Scott County was named for Winfield Scott brevet major general in the war of 1812, and later the commander of the Army. Created - Nov.24,1814 from Lee,Russell, and Washington County. County seat- Gate City, formerly Winfield and Estellville. Fort Black 1st settlement in Scott County, estb.1771. Following a well known Indian path Daniel Boone carved the Wilderness Road through Moccasin Gap in March 1775. Gate City laid out 1815 near site. A former tavern belonging to Elisha Faris whose family was slain during an Indian uprising in 1791, the tavern served as an early station along the trail to Ky. Named Gate City 1886 in recognition of it's proximity to Moccasin Gap. Wise County - named for Henry A.Wise, gov. of Va.1856-1860. Created - Feb.16, 1856 from Lee, Russell,& Scott County. County seat-Wise formerly Gladeville,1856-present.Working for the land companies scouts began entering what would become Wise County around 1750, mapping waterways and exploring paths across mountains. Indians who resented the intrusion of the frontiersmen made exploration of the region a dangerous occupation.The Indians displeasure delayed settlement until late 18th century. Discovery of coal in the area 1879 stimualted the development of the county. Railroads racing to lay their tracks along the most advantagous routes caused towns such as Coburn to spring up overnight. Galax - named for a native mountain evergreen, incorparated as a town in 1906, become a city Nov.30, 1953 ( by court order) Founded,1904 when a spur of the Norfolk & Western Railway was constucted into this timber region of the state. Name before was Bonaparte. This is information I have pulled from books at my public library. It is not my intention to break any copyright laws. If I am in danger of that list owners please safe me from jail time and tell me not to share. I have not copied anything word for word, just shared the facts I found.