Big Island, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Big Island, Virginia
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Big Island United Methodist Church (former)
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 Big Island, Virginia
Location in Virginia
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| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| County | Bedford |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.830 sq mi (2.15 km2) |
| • Land | 0.823 sq mi (2.13 km2) |
| • Water | 0.007 sq mi (0.02 km2) |
| Elevation | 839.6 ft (255.9 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 300 |
| • Density | 360/sq mi (140/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| ZIP Code |
24526
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| Area code(s) | Area code 434 |
| FIPS code | 51-07400 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2629017 |
Big Island is a small community in northern Bedford County, Virginia, in the United States. It's called a "census-designated place" (CDP), which means it's an area the government defines for counting people. In 2020, about 300 people lived here.
Big Island is located along the James River and U.S. Route 501. It sits between the towns of Glasgow and Coleman Falls. This community is also part of the larger Lynchburg area.
Contents
History of Big Island
The name "Big Island" comes from a large, empty island in the James River. This island is located upstream from where the community is today.
Geography of Big Island
Big Island covers a total area of about 0.830 square miles (2.15 square kilometers). Most of this area is land.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2010 | 303 | — | |
| 2020 | 300 | −1.0% | |
| Source: U.S. Census Bureau | |||
In 2020, the population of Big Island was 300 people. There were 153 homes in the area. The community is made up of people from different backgrounds.
Economy and Jobs
The main part of Big Island's economy is a Georgia-Pacific paper mill. This mill has been making paper for over 125 years. It is one of the oldest paper mills in the United States that has been running without stopping.
Education for Students
Students living in Big Island attend schools run by Bedford County Public Schools.
- Younger students go to Big Island Elementary School.
- Middle school students attend Liberty Middle School.
- High school students go to Liberty High School.
For those interested in college, there are higher education schools nearby. The closest ones are in Bedford and Lynchburg.
Community Services and Travel
Electricity and Power
The Bedford Hydropower Project and the larger Cushaw Hydroelectric Project dams are close to Big Island. These dams create electricity. They help power parts of Bedford County, including the town of Bedford.
Keeping the Community Safe
- Fire Protection: The Big Island Volunteer Fire Company helps put out fires. They have a fire station right in the community.
- Medical Help: If there's a medical emergency, the Big Island Emergency Crew provides help.
- Law Enforcement: The Bedford County Sheriffs Office and the Virginia State Police keep the community safe.
Getting Around Big Island
Airports Nearby
The closest airport with flights for travelers is the Lynchburg Regional Airport.
Major Roads
Several important roads pass through or near Big Island:
U.S. Route 501, also known as Lee Jackson Highway.
Virginia State Route 122, called Big Island Highway.
The famous Blue Ridge Parkway.
Train Services
The CSX company operates the James River Subdivision train line through Big Island. If you want to catch a passenger train, the closest station is in Lynchburg.
See also
In Spanish: Big Island (Virginia) para niños
