St. Paul - About Us

Getting to Know St. Paul

History / Culture

Chartered in 1911, St. Paul is nestled in one of the most beautiful, diverse areas of southwest Virginia. Located in the southeastern corner of Wise County and the western side of Russell County, the community enjoys a caring, small town atmosphere with deep-seated heritage.

Once dependent upon the Appalachian coalfields for economic vitality, St. Paul's community has overcome the decline of coal mining by concentrating their efforts on revitalization through the value and benefits of the unique environmental setting in and around St. Paul and the importance and appreciation of the diversity of the river valley called home.

St. Paul's economic base is well balanced and growing with a commitment of both residents and businesses to environmental protection and excellence. The Nature Conservancy continues to partner with St. Paul to help maintain the goal of being a national model for environmentally friendly revitalization, promoting nature-based tourism and growing commercial business while maintaining the small town way of life St. Paul is known for.

There's no better place to live and do business than amidst the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains on the shore of the Clinch River. But don't take our word for it... come see for yourself! The photo above is of Hillman House, one of the oldest buildings in town (the Railroad Museum is the oldest)... completely renovated and current home of the Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority and soon to be a welcome center for St. Paul's recreation and tourism venues.

For more on the history of St. Paul, click here... Local writer/hihstorian, Jerry Couch, shares the first 100 years of St. Paul from his unique point of view.

Future Plans / St. Paul Tomorrow

In 1998, with the help of the Nature Conservancy, a group of local residents established "St. Paul Tomorrow." The group's purpose is to create a vision of the future for the town, both environmentally and economically, and lay out a clear plan on how to get there. St. Paul Tomorrow is a reflection of its community. The members are linked together through the local high school, churches, businesses, town council, family, friends and neighbors. This show of support and interest has provided St. Paul Tomorrow with a strong community network. To learn more about the future plans of our community, click here...

Ecology / Recycling

St. Paul provides a recycling center downtown (across from the Town Hall) for paper, glass, plastic and aluminum. To learn more about St. Paul's commitment to preserving the diverse ecosystem of the Clinch Valley, The Nature Conservancy partners with St. Paul in preserving the area's natural resources, both in and around the town, now and for future generations. Read more here...

Estonoa Wetlands

Wetlands Estonoa is an ongoing project of Castlewood High School. It offers numerous opportunities for members of the high school to bring a part of St. Paul to learning centers as far away as San Francisco, California. Team Estonoa was presented the EPA's Region III Presidential Environmental Youth Award by President George Bush at the White House in 2005. The area offers a walking path, floating dock and features a learning center that can be used for luncheons or other events. To learn more about Wetlands Estonoa and the Vencil Learning Center, click here.

Oxbow Lake

Oxbow Lake is a vital part of the community of St. Paul. Oxbow's recreational area serves as a walking and biking path, a fishing and a picnic area.

Area schools also use its mile-round path to hold cross-country meets throughout the season.

A. R. Matthews Memorial Park

A. R. Matthews Memorial Park is one of the most used recreational sites in St. Paul. It includes a baseball field, tennis courts, basketball courts, playground, 2 open-air stages, public restrooms and a boat launch/dock. A skateboard park is a current addition. Covered picnic areas may be reserved through the town for no charge for large parties or groups.

Weather

St. Paul enjoys mild weather and the natural beauty of the changing seasons. The town is situated in the heart of the Clinch Valley, protected from most severe weather situations. Average daytime temperatures range from mid-70's to high-80's during the summer months and from low-30's to 50's during the winter with occasional overnight temps in the "teens." We enjoy light snow at times during the winter and early spring.

St. Paul, VA
Updated Sunday, February 05, 2012 8:53 AM