Talk:Lost Counties, Cities and Towns of Virginia

Lost Counties, Cities and Towns of Virginia

Author's note:

This article will focus on the some of the "lost" counties, cities and towns (both incorporated and not) once located in Virginia. At least at the local level, most (if not all) are not truly lost, as was North Carolina's Lost Colony from Roanoke Island. In Virginia, it is known with a high degree of certainty (and some secrecy in a few instances) what became of them. However, while the Tar Heel State has only 1 lost colony, ever-competitive Virginia can lay claim to hundreds of lost localities. In facts, at least 5 former county names have been "lost" more than once!

Of course, some of these "lost" communities which are now in other states currently exist under their prior names, and surely the citizens of each do not consider them to be "lost" at all. However, from Virginia's perspective, they were lost to Virginia, even though they may live on in another. The principal author of this article (who is a transplanted Virginian born in what was once Illinois County) would hope that non-Virginians of these areas would think kindly of Virginia as sort of an old fashioned version of today's organ donors, even though the mother colony and state (named for the feisty Virgin Queen Elizabeth I of England) did not always donate gracefully. Within Virginia, most records seem to prefer the word "extinct" as opposed to "lost." In a strict interpretation, the dictionary defines "extinct" For this article, the words should be considered interchangeable. Personally, I feel extinct sounds mostly sad, while lost is more intriguing. Researching some of the lost counties, cities and towns of Virginia will lead one to stories of success, failure, great wisdom, honor, tragedy, an even national security. Some of the stories will make many Virginian feel proud, while others will be cause for a moment of thoughtful reflection, maybe even a prayer for lost misdeeds and lost souls.

I would appreciate the help of other WP editors, especially as I feel this article has FAC potential. Suggestions, constructive criticism, and editing by others, particularly more content, and factual corrections would be welcomed by me. I feel it is timely as Virginai is ramping up for Jamestown 2007.

Mark D. Fisher, Richmond, Virginia February 22, 2005 (George Washington's Birthday)

Vaoverland 12:38, Feb 23, 2005 (UTC)