Martinsville

History

Martinsville was founded by American Revolutionary War general, Native American agent and explorer Joseph Martin, born in Albemarle County. He developed his plantation Scuffle Hill on the banks of the Smith River near the present-day southern city limits. General Martin and revolutionary patriot Patrick Henry, who lived briefly in Henry County and for whom the county is named, were good friends.

The Beaver Creek Plantation,John Waddey Carter House, Dry Bridge School, East Church Street-Starling Avenue Historic District, Fayette Street Historic District, Little Post Office, Martinsville Fish Dam, Martinsville Historic District,

Martinsville Novelty Corporation Factory, and Scuffle Hill are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

20th century

Many African American churches, schools, and businesses were established along Fayette Street in the early 20th century. Dr. Dana Olden Baldwin, the area's first Black physician, moved to Martinsville in 1910. Baldwin's entrepreneurial vision expanded the number of businesses along Fayette Street, creating "Baldwin's Block" as an epicenter of African-American commerce and social life during the racial segregation of Jim Crow laws.

DuPont in 1941 built a large manufacturing plant for producing textile nylon filament, a vital war material. During the Cold War, the city was identified as a target for strategic bombing by the Soviet Union. This nylon production jump-started the growth of the textiles industry in the area.

In 1947, the round-end oval Martinsville Speedway opened. In use by NASCAR since its inaugural season in 1949, the oval is still in operation by the racing organization today. The speedway is the shortest oval in NASCAR.

For several years, Martinsville was known as the "Sweatshirt Capital of the World", and in the 1980s, it boasted of having more millionaires per capita than any city in America.

Business leaders in the mid-20th century, such as Whitney Shumate, worked to improve substandard housing in Martinsville. He helped clear out a portion of Martinsville called "Mill Town", which had substandard rental housing originally provided for 19th-century employees of a now-defunct cotton mill. New homes were constructed in the neighborhood, built with sound materials and all city services for the first time. What had originally been considered a depressed civic area rapidly became a center of progress, as middle class Black residents finally began to prosper. As an editorial in the local newspaper noted, "One of the projects which won him considerable attention and praise was the instigation of the redevelopment of what was once known as Martinsville Cotton Mill Village. He and associates purchased about 50 houses in North Martinsville, and using private capital rather than federal aid, rebuilt them into comfortably inhabitable homes, making it possible for many persons to purchase homes within their financial range."

In the early 1990s, changing global economic conditions and new trade treaties made Martinsville textiles and furniture manufacturing economically unsustainable. Many firms closed shop and laid off thousands of workers; the production moved to other countries. The city is repositioning itself long-term as a center for technology development and manufacturing.

21st century

On January 2, 2013, Kim Adkins was re-elected as mayor.

In August 2021, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam pardoned all seven African-American men of the Martinsville Seven.

On January 3, 2023, L.C. Jones was elected as new mayor.

Relationship with Henry County

Martinsville's relationship with Henry County is somewhat complex. Martinsville was fully included in Henry County's jurisdiction until it was declared a city by court order in 1928. As with all cities in Virginia, Martinsville's incorporation as a city made it independent from Henry County's jurisdiction. Although Martinsville technically remains the county seat of Henry County, nearby Collinsville serves as the de facto county seat, as it is where the county's primary administrative and judicial offices are located. However, the future of this jurisdictional arrangement became unclear when Martinsville's city council unanimously voted in favor of beginning the process of reverting from a city to a town (which would reincorporate it into the county's jurisdiction) on December 10, 2019, citing economic and demographic concerns. The time frame for this reversion remains unclear, as the city's petition to revert must first be approved by a three-judge panel in the state courts, after which begins a complex process of negotiation with the county over the division of responsibilities. On January 11, 2023, the city council voted to end the reversion process.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.0 square miles (28.5 km2), of which 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km2) (0.5%) is covered by water. The north side of the city has the highest average elevation. The east side slopes gradually down to the Smith River on the south side. The west side is hilly. Martinsville is located in the Southern Virginia region near the Virginia–North Carolina state line and is 17 miles (27 km) northwest of Eden, North Carolina, 30 miles (48 km) northwest of Danville, 48 miles (77 km) north of Greensboro, North Carolina. 51 miles (82 km) south of Roanoke, and 54 miles (87 km) northeast of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Demographics

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, Martinsville had a population of 13,485. The median age was 44.6 years. About 21.0% of residents were under 18 and 21.6% were 65 or older. For every 100 females, there were 85.7 males, and for every 100 females 18 and over, there were 81.4 males 18 and over.

Almost all of the residents lived in urban areas, while 0.1% lived in rural areas.

