Benedict-Leona Mines, Virginia facts for kids

Benedict-Leona Mines was once a small community in Lee County, Virginia, United States. It was counted as a special place by the government only once, during the 1950 United States Census. At that time, about 1,486 people lived there. After 1950, Benedict-Leona Mines was no longer listed in future counts.

What Was Benedict-Leona Mines?

Benedict-Leona Mines was known as an "unincorporated place." This means it was a community that didn't have its own local government, like a city or town. Instead, it was part of the larger Lee County area.

Why Was It Counted?

The United States government counts its population every ten years. This is called a census. In 1950, they decided to count Benedict-Leona Mines as a separate place. This helped them understand how many people lived in different parts of the country.

A Snapshot in Time: 1950

The 1950 census showed that Benedict-Leona Mines had a population of 1,486 people. This was the only time it appeared on the official census records. It gives us a glimpse into how the area was settled back then.

Where Was It Located?

Benedict-Leona Mines was located in Lee County, which is in the southwestern part of Virginia. This region is known for its beautiful mountains and history.

The Mines in the Name

The name "Mines" suggests that there might have been mining activities nearby. Many communities in this part of Virginia grew because of industries like coal mining. These mines provided jobs and brought people to the area.

Why Did It Disappear from the Census?

After 1950, Benedict-Leona Mines was not listed in later censuses. This can happen for several reasons:

• The community might have become smaller over time.
• Its boundaries might have changed.
• It could have been included as part of a larger town or area in later counts.

Changes Over Time

Communities often change and grow, or sometimes shrink. The disappearance of Benedict-Leona Mines from the census records shows how places can change over many years. It reminds us that history is always moving!