Preston, Virginia facts for kids

Preston is a small, interesting place located in Henry County, Virginia. It's named after an important historical figure, William Preston. This area has a rich history, from early post offices to unique local stories.

Exploring Preston, Virginia

Preston is a special spot located in Henry County, Virginia. It sits at an elevation of 938 feet above sea level. You can find Preston on the Martinsville West map created by the U.S. Geological Survey. Henry County, where Preston is located, is in the Eastern Time Zone, which is UTC -5 hours.

Preston's Namesake

Preston was named in honor of William Preston. He was an important soldier and leader in Virginia's history. Naming places after key figures was a common way to remember their contributions.

Early Life and Business

Preston has a long history, with records going back many years. In 1822, there was already a U.S. Post Office in the area. It was run by Jesse Philips and was known as "Glady Creek Cross Roads." This post office was quite a distance from major cities, being 223 miles from Washington, D.C., and 329 miles from Richmond, Virginia, the state capital.

Later, in 1859, another U.S. Post Office opened in Preston. This one was managed by David Ridenour and served a German settlement in the area. These post offices were vital for connecting the community to the rest of the country.

A Local Victory Story

In 1891, a local business story showed that even small businesses could stand up to big companies. Two local businessmen, Clayton and Albert Potts of Preston, had a problem. They didn't receive some brick-making machinery and other goods they had ordered. The goods were supposed to be delivered by the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railway and its connecting lines.

The Potts brothers decided to take legal action against the large railway company. Amazingly, they won their case! This showed that local people could succeed even when facing much larger organizations.

An Unusual Exhibition

Preston was also home to some interesting events. In 1808, a man named William Alexander, who lived in Preston, showed off a very large sheep. This sheep weighed an impressive 146 pounds even before its wool was shorn! It also had a fleece that weighed 7.75 pounds. This was quite a sight for people in the area at the time.