Communities - Political & Social

Dickenson County was formed in 1880 from Russell, Wise, and Buchanan Counties. The district was named for William J. Dickenson, a delegate to the General Assembly, who played a major role in establishing the new county.

The rough mountainous terrain influenced development of the area. Early settlers located along the stream beds where the best farm land was to be founded. The first settlements in Dickenson County were Sandlick, Haysi, Holly Creek, (Clintwood), and Nora, all located along streams of the area.