Glade Spring, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Glade Spring
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Location of Glade Spring, Virginia
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| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| County | Washington |
| Incorporated | 1875 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.22 sq mi (3.15 km2) |
| • Land | 1.22 sq mi (3.15 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 2,087 ft (636 m) |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 1,456 |
| • Estimate
(2019)
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1,406 |
| • Density | 1,156.25/sq mi (446.57/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
24340
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| Area code(s) | 276 |
| FIPS code | 51-31056 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1483656 |
Glade Spring is a small town in Washington County, Virginia, United States. In 2010, about 1,456 people lived there. It is part of a larger area known as the "Tri-Cities" region, which includes cities in both Virginia and Tennessee. The major highway, I-81, passes right through Glade Spring at exit 29.
Contents
History of Glade Spring
Early Days and Native Americans
The name Glade Spring comes from an old Native American word, Passawatami. It means "this is the place." Long ago, Native American tribes used to gather near the town every fall. They held a type of Olympics with sports, dancing, and social events. The Porterfield family were among the first permanent settlers, arriving around 1760.
Railroad and Growth
At first, the town was called Glade Spring Depot. This helped people tell it apart from the older community near the Glade Spring Presbyterian Church. The church was about two miles away on the old stage road, now U.S. Route 11. When the railroad arrived in 1856, the post office moved to Glade Spring Depot.
The Civil War slowed the town's growth. Local men formed a military group called The Glade Spring Rifles. Both Union and Confederate soldiers marched through the town many times. You can still see old cannon spots just outside Glade Spring on the road to Saltville. Most of the town's growth happened quickly in the ten years after the war.
Shipping and Incorporation
With the railroad, Glade Spring became an important place for shipping goods. Farmers sent their produce, livestock, and other local items from here. An Abingdon newspaper noticed the "stirring, thriving, wide-awake community" in 1870. By 1875, Glade Spring was officially made a town. It had 31 houses, six stores, two hotels, and a Masonic Hall. Virginia Intermont College was in Glade Spring from 1884 to 1892 before moving to Bristol.
Modern Times and Changes
After passenger train service stopped, the town's growth slowed down. However, freight trains still use the tracks. An old train line, the "Saltville Branch," used to connect Glade Spring to Saltville. These tracks have been removed and are now a hiking and biking path called the "Salt Trail."
On April 28, 2011, a strong tornado hit the Glade Spring area. It was part of a very large storm system that affected many parts of the South. The tornado caused damage and sadly, some people lost their lives.
Two important places in Glade Spring are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They are Brook Hall and the Glade Spring Commercial Historic District.
Geography of Glade Spring
Glade Spring is located at 36°47′25″N 81°46′24″W / 36.79028°N 81.77333°W.
The town covers about 1.3 square miles (3.3 square kilometers) of land. There is no water within the town limits. The elevation of Glade Spring is 2,087 feet (636 meters) above sea level.
Population Information
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 262 | — | |
| 1890 | 500 | 90.8% | |
| 1900 | 304 | −39.2% | |
| 1910 | 324 | 6.6% | |
| 1920 | 281 | −13.3% | |
| 1930 | 669 | 138.1% | |
| 1940 | 686 | 2.5% | |
| 1950 | 827 | 20.6% | |
| 1960 | 1,407 | 70.1% | |
| 1970 | 1,615 | 14.8% | |
| 1980 | 1,722 | 6.6% | |
| 1990 | 1,435 | −16.7% | |
| 2000 | 1,374 | −4.3% | |
| 2010 | 1,456 | 6.0% | |
| 2019 (est.) | 1,406 | −3.4% | |
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In 2000, there were 1,374 people living in Glade Spring. These people lived in 565 households. The population density was about 1,093 people per square mile.
The average household had about 2.43 people. The average family had about 2.96 people.
Gallery
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Railroad tracks immediately adjacent to Glade Spring town square.
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Park named in the honor of Leo "Muscle" Shoals
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Another view of the town square.
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Education
Glade Spring has schools that serve the community.
- Patrick Henry High School
- Glade Spring Middle School was built in 1968. It was updated in 1991 to fit middle school needs. It is one of four middle schools in Washington County. The school has almost 400 students and about 45 teachers and staff. You can learn more on their homepage: Glade Spring Middle School.
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Notable People
- Fred C. Allison (1882–1974), was an American physicist.
- William "Grumble" Jones (1824–1864), a Confederate General, was born near Glade Spring. He is buried in the Old Glade Spring Presbyterian Church graveyard.
- Robert Porterfield (1905–1971), started the Barter Theatre. He lived in Glade Spring at the Porterfield farm called "Twin Oaks."
- John E. Reinhardt (1920–2016), was an ambassador to Nigeria. He also served as Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs and directed the United States Information Agency.
- Mary Scheier (1908–2007), was famous around the world for her pottery. In 1939, she and her husband, Edwin Scheier, opened their first studio in Glade Spring.
- Leo "Muscle" Shoals (1916–1999), was a baseball player. He won the Minor League baseball Triple Crown in 1951. He also hit a record 55 home runs in one season.
- Lefty Thomas (1903–1952), played baseball for the Washington Senators.
See also
In Spanish: Glade Spring (Virginia) para niños
