About Pendleton County

Pendleton County was created in 1788 from parts of Augusta, Hardy, and Rockingham counties (Virginia) and named for Edmund Pendleton, a distinguished statesman and jurist of Virginia. It is the fifth largest county in the state, with a population of approximately 8000 people.

The county seat, Franklin, was settled by Francis (Frank) Evick and was originally named Frankford in his honor.

Located in the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia, Pendleton County’s east, west, and south borders are marked by the headwaters of the South Branch of the Potomac River. Pendleton County is 40 miles west of Harrisonburg, Va., and only 175 miles from Washington, D.C.

Spruce Knob is the highest point in the state, 4861 feet. The county is divided into three valleys by two mountains – South Fork Mountain and North Mountain – both ranges of the Allegheny Mountains. Pendleton County offers a variety of activities such as camping, fishing, mountain climbing, cycling, hunting, hiking trails, picnic areas, swimming, and boating, just waiting for the whole family to enjoy.