Prater, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Prater
|
|
|---|---|
|
Unincorporated community
|
|
 Prater
Location in Virginia
Prater
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| County | Buchanan |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 1499911 |
Prater is a small, unincorporated community located in Buchanan County, Virginia. It's a quiet place where people live, but it doesn't have its own official town government. You can find Prater in the western part of Buchanan County, close to where two roads, Virginia State Route 83 and County Route 604, meet. For many years, Prater was home to Russell Prater Elementary School, which closed in 2014.
Contents
What is an Unincorporated Community?
An "unincorporated community" is a group of homes and businesses that are not part of an official city or town. Instead, they are governed by the larger county they are in. This means that services like roads and police are managed by the county government, not by a local town council. Prater is one such community in Virginia.
History of Prater
Prater has a simple but interesting history.
How Prater Got Its Name
The community of Prater is believed to be named after the Prater brothers. These brothers were early settlers, meaning they were among the first people to move to and live in this area a long time ago. Their family name became connected with the place.
The Prater Post Office
A post office was opened in Prater in 1877. This was a very important place for people to send and receive letters and packages. The post office served the community for many years, helping people stay connected. However, it eventually closed its doors in 1965.
Location and Surroundings
Prater is situated in a rural area of Buchanan County, Virginia.
Where to Find Prater
The community is located in the western part of Buchanan County. It's easy to find if you're traveling on Virginia State Route 83 or County Route 604, as it's near their intersection. This area of Virginia is known for its beautiful natural landscapes.