Of the 5,909 households in Martinsville, 25.8% had children under 18 living in them, 31.1% were married-couple households, 21.1% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 41.7% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 38.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.8% had someone living alone who was 65 or older.

The city had 7,053 housing units, of which 16.2% were vacant. The homeowner vacancy rate was 3.7% and the rental vacancy rate was 13.3%.

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, 13,821 people, 6,498 households, and 4,022 families resided in the city. The population density was 1,407.1 people per square mile (543.3 people/km2). The 7,249 housing units had an average density of 661.7 per square mile (255.5/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 48.38% White, 45.45% African American, 0.10% Native American, 0.47% Asian, 0.69% from [other races, and 0.81% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 5.70% of the population.

Of the 6,498 households, 26.3% had children under 18 living with them, 39.0% were married couples living together, 19.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.1% were not families. About 34.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.4% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.89.

The age distribution was 22.6% under 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 26.7% from 25 to 44, 23.2% from 45 to 64, and 20.6% who were 65 or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.4 males. For every 100 females 18 and over, there were 78.4 males.

The median income in the city for a household was $27,441 and for a family was $35,321. Males had a median income of $28,530 versus $21,367 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,251. About 14.0% of families and 19.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.6% of those under 18 and 16.9% of those 65 or over. As of August 2010, the city's unemployment rate stood at 20%.

Economy

The city's chief industry for many early years was the manufacture of plug chewing tobacco. The Henry County area became known as the "plug tobacco capital of the world". In the wake of the collapse of the plantation economy following the American Civil War, the local economy was reeling. Stepping into the breach were several thriving plug firms, which sold their merchandise across the nation beginning in the 19th century.

Local families were heavily involved in these companies, bestowing their names on them and reaping sizeable profits until the early 20th century, when the tobacco monopolies created by R.J. Reynolds and James Buchanan Duke bought out most firms. (In most cases, in bold anti-competitive moves, the two tobacco titans simply shut down their acquisitions overnight. These actions resulted in a U.S. government lawsuit against American Tobacco Company.) Among the earliest of these firms were D.H. Spencer & Sons and Spencer Bros. Other families soon joined in founding other early firms, including the Gravelys, the Comptons, the Ruckers, the Wittens, the Lesters and the Browns.

The city's main industry for a century was furniture construction, and today, Virginia furniture makers still reside in the region.

On the retail front, Liberty Fair Mall opened in 1989. In 2014, it was renamed the Village of Martinsville.

On October 28, 2021, Colorado-based apparel and footwear company VF Corporation announced it would continue to expand in Martinsville, creating 82 new jobs, while investing $10 million into the area. Other companies such as Georgia Pacific, Radial, Inc., Crown Holdings, and Eastman Chemical Company are also located in the area.

Government

Local government

The City of Martinsville operates under a council-manager government. The city council has five members who serve four-year terms. Every two years, the council elects a mayor and vice mayor from among its members. An appointed city manager controls daily operations and manages the city's activities. The law firm Sands Anderson serves as the city's attorney.

In April 2026, the city council released a forensic audit that studied large issues with financial controls during former City Manager Aretha Ferrell-Benavides's term of employment. While many expenses failed to comply with city policy and best financial practices, they were not identified as rising to the level of fraud. Other issues included employment documentation and outsize travel and office expenses of the city manager's office. Reforms have been underway, including increasing financial controls, revisiting more than 25 policies, requiring council approval for changes to the budget, increasing oversight over hiring, and improving standards for documentation.

Current council members:

LC Jones, Mayor

Kathy Lawson, Vice Mayor

Aaron Rawls

Rayshaun Gravely

Julian Mei

Federal, state, and county representation

The city of Martinsville and also Henry County is located in Virginia's 9th congressional district and is currently served by Republican Morgan Griffith. Martinsville is served by one member of the Virginia House of Delegates, Eric Philips (R-48th), and one member of the Virginia Senate, Bill Stanley (R-20th).

Politics

Beginning in the 1990s, Martinsville has consistently supported Democratic presidential candidates. In 2008, Barack Obama performed better in the city than any Democrat since 1944 with over 63% of the vote, and in all but one election since then, Democrats have continued to obtain over 60% of the vote.

Transportation

Interstate highways

I-73 (future)

US 58

US 220

SR 57

SR 87

SR 108

SR 174

SR 457

Public transportation

The Piedmont Area Regional Transit (PART) operates and serves the city of Martinsville. Routes include parts of both Martinsville and Henry county.

Air

Martinsville is served by two commercial airports. Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (IATA: ROA) in Roanoke, and Piedmont Triad International Airport (IATA: GSO) in Greensboro, North Carolina.

The Blue Ridge Airport, used for general aviation, is located 9 miles (14 km) outside the city.

