Buckingham, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Buckingham, Virginia
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County courthouse in Buckingham
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 Buckingham, Virginia
Location in Virginia
Buckingham, Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| County | Buckingham |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.121 sq mi (2.90 km2) |
| • Land | 1.115 sq mi (2.89 km2) |
| • Water | 0.006 sq mi (0.02 km2) |
| Elevation | 449 ft (137 m) |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 133 |
| • Density | 118.6/sq mi (45.81/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP Code |
23921
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| Area code(s) | 434 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1498458 |
Buckingham is a small community in Buckingham County, Virginia, United States. It's known as a census-designated place (CDP). This means it's a special area that the government counts for population, but it's not an officially incorporated town. Buckingham is also the county seat, which means it's where the main government offices for Buckingham County are located. In 2010, about 133 people lived there.
The town of Buckingham was started in 1818. It was first called Maysville. Later, its name was changed to Buckingham, just like the county it's in.
The second courthouse in Buckingham was built between 1822 and 1824. It was designed by Thomas Jefferson, who was a very important person in American history and a former US President. Sadly, this building burned down in 1869. The courthouse you see today was finished in 1873 on the same spot.
History of Buckingham
Buckingham has some important historical places. The Buckingham Courthouse Historic District is a special area with old buildings. It shows what the town looked like long ago. Another historic spot is Woodside. Both of these places are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are recognized for their historical importance and are protected.
Schools in Buckingham
Buckingham is home to several schools for students of different ages.
- Buckingham County High School serves students from 9th to 12th grade.
- The new Buckingham County Middle School is for students in 6th to 8th grade. It's located close to the High School.
- Buckingham Preschool is across the street from the high school. This building used to be Buckingham Primary School.
- Buckingham County Primary School teaches students from Kindergarten to 2nd grade.
- Buckingham County Elementary School is for students in 3rd to 5th grade.
The old Buckingham County Primary School building in Dillwyn, Virginia, is now the Buckingham Library.
Famous People from Buckingham
Many interesting people have connections to Buckingham:
- Eugene Allen (1919–2010) worked at the White House for 34 years. He started as a waiter and became the head butler. His life story was the inspiration for the 2013 movie The Butler.
- Archibald Austin (1772–1837) was born in Buckingham. He became a United States Congressman for Virginia.
- Thomas S. Bocock (1815–1891) was a lawyer and served as a congressman for both the United States and the Confederate States. He was also the Speaker of the Confederate House of Representatives.
- Carter Godwin Woodson (1875–1950) was born in Buckingham. He was an African American historian, author, and journalist. He is known as the "Father of Black History" and founded Black History Month.
- Satchidananda Saraswati (1922–2002), also known as Sri Swami Satchidananda, was born in Tamil Nadu, India. He was one of the first spiritual teachers to bring yoga to the United States. He started Integral yoga (Satchidananda) and set up its main center in Buckingham. He even opened the famous 1969 Woodstock Festival. He is recognized for his work in different faiths and for promoting healthy living.
