Newport, Giles County, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Newport, Giles County, Virginia
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Unincorporated community
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Mount Olivet United Methodist Church in 2017
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 Newport, Giles County, Virginia
Location in Shenandoah Valley
Newport, Giles County, Virginia
Location in Virginia
Newport, Giles County, Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| County | Giles |
| Elevation | 1,929 ft (588 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
24128
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| Area code(s) | 540 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1497042 |
Newport is an unincorporated community in Giles County, Virginia, United States. It uses the ZIP code 24128. In 2020, about 1,767 people lived in the community. Newport is located in a valley. This valley sits between Salt Pond Mountain, Sherman's Nose, and Gap Mountain.
Contents
About Newport
What's in a Name?
The exact reason for Newport's name is not fully known. Some people believe it came from Captain Newport, who was one of the first settlers here. Others say the name means it was a new trading post. So, it became known as "Newport."
There was once a legal dispute over the name. Another settlement on the Virginia coast, now called Newport News, tried to claim the name. However, a court decided that Newport, being the older community, could keep its original name.
Natural Surroundings
Newport is located near beautiful natural areas. It is just south of the Sinking Creek Valley Cluster. It is also southeast of the Mountain Lake Wilderness Cluster. These areas are part of the Jefferson National Forest. The Wilderness Society has called these places "Mountain Treasures."
Newport's History
Early Days
Long ago, the area around Newport was a hunting ground. This is known because Indian items like tomahawks and arrowheads have been found there. When the first settlers arrived, they found these relics.
Newport was an important stop on a stagecoach route. This route started at Yellow Sulphur Springs in Montgomery County. It then continued north into what is now West Virginia.
Civil War and Fire
During the Civil War, a battle took place near Newport. Armies were positioned on the hills around the town.
A big fire destroyed most of Newport on April 1, 1902. Only a few homes, two churches, and some old stables survived. Many important places were lost. These included Keister's Tannery, a Mason Hall, Miller's Store, Smith's Hotel, and a small drug store. An old house, which had been a slave house, survived the fire. It provided shelter for its owners.
Busy Times
Newport was once a very busy community with many businesses.
- An iron foundry was located on Sinking Creek. It made "pig iron" from ore mined nearby.
- A woolen mill used a huge water wheel, 37 feet across, for power. This mill later became a woodworking plant. After that, it was a blacksmith shop, and then an automobile workshop.
- There were also several grist mills, like the Zell Mill and the Payne Mill. These mills ground grain into flour.
- The town even had three distilleries, each with its own bar room.
Notable People
Newport has been home to some well-known individuals:
- Bob Porterfield, a professional baseball player.
- Mike Williams, another professional baseball player.
- Yancey Strickler, who helped start the popular website Kickstarter.
- Michael Huffman, a talented songwriter.