Education

The city is served by Martinsville City Public Schools. There are five public schools in Martinsville:

Martinsville High School, opened in 1968 and serves roughly 580 students in grades 9–12.

Martinsville Middle School, originally built as a high school in 1939 and serves roughly 430 students in grades 6–8.

Albert Harris Elementary School, opened as a high school in 1958 and now serves roughly 490 students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The school is named after Albert Harris, an African-American minister who was a key advocate for the education of local African-American children.

Patrick Henry Elementary School, opened in 1950 and serves roughly 435 students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The school is named after founding father Patrick Henry.

Clearview Early Childhood Center, opened as an elementary school in 1954 and now serves roughly 140 students in preschool as part of the Virginia Preschool Initiative.

Piedmont Governor's School for Mathematics, Science, and Technology is a magnet school serving both 11th & 12th grade students who take advanced courses.

The city is also home to the K-12 private school, Carlisle School. The school serves approximately 400 students, about 130 of them are high school students. The School was established in 1968

Colleges and universities in Martinsville include the New College Institute and Patrick & Henry Community College, where students can also take satellite courses through Old Dominion University.

Religion

Houses of Worship in Martinsville:

First Baptist Church

Broad Street Christian Church

Christ Episcopal Church

Christ's Church

First Baptist Church of East Martinsville

Fayette Street Christian Church

First UMC Uptown Ministry Center

First Presbyterian Church

Refuge Temple Holiness Church

Galilean House of Worship

Starling Avenue Baptist Church

Hope Presbyterian Church

Temple Baptist Church

Rich Acres Christian Church

Woodland Heights Free Will Baptist Church

Fellowship Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Mountainview Missionary Baptist Church

CrossPoint Church

Arts and culture

Piedmont Arts Association: Established in 1961, this non-profit museum is a museum partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums

Virginia Museum of Natural History: Established in 1984, non-profit museum affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution

Events and festivals

Henry County Fair: An annual Fair held every September at the Martinsville Speedway.

Martinsville Uptown Oktoberfest: An annual family friendly event held in Uptown Martinsville featuring music, crafts, beer gardens, food, and many children's activities.

Wine by the River Festival

Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival

Martinsville Kiwanis Pancake Day: An annual fundraiser for the Kiwanis Youth Foundation that provides scholarships to the youth in the Martinsville-Henry County community

Sports

Martinsville is home to the Martinsville Mustangs of the Coastal Plain League, a collegiate summer baseball league. The Mustangs play at Hooker Field in Martinsville. The Mustangs began play for the league's 2005 season. Martinsville was also home to two Minor league baseball teams, Martinsville Astros and Martinsville Phillies both Class-A affiliates of the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies respectfully.

The Martinsville area is also home to Martinsville Speedway, which opened in 1947. The NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series hosts two races there every year while the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series hosts one race there every year. The speedway also host the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.

Notable people

Rabih Abdullah – NFL player

Dana Olden Baldwin – physician, businessman, veteran

Baton Bob − Costumed street performer,

Noel T. Boaz- American anthropologist

Buddy Arrington – former NASCAR driver

John Robert Brown – American politician

William Fields Carter (1908–1999) — member of the Virginia House of Delegates

Fred Dove – racing driver

H. Clay Earles – NASCAR team owner, founder and chairman of Martinsville Speedway

Greg Gaines – NFL player

Tony Gravely – UFC fighter

Clinton Gregory — American singer-songwriter

Carl Hairston – NFL player

George Hairston — plantation owner, former sheriff of Henry County, Brigadier General, War of 1812

Robert Hairston — American politician

Jeremy O. Harris — actor and playwright

Patrick Henry — American Founding Father (resided at Leatherwood Plantation, Henry County, outside current city limits)

Odell Hodge — played college basketball at Old Dominion University and former professional basketball player

Media

Print

Martinsville Bulletin, Martinsville's daily newspaper serving the city of Martinsville and Henry County, Virginia and is owned by Berkshire Hathaway.

Television

Martinsville is served by television stations in the Roanoke/Lynchburg television market. In addition Martinsville also receive television stations in the Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point television market.

WDBJ, CBS affiliate based in Roanoke

WSLS, NBC affiliate based in Roanoke

WSET, ABC affiliate based in Lynchburg

WFXR, Fox affiliate based in Roanoke

WWCW, Fox affiliate based in Lynchburg

WZBJ, an independent station, based in Roanoke, licensed in Danville

WPXR, ION affiliate based in Roanoke

Radio stations

WHEE 1370, broadcast station based in Martinsville

WROV-FM 96.3, commercial FM radio station licensed to Martinsville