Jetersville, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jetersville, Virginia
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 Jetersville, Virginia
Location in Virginia
Jetersville, Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| County | Amelia |
| Elevation | 457 ft (139 m) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
23083
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| Area code(s) | 804 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1495758 |
Jetersville is a small, quiet community in Amelia County, Virginia. It's not a big city, but a rural area without its own local government. You can find it near U.S. Route 360, also known as Patrick Henry Highway.
The community is built around where two roads meet: Jetersville Road and Perkinson Road. A railway line, used by Norfolk Southern trains, also runs through the area.
Contents
History of Jetersville
How Jetersville Got Its Name
Jetersville was first called Perkinsonville. People say it was named after John "Black Jack" Jeter. But some believe it was named after his father, Rodophil Jeter. Another nearby community, Rodophil, is also named after him.
The Jeter family were originally French Huguenots. These were French Protestants who had to leave their home country. They came to America in the early 1700s. Rodophil Jeter was important in Amelia County in the early 1800s. He was a delegate, meaning he represented the area in the state government. Several family members also started businesses in the area. The town's post office, which opened around 1826, was called "Jetersville."
Jetersville During the Civil War
Jetersville is near the path taken by Confederate General Robert E. Lee and his army. This was during their retreat in the Civil War. It happened just before they surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox on April 9, 1865.
The last major battle fought by Lee's army was at Sayler's Creek. This battle took place a few miles west, on April 6. Many historical signs mark the route. One sign on old US 360 tells us:
Jetersville: April 5, 1865: Lee found Union cavalry and infantry across his line of retreat at this station on the Richmond and Danville Railroad. Rather than attacking the entrenched Federals, he chose to change direction and begin a night march toward Farmville where rations awaited the army.
Mining in the Area
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, there were profitable mines near Jetersville. These were called the Schlegel and Keystone mica mines. They dug for mica and feldspar. Amelia County has many of these minerals. However, these mines quickly ran out of minerals.
Tornadoes in Amelia County
Amelia County is in a small area of Central Virginia where tornadoes often happen. Many tornadoes have touched down here. One notable tornado was on April 30, 1924. It passed east of the courthouse area. This tornado traveled from Jetersville to Chula. It sadly caused one death and injured seven people.
The Rosenwald School
The Jetersville School was built around 1923 or 1924. It was one of several Rosenwald Schools in Amelia County. These schools were built between 1917 and 1928. The plan for Jetersville School included a building for two teachers on a 4-acre campus.
During the early 1900s, the Rosenwald School project was a big effort. It built thousands of schools across the South. These schools were mainly for the education of African American children. After schools became integrated in the 1960s, the Jetersville School property was put up for sale.
Jetersville Today
Jetersville used to be a busy railway stop. But today, the railroad only carries freight trains. The older part of town, near the old train station, has become quieter. This is because the station closed. Also, new buildings and businesses have moved northwest toward the four-lane US 360 bypass.
Even though it's changed, Jetersville still has its own fire station. This is Amelia County Volunteer Fire Department Co. 3. It also has its own post office with ZIP code 23083. This post office serves most of western Amelia County.
