Smyth County, with a population of 33,200, is centrally located along Interstate 81 in southwestern Virginia, less than 25 miles from the crossroads with Interstate 77, and within 30 miles of the Tri-Cities TN/VA region of a population of nearly 500,000.
Rich with manufacturing experience
Smyth County offers a workforce that has been recognized for its productivity, trainability and work ethic, and is home to many internationally recognized companies such as General Dynamics, Royal Building Products, Scholle IPN, Utility Trailer, Woodgrain Millwork, and ZF TRW.
Smyth County lists a variety of available buildings and industrial parks in Enterprise and Technology Zones, including its joint project with Washington County, the Highlands Business Park at Exit 29, I-81.
Tourism is a growing industry
In Smyth County two major attractions draw thousands of visitors to the region each year. Hungry Mother State Park in Marion offers year-round accommodations, various outdoor recreational opportunities, a restaurant and meeting facilities.
About 15 miles from Marion is the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, 154,000 acres located in the Jefferson National Forest. Centered around Mount Rogers, the highest point in Virginia, this recreational area provides hiking and camping opportunities year-round and a chance to view exquisite scenery and wild ponies roaming the mountainside.
One Smyth County landmark in Marion, the historic Lincoln Theatre has been restored as a community cultural arts center. The Lincoln, a movie house that opened in 1929 and closed in 1977, was listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. In 2000, The Lincoln Theatre was designated an official project of Save America’s Treasures, a public-private partnership between the White House Millennium Council and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Lincoln Theatre is a thriving venue for arts and musical performances year round.
Wellness and top-notch healthcare services are available through Smyth County Community Hospital, a 109-bed Mountain States Health Alliance facility located in Marion. The Lifetime Wellness Center, open to the community, is a modern 54,000 sq. ft fitness and educational facility.