Established in 1754, Bedford County is named for John Russell, the fourth Duke of Bedford. Russell was a Secretary of State in Great Britain.

Our county is currently the fifth largest county by land area in the Commonwealth of Virginia, with a population of more than 80,000—and we are still growing. According to census data, Bedford County has seen a 25 percent increase in population growth since 2000.

We are located centrally between two metropolitan areas: Lynchburg (to the east) and Roanoke (to the west). From the Town of Bedford, you can reach Downtown Lynchburg in 30 minutes and Downtown Roanoke in 40 minutes.

While agriculture continues to be a powerhouse in our economy, the tourism and retail industries are flourishing as well, anchored by residential growth and scenic destinations such as the Peaks of Otter and Smith Mountain Lake.

Bedford County is also rooted in its history. Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest retreat home and the National D-Day Memorial are located in Bedford County. The Town of Bedford had one of the highest per capita losses during the D-Day invasion.