Castlewood, Dante & St. Paul

Symbolizing the early importance of the railroad to the region, a caboose occupies a central location in St. Paul

Quick Facts

Welcome

This region of southwestern Virginia rests on a high, open, relatively level plateau amid a circle of mountains. On opposite sides of the Clinch River, Castlewood and St. Paul were established in the late 1880's to be "twin cities," modeled after St. Paul and Minneapolis in the North. (Indeed, in its early days, the Castlewood area was called Minneapolis.) To the dismay of the optimistic developers, the expected boom never quite materialized. In common with their sister city, Dante, this triangle of communities has a rich heritage of coal mining and the railroad. From bustling, multicultural settlements in the early 1900s, they have evolved into the small, peaceful neighborhoods of today.

Recreation and Nearby Attractions

Located between Sandy Ridge to the north and Copper Ridge to the south, these small communities are meccas for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting, and fishing. Oxbow Lake on the Clinch River includes a canoe access ramp, picnic area and walking trail around its perimeter. The three-mile Sugar Loop trail also begins and ends at the lake. In the Jefferson National Forest are the Cave Springs Recreation Area, Lake Keokee, Roaring Fork Trail, High Knob Lake and Recreation Area, and Bark Camp Lake and Recreation Area. Nearby are a number of other recreational areas--Guest River Gorge, Falls of the Little Stony, Hanging Rock Trail, and the Devil's Bathtub.

Scenic Clinch River

Population

Castlewood 3,000 (2000)

Dante 950 (est.)

St. Paul 1,000 (2000)

Climate

Average winter temp. 33

Average summer temp. 74

Average annual rainfall 44"

Average annual snowfall 37"

Government

St Paul is an incorporated town and has an elected mayor and a Town Council. Both Dante and Castlewood are unincorporated.

Transportation

Access to Castlewood and St. Paul is by US ALT 58. From St. Paul, a short drive north on Route 63 brings you to Dante. The nearest commercial airport is Tri-City Regional Airport in Blountville, TN, approximately 50 miles away. Lonesome Pine Airport in Wise, VA, approximately 30 miles away, is available for general aviation service.

Estimated Driving Times

From:
•Northern Virginia 6.5 hours
•Richmond 6.5 hours
•Tidewater area 7.5 hours
•Roanoke 3 hours

Utilities & Services

Banks

Blue Ridge-St. Paul 276-762-3957

First Vantage-Castlewood 276-762-5541

New People's-Castlewood 276-762-5620

Cable

Charter Communications

800-654-7619

Gas

Virginia Gas 888-718-0181

Newspapers

Clinch Valley Times 276-762-7671

Bristol Herald Courier 276-669-2181

Power

AEP 800-956-4237

Old Mill 877-222-9288

Radio Stations

WXLZ 276-762-5595

Telephone

Water

Russell County Water & Sewer

Dante 276-762-2206

St. Paul 276-762-5411

Major Employers

Based on information from preceptors, the average rate of commercial insurance coverage in the region is approximately 40%. The public school system is the single largest employer. Bush Industries, a furniture manufacturing company, employs about 250.

Lodging

Village Motel & Restaurant-Castlewood 276-762-5511

Dining

Burger King-St. Paul 276-762-7778

Chilly Willy's-St. Paul 276-762-7826

Giovanni's Pizza-St. Paul 276-762-9898

Hardee's-St. Paul 276-762-5488

Ma & Pa's-Castlewood 276-762-7533

Pizza Hut-Castlewood 276-762-5529

Pizza Town-Castlewood 276-762-2335

Riverside Diner-St. Paul 276-762-0785

Stonebriar, an apartment complex for older citizens operated by Wise County Housing Authority, St. Paul

Worship

Christian denominations represented in the three communities are:

•AME

•Assembly of God

•Baptist

•Catholic

•Church of God of Prophecy

•Community

•Episcopal

•United Methodist

A synagogue is located about 40 miles away in Bristol, Virginia.

County Government Note:

The Russell County Board of Supervisors meets the first Monday of each month at 5:00 p.m. in the Circuit Court room at the Courthouse on Main Street.

Community Health Status

Vulnerable Populations

Vulnerable populations may face unique health risks and barriers to care, requiring enhanced services and targeted strategies for outreach and case management. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has compiled Community Health Status Reports available online at www.communityhealth.hrsa.gov. According to these reports, vulnerable populations in Russell County may include:

•People with no high school diploma

•Unemployed individuals

•People who are severely work disabled

•Those suffering from major

depression

•Recent drug users

Relative Health Status

Based on the same report, Russell County should study the following indicators to improve the health of their citizens:

•very low birth weight

•infant mortality, white infant mortality, neonatal infant mortality, post-natal infant mortality

•suicide

Healthcare in Russell County compares favorably to similar communities in the following areas:

•teen mothers

•unmarried mothers

•no care in first trimester

•breast cancer (female)

•colon cancer

•stroke

•unintentional injury

County Demographic Information

The population of Russell County is considerably less prosperous than the population of Virginia. Russell County's unemployment and poverty rates are two to three times higher than the Virginia rates. Proportionately fewer Russell Countians are in the workforce and a much smaller percentage of Russell Countians have graduated from high school than Virginians in general. The relative poverty and poor health status of the population point to the need for greater access to primary care in Russell County.

Population size: 28,728 (2000)

Population density (people per square mile) 60

Individuals living below poverty level: 20.5%

Age Distribution, Russell County


Age Distribution, Virginia


Race Distribution, Russell County

Race Distribution, Virginia

Health Care

•The nearest hospitals are in Lebanon (Russell County Medical Center) and Norton (St. Mary's and Norton Community hospitals).

•Three clinics, 3 nurse practitioners and 5 physicians provide primary healthcare services to residents.

•One dentist and one optometrist serve the communities.

•There are three retirement homes in the immediate area.

•Rescue and ambulance services are provided by Russell County Lifesaving Crew.

Area Map