalachia. In 2000 the town took part in a mass high school reunion, known as Appy 2000. In 2006, the festival was part of the Appalachia 100 celebration that marked the 100th birthday of the Town of Appalachia.

World Records
 

The town of Appalachia holds two world records.

  • Bee Rock Tunnel, the world's second-shortest railroad tunnel.


    Photo by Ron Flanary
     

  • The Peake Building, an apartment house with street-level access on all four floors

Notable residents