Formed in 1790, Patrick County is named for the Commonwealth of Virginia’s first governor, Patrick Henry, who lived in neighboring Henry County. Located along the border of North Carolina where the Blue Ridge Mountains of the Appalachian Range cross the state line, the “Free State of Patrick” is half piedmont and half mountain plateau. This dividing geographic feature is reflected in the mountain people of Scots-Irish and German descent along with English living below the mountain heights.

“Patrick County,” part of an “Images of America” series by Arcadia Publishing and written by local author Thomas D. Perry, features more than 200 images of all facets of life in a community that has produced colorful figures ranging from the Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart to tobacco magnate R.J. Reynolds. Also on the list are sports notables including the Wood Brothers of NASCAR fame, pro football player Tim Goad and Major League pitcher Brad Clontz.