Our area includes the historic city of Lexington, Virginia. Lexington, the county seat, is an important educational, retail, and governmental center. It was incorporated as a town in 1778. The homes of two of the South's most legendary figures, Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson, are located in downtown Lexington. Washington and Lee University and Virginia Military Institute provide the city with its college town atmosphere. Lexington is also home to the nationally acclaimed Virginia Horse Center.

The county is surrounded by the Jefferson and George Washington national forests and Shenandoah National Park. Rockbridge County offers easy access to the Appalachian Trial, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Goshen Pass. Fishing, hunting, camping, horseback riding, kayaking, canoeing,and biking are some of the many recreational activities enjoyed by the local citizens and visitors. Local parks, recreation programs golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, and ball fields are abundant.
Agriculture is of major economic importance in Rockbridge County. More than 40 percent of the 607 square miles in the county is in farmland, while much of the remaining acreage is in national and state owned forest land. Our topography and soil are ideally suited for livestock production. Pasture, hay, and grain crops are raised to feed a variety of animals including beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, and hogs. The Shenandoah Valley Research Station at Steeles Tavern encourages utilization of new technology and efficient production methods in area farms. The new comprehensive 20-year development plan has ensured the viability of our rural and scenic nature.

The Rockbridge area enjoys four distinct seasons: mild winters, warm summers, the beauty of fall foliage, and the promise of a spring morning. The average annual precipitation is 39.2 inches.