Laurel Fork, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Laurel Fork, Virginia
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Unincorporated community
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 Laurel Fork, Virginia
Location in Virginia
Laurel Fork, Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| County | Carroll |
| Elevation | 2,766 ft (843 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
24352
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| Area code(s) | 276 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1477476 |
Laurel Fork is a small, unincorporated community located in Carroll County, Virginia. An unincorporated community means it's a recognized place but doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. It's found off U.S. Route 58, about 12.4 miles (20 km) east-southeast of Hillsville, Virginia. Even though it's a small place, Laurel Fork has its own post office with the ZIP code 24352.
Contents
Discovering Laurel Fork, Virginia
How Laurel Fork Got Its Name
Before it was called Laurel Fork, this community had a different name: Bolt Town. It was named after a Doctor Bolt and his large family who lived there first. At that time, Bolt Town had Sam Bolt's store, a post office, and a few farms. People sometimes called it "Little Cincinnati." This was because some thought its residents acted a bit superior.
Eventually, the community changed its name. It took its name from the Laurel Fork Creek, a stream that flows through the nearby hills. The creek itself was named after the native Rhododendron plants. Early English settlers didn't know the Rhododendron's name. So, they called it "laurel" because it reminded them of similar shrubs from England.
Early Days and Growth
Records from the late 1800s show that most people in Laurel Fork could read and write. Around 1903 or 1904, the Laurel Fork Male and Female Academy was built. This school later became a high school.
Many businesses also started in Laurel Fork. These included a printing shop and a short-lived motor company. There was also the Laurel Fork Bank and the Midway Hotel and Restaurant. Other businesses were Laurel Fork Mercantile and Puckett's Grocery and Garage. The Laurel Fork Telephone Company also began operating. It's even said that Laurel Fork had the first airport in Carroll County!
Important Historical Buildings
Laurel Fork has some important historical buildings that are still standing today.
Laurel Fork Primitive Baptist Church
The Laurel Fork Primitive Baptist Church was founded in 1846. This makes it the oldest church in Laurel Fork. It is also one of the oldest churches in Carroll County. The original church building and a school next to it were burned down. They were then rebuilt in 1876 on land given by Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Nester. In 1970, the church was covered in brick. It still stands along Laurel Fork Road today.
Point Pleasant School
Next to the church is the former Point Pleasant School. This one-room schoolhouse was built in 1911. Many believe it is the next version of the very first school in Laurel Fork. That first school had burned down. Point Pleasant School closed its doors in 1948. In September 2007, the school was added to the Virginia Landmarks Register. A month later, in October 2007, Point Pleasant School was also placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as a very important historical site in the United States.
