Brunswick County: Virginia's Hidden Gem

Brunswick County is a rural county located on the southern border of the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. The county was created in 1720 from parts of Prince George, Surry and Isle of Wight counties, and was named for the former Duchy of Brunswick-Lunenburg, a region in Germany associated with the British monarchs of the House of Hanover. The county seat is Lawrenceville, and as of the 2020 census, the population was 15,849.

Brunswick County, VA, is located on the southern border of the Commonwealth of Virginia

The county seat is Lawrenceville, and it covers a total area of 566 square miles, with a population of approximately 15,849 people as of the 2020 census. The county is predominantly rural, with a history of tobacco cultivation and a diverse economic landscape.

Brunswick County holds a significant place in the history of Virginia. The first English settlers arrived in the area during the early 18th century, and it was established as a county in 1720. The county has a rich cultural heritage, including its claim to fame as the origin place of Brunswick stew, a traditional Southern dish.

The county is also known for its diverse and vibrant communities. Lawrenceville, the county seat, is a thriving community with educational institutions such as Brunswick High School and James S. Russell Middle School. The county is also home to various elementary schools, providing a strong educational foundation for its students.

Brunswick County, VA, is conveniently connected by Interstate 85, U.S. 1, and U.S. Highway 58. Its strategic location and unique cultural offerings make it an attractive destination for those seeking to explore Virginia's rich history and natural beauty.

The county seat is Lawrenceville

The county seat of Brunswick County, Virginia, is Lawrenceville. This small city, with a population of 30,629 as of the 2020 census, is located in central Gwinnett County, roughly 30 miles (50 km) northeast of downtown Atlanta. It is named after Commodore James Lawrence, commander of the frigate Chesapeake during the War of 1812, and is known for its historic sites and cultural attractions.

Lawrenceville was incorporated by an act of the Georgia General Assembly on December 15, 1821, making it the second-oldest city in the metropolitan Atlanta area. The city boasts a rich history, with sites such as the Old Seminary Building, the Isaac Adair House, and the Gwinnett County Courthouse listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Lawrenceville Historic Cemetery, located just half a mile from the historic square, is the final resting place of several city founders.

The city also offers a vibrant arts scene, with the Lawrenceville Arts Center (LAC) serving as a cultural hub. The LAC features a 500-seat Proscenium theatre, a cabaret, an outdoor public courtyard, and an art gallery. The Bobby Sikes Fine Arts Building, located nearby, houses a 225-seat theatre and a black box theatre. Each year, the City of Lawrenceville hosts an average of 30 free community events in the downtown historic district, making art and culture accessible to all.

In addition to its cultural offerings, Lawrenceville is known for its natural beauty and outdoor spaces. The Lawrenceville Lawn, a city park, provides an amphitheatre, playground, volleyball courts, a dog park, and a walking path. Rhodes Jordan Park, named after a former mayor, spans 162 acres and offers a fishing lake, sports facilities, swim facilities, and a 1.9-mile paved trail.

Lawrenceville's diverse attractions, from its historic sites and cultural venues to its natural escapes, make it a captivating destination in the heart of Gwinnett County.

The county was formed in 1720 from parts of Prince George, Surry, and Isle of Wight counties

Brunswick County, Virginia, was formed in 1720 from parts of Prince George, Surry, and Isle of Wight counties. The county was named for the former Duchy of Brunswick-Lunenburg, a German state ruled by George I, from which the British monarchs of the House of Hanover originated. One of the titles carried by Britain's Hanoverian kings was Duke of Brunswick-Lunenburg.

The formation of Brunswick County was the result of the division of the three aforementioned counties, with the new county assuming the western portions of Prince George and Surry, and the eastern part of Isle of Wight. The county's establishment was officially recognised by the General Assembly in 1720, although government operations did not begin until 1732 due to a lack of taxable citizens to fund it.

In its early years, Brunswick County attracted English settlers, including indentured servants and men deported from Scotland following their involvement in the Jacobite rising of 1715. These men were required to work under indenture to repay the Crown for their transportation to the colony. Over time, the colonists pushed many of the Native Americans out of the area.

One notable early settler in Brunswick County was James Pittillo, a Scots rebel who arrived as a convict. By 1726, he had been granted 242 acres on Wagua Creek and gradually became a major landowner in the area. Pittillo served as a tobacco inspector in Bristol Parish in 1728 and joined William Byrd II on expeditions to survey the border between Virginia and North Carolina. Through land grants, purchases, and headrights, he ultimately accumulated over 4,000 acres of land across Prince George County, Brunswick, and Dinwiddie counties.

In 1732, Brunswick County received additional land from Surry and Isle of Wight counties, expanding its borders further. This expansion continued until 1745, when the increasing population led to the formation of new counties, establishing Brunswick County's current western border.

The population of Brunswick County was 15,849 as per the 2020 census

Brunswick County, Virginia, is located on the southern border of the Commonwealth of Virginia. It was formed in 1720 from parts of Prince George, Surry, and Isle of Wight counties. The county was named for the former Duchy of Brunswick-Lunenburg, the region from which the British monarchs of the House of Hanover originated.

As per the 2020 census, the population of Brunswick County was 15,849, a decrease from the 2010 population of 17,434. The population of the county has continued to decrease, with an estimated population of 15,375 in 2023. This makes Brunswick County the 93rd most populated county in Virginia.

The racial/ethnic makeup of Brunswick County has historically been majority Black or African American, with a significant White population as well. As of the 2010 census, the county was 57.3% Black or African American and 40.4% White. The remaining population included small percentages of Asian, Native American, Pacific Islander, and individuals of some other race or of two or more races. The Hispanic or Latino population of the county, which may be of any race, was 1.7% in 2010.

In terms of demographics, Brunswick County has a median household income of $49,597 as of 2021, with 14.7% of families living in poverty. The median age for residents is 43.3 years, and the county has a total area of 569 square miles, of which most is land, with only 0.6% water.

The county is known for its Brunswick stew, with a recipe that dates back to 1828

Brunswick County, Virginia, is known for its Brunswick stew, which has a recipe that dates back to 1828. The stew is said to have been created by a black American chef named Jimmy Matthews, also referred to as "Uncle" by some locals. According to the story, Matthews was the enslaved camp cook for Dr. Creed Haskins, a member of the Virginia State Legislature, during a hunting expedition. While the hunting party hunted squirrel for the evening meal, Matthews slowly stewed the squirrels in butter, with onions, stale bread, and seasoning in a large iron pot. When the hunters returned, they were initially reluctant to try the new, thick concoction, but they were soon convinced after tasting it.

Since its creation, the recipe for Brunswick stew has evolved, with cooks adding their own variations. Chicken has often been substituted for squirrel, and vegetables have been added. The stew is typically cooked for 6 to 7 hours and is known for its thick consistency. In fact, it is said that a good Brunswick stew is ready when a paddle can stand upright in the middle of the pot.

The exact origin of Brunswick stew is disputed, with both Virginia and Georgia claiming it as their own. Brunswick, Georgia, has a plaque on an old iron pot that states the first Brunswick stew was made in it on July 2, 1898. However, Brunswick County, Virginia, was officially proclaimed as "The Original Home of Brunswick Stew" by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988. This proclamation sparked what has been coined as "The Stew Wars" between the two states.

Today, Brunswick stew is a source of pride for both states, with each community declaring that their recipe is the most authentic and delicious. The debate over the origin and best version of the stew is ongoing and likely to continue for years to come.

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