Mendota, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mendota
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Mendota's main street
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| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| Counties | Washington |
| Elevation | 1,411 ft (430 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 135 |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 2807452 |
Mendota is a small, quiet place in Washington County, in the southwestern part of Virginia. It's not a big city, but a small community. It's known as an "unincorporated village" and a "census-designated place." This means it's a community that doesn't have its own city government, but it's still recognized for counting people in the census.
In 2020, about 135 people lived in Mendota. It sits at an elevation of about 1,411 feet above sea level. You'll find a medical clinic, a post office, and two churches here. However, there are no big stores or gas stations. The closest major city is Bristol.
Mendota is famous for a special reason: it's often called the Hawk Capital of the World. This nickname comes from the many birds of prey that fly over the area. The name "Mendota" itself comes from a Native American word. It means "bend in the river," which makes sense because the village is located right on the north fork of the Holston River. Long ago, at least five different Native American tribes used to fish and hunt in this area.
Mendota is also part of a larger area known as the "Tri-Cities" region. This area includes Kingsport, Bristol, and Johnson City, which are all nearby.
Contents
Mendota's Early History
Settlers and Challenges
In 1770, a man named Peter Livingston and his family moved to this area. They settled on a large piece of land next to the North Fork of the Holston River. Their farm had rich soil, which helped them grow good crops. Peter soon cleared more land and his farm grew.
One morning in 1794, something scary happened. A group led by a Cherokee chief named Benge quietly approached the cabins. Peter and his brother Henry were working in the fields nearby. They saw smoke rising from their homes and rushed back. They discovered that their wives and some other people had been taken away.
A Daring Rescue
Peter and Henry immediately followed the trail, while others went to get help from local militias. On April 9, a group of 13 militia members, led by Lt. Vincent Hobbs, heard the news. They quickly headed towards Big Stone Gap.
Lt. Hobbs and his men set up a surprise attack in a hidden hollow. Before they were fully ready, Benge's group appeared. There was a brief struggle, and the chief was stopped. The people who had been taken were then set free. Peter and Henry Livingston rushed forward and were happily reunited with their wives.
Mendota Today
A Quiet Village
In more recent times, the town of Mendota was officially founded. It became an important stop on a railroad line that connected Bristol and Hiltons. In the 1920s, there were efforts to make Mendota a busy community. However, these plans eventually faded away.
Over time, the Native American tribes moved on, and the railroad became less important. Mendota then had to find a new identity. Today, it is a peaceful village. It's a great place to visit if you enjoy outdoor activities. You can explore the Clinch Mountain and the Holston River.
Nature's Highway: Hawk Migration
The Hawk Capital of the World
Mendota truly lives up to its nickname, the Hawk Capital of the World. Every autumn, more than 16 different types of raptors, which are birds of prey like hawks, fly over the Clinch Mountain. They are heading south for the winter along a path called the Appalachian Flyway.
Best Time to See Hawks
The Mendota Fire Tower is an excellent spot to watch these amazing birds. The best time to see them is in mid-September, when the migration is at its peak. On some days, you might see up to 1,000 birds soaring past!
Types of Raptors You Might See
The most common raptors you'll spot are Broad-winged Hawks. But if you look closely, you might also see many other types, including:
- Sharp-shinned Hawks
- Red-shouldered Hawks
- Coopers Hawks
- Osprey
- Bald Eagles
- Golden Eagles
- American Kestrels
- Northern Harriers
- Merlins
- Peregrine Falcons
- Swallow-tailed Kites
It's an incredible sight to witness so many different birds using this natural highway in the sky!
