Swoope, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Swoope, Virginia
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Unincorporated community
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Christian Fellowship Baptist Church in Swoope
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 Swoope, Virginia
Location in Virginia
Swoope, Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| County | Augusta |
| Elevation | 1,621 ft (494 m) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
24479
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| Area code(s) | 540 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1493681 |
Swoope (pronounced S-W-O-P-E) is a small place in Augusta County, Virginia, in the United States. It's called an "unincorporated community," which means it's a group of homes and businesses that isn't officially a city or town with its own local government.
Swoope is located about 12 kilometers (7.4 miles) west of a larger city called Staunton. You can find it along State Routes 703 and 860. The community has its own post office with the ZIP code 24479, which has been open since March 6, 1838.
A famous place near Swoope is Polyface Farm. This farm is known for its "sustainable" methods, which means they farm in ways that protect the environment and can be continued for a long time. The farm is run by a well-known farmer named Joel Salatin.
Kids who live in the Swoope area go to different schools, including Beverley Manor Elementary School, Churchville Elementary School, Beverley Manor Middle School, and Buffalo Gap High School.
Several historic places in Swoope are recognized for their importance. The Glebe Burying Ground, Intervale, and Lewis Shuey House are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important to American history.
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People from Swoope
Swoope has been home to some interesting people who have made a name for themselves.
Donald DePoy: Bluegrass Musician
Donald DePoy was born on August 10, 1949. He is a fifth-generation bluegrass musician, which means his family has been playing this type of music for a very long time. Donald is also a music teacher and helps organize music events.
Joel Salatin: Farmer and Author
Joel Salatin, born on February 24, 1957, is a well-known farmer and author. He is famous for his ideas about sustainable farming, which you can see in action at his Polyface Farm near Swoope. He has written many books about his farming methods.
Jacob Swoope: The Town's Namesake
The community of Swoope is named after Jacob Swoope, who was born in 1766 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His father was Colonel George Michael Swope.
- Moving to Staunton: Jacob Swoope moved to Staunton, Virginia, in 1789.
- First Mayor: He became the first mayor of Staunton in 1801, serving until 1804. He was elected mayor again from 1804 to 1805.
- Serving in Congress: From 1809 to 1811, Jacob Swoope served in the United States House of Representatives, representing Virginia's 4th District.
- Building "Wheatlands": In 1813, he built his home called "Wheatlands" right here in Swoope.
- His Legacy: Jacob Swoope passed away in 1832 and is buried in Trinity Episcopal Churchyard in Staunton. The town was originally called "Swoope's Depot" in his honor.
