Arvonia, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Arvonia, Virginia
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Unincorporated community
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Arvonia's cemetery flies the American and Welsh flags
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 Arvonia, Virginia
Location in Virginia
Arvonia, Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| County | Buckingham |
| Elevation | 367 ft (112 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| Area code(s) | 434 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1462571 |
Arvonia is a small, unincorporated community in Buckingham County, Virginia. It was mostly founded by people who came from Wales in the mid-1800s. The name "Arvonia" comes from an old Welsh county called Caernarfon. This area is well-known for its special slate, a type of rock used in building.
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Discover Arvonia, Virginia
Arvonia is a unique place in Virginia with a rich history. It's not a city or town with its own government. Instead, it's a community where people live and work together.
A Bit of History
Arvonia was settled in the mid-19th century. Many of the first families to live here came from Wales. They brought their culture and traditions with them. The name "Arvonia" itself is a Latin form of "Arfon," which is a popular name for the Welsh county of Caernarfon. This connection shows the strong Welsh roots of the community.
Famous Slate from Arvonia
The main industry in Arvonia has always been slate mining. Slate is a type of rock that can be split into thin, flat pieces. It's great for roofs and other parts of buildings because it's very strong and lasts a long time. Arvonia's slate is known for its beautiful color and durability.
Where You Can See Arvonia Slate
You might be surprised to learn how many famous buildings use slate from Arvonia!
- The Smithsonian Castle in Washington, D.C.
- Buildings at the University of Virginia
- Virginia's Executive Mansion in Berkeley
- Many old-style homes across the country
Arvonia slate was so good that it won gold medals at big events. These included the Philadelphia Exposition in 1876 and the World's Fairs in 1893 and 1904. Today, the Arvonia-Buckingham Slate Corporation, started in 1913, still mines this special rock.
Other Important Places in Arvonia
Besides slate mining, Arvonia is home to Hi-Test Labs. This company has been working since 1975. They do testing, research, and design for the U.S. government and other businesses.
Arvon Presbyterian Church
In 1885, the Arvon Presbyterian Church was founded. It was built to serve the many Welsh miners who lived and worked in the slate quarries. Sadly, the church's main worship area was damaged by fire in 2009. But it was rebuilt to look just like the original. It reopened on Palm Sunday, April 12, 2012.
Historic Homes and Sites
Arvonia also has some places that are very important historically. These sites are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are recognized for their special history.
- Bryn Arvon and Gwyn Arvon are two historic places right in Arvonia.
- The Guerrant House is also near Arvonia.
- The Seven Islands Archeological and Historic District is another important site close by.
