Highland County, often referred to as "Virginia's Switzerland", is a land of high mountain valleys, sheep and cattle grazing farms and vast woodlands known for its pristine scenic beauty and rural charm. It is one of the least populated counties in the eastern U.S. Originally settled by Scotch/Irish highlanders and German immigrants, Highland is now an eclectic mix of native farm families and new residents. Read on for details about the first Battlefield Orientation Center, an Industrial Wind proposal, and the Highland Center.

Comprehensive Plan Review
Highland County is in the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan. The current plan was adopted by the County and Town April 29, 1999.
Read the Comp Plan Draft
Comprehensive Plan Ready to Edit
4/5/07, The Recorder Online (scroll down page)

First Battlefield Orientation Center opens in McDowell
In May 2005, the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation opened the McDowell Civil War Orientation Center in Highland County. Housed inside the new Highland Museum & Heritage Center, the orientation center offers visitors information about the Battle of McDowell and its effect on the local civilian population. It helps visitors understand the battle in the context of a larger military campaign - in this case Stonewall Jackson's famous Valley Campaign. Also, it provides information about how to find the sites today that tell these stories locally and throughout the National Historic District. For more information, go to www.shenandoahatwar.org.

Industrial Wind Proposal
Highland County residents are battling an industrial wind facility proposed for the ridgeline on Allegheny mountains. They feel it’s in conflict with the comp plan and their economic development strategies. It was approved 2-1 by the County Board of Supervisors, despite more than 800 people turning out against it at a public hearing. The wind facility must still receive an array of state agency approvals. The local group is Highlanders for Responsible Development (HRD). Read more at www.protecthighland.org.

The Highland Center

The Highland Center in Monterey, based in the former Highland Elementary School, is a catalyst for developing and providing cultural, economic, educational, and recreational opportunities, while preserving an historic landmark as a symbol of unity and pride for Highland County. The center's programs include:

Nurturing community through building coalitions and networks for community development, initiating volunteer opportunities and programs, maintaining space for public events and providing a home for community organizations.

Preserving history through converting an old rural elementary school into a viable community and regional asset while respecting and maintaining the historical integrity of the building.

Creating opportunity through incubating small businesses, maintaining a full-size commercial incubator kitchen, enhancing agricultural business ventures with an on site farmers' market and agri-tourism workshops, providing business support and counseling services and organizing informational workshops and forums on business, community and regional issues.

For more information, go to the Highland Center's website.

McDowell Battlefield

For more information

Highland farm protected from development, subdivisions
5/3/07, The Recorder Online (scroll down page)

County Website

Valley Conservation Council

Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation

Highlanders for Responsible Development

Highland Museum & Heritage Society

See an article about Smart Growth in Highland County.

Please Email us if you are interested in more information about Highland County land use and transportation issues.