Augusta County – 20th Century
Augusta County prosperity increased as agriculture diversified, forest harvesting expanded, manufacturing grew in importance, and tourism became a major enterprise. However, in 1902 the State of Virginia adopted measures, such as a poll tax and a literacy test, that disenfranchised virtually all African Americans and most poor white citizens. For the first half of the 20th century, even in rural Augusta County, only a tiny fraction of citizens was allowed to vote. The Democratic Party controlled the government and their programs affected Augusta County. These programs benefited and privileged the wealthy white and only a few African – Americans. It was a dark time but soon WW I became a national focus and Augusta County like many other localities pulled together and supported a national cause. WWI stimulate
After World War I the state’s prosperity increased as agriculture diversified, manufacturing grew in importance, and tourism became a major enterprise. The Great Depression of the 1930s, although less severe in Virginia than in many other states, nevertheless devastated the agricultural and industrial sectors. However, World War I had established an important foundation of Virginia’s future economy: federal government spending for military purposes. In the period before U.S. entry into World War II, Virginia was the first to set up a state defense system; the war then drew tens of thousands of soldiers into its military camps including many from Augusta County. Employment continued at a high rate after the war, with ongoing growth in the non-agricultural sectors, including government. Many young people from rural Augusta County left farms and small businesses to find better paying jobs.
Virginia since the mid-20th century
Following the U.S. Supreme Court order to desegregate public educational facilities, the Byrd administration, popularly called the “Byrd machine,” promoted a policy of “massive resistance” to the desegregation order. The schools of Prince Edward county gained nationwide attention by closing their doors from 1959 to 1964 rather than allowing Black and white students to attend classes together. Although some large-scale protests against segregation took place in the state in the 1960s, Augusta County experienced little of the violence that marked similar protests elsewhere in the South.
Byrd remained in office until 1965, and, after his death the following year, his organization collapsed. By the late 1960s segregation had ended, schools were open to both black and white students, and African Americans were voting freely. Augusta County was an advocate for de-segregation.
During the second half of the 20th century Augusta County saw steady economic growth with many industries making Augusta County their home.
Additional history needs to be developed – Volunteer(s) needed.
Contact Gordon Barlow gordon@amaty.com 540-448-0344