Town of Boydton Community Data
History
The town of Boydton , geographically centered in Mecklenburg County, is referred to as "the heart of Mecklenburg" and is its oldest town. Chartered in 1812, its rich history reaches back to the mid 1700's when a Scottish planter purchased land in 1760 that would later become the Town of Boydton. Mecklenburg was formed from Lunenburg County in 1764 and the courthouse area was known as the Village of Mecklenburg Court. A seperate history of the County and the Town would prove inextricable, as it is easily argued that the two are one and the same. The town became part of an early horse-breeding region in Colonial America and boasted one of the only mile-long oval tracks in the country. It was a glamorous time for Boydton in those days, with racing on a fine track and balls in Boyd Tavern, the center of social and cultural gatherings of the day. When the General Assembly outlawed race tracks in Virginia, the original Randolph-Macon College was built on the track grounds in 1832, and relocated to Ashland, Va in 1865. The tavern, built by Alexander Boyd, the town's namesake, provided dining and lodging for those that came to town for the racing, and later to the college. It served as a stagecoach stopover for the Boydton and Petersburg Plank Road timbered turnpike during the mid 19th century. Today, the tavern stands as a glorious reminder of those early glitter days. Having been renovated in the last 10 years with state and federal grant monies, it will once again be the center of social, educational, and cultural enlightenment.

In 2012, Boydton will celebrate the 200th anniversary of its charter as a town. The first recorded improvement was the town council's installation of oil lamps on the corners of courthouse square in 1874. Later decades brought prosperity, then decline. By the end of the 20th century a facelift was needed and the downtown area has undergone extensive renovation.

Local Economy
Boydton is a Virginia Main Street Affiliate and embraces the challenge to restructure its economy by promoting Heritage Tourism. Its rich history and architecturally correct and imposing housing and commercial building stock provide a firm foundation for this endeavor. As the county seat, its Greek Revival courthouse with hexastyle portico is closest in design to Jefferson's Capitol in Richmond. From its central location in a lush court square, it commands your attention, but is quite at home with the vintage buildings surrounding it. Quaint little restaurants around the square invite you to dine and a lovely bed and breakfast awaits your stay. The Boyd Tavern (circa 1790) is across the street and represents one of the finest works by Jacob Holt, a 19th century Virginia designer and builder. A walking tour is highlighted by the Boydton and Petersburg Plank Road replica which is earmarked for an expansion with a tobacco barn, hogheads, wagons, and a plot of tobacco on the site. The Roanoke River Rails to Trails is designated to come through Boydton, and a trailhead will be established. The Virgina Birding and Wildlife Trail also makes its way through Boydton. The cornerstone of Boydton's economic revitalization is the one of a kind, state of the art, comprehensive, primary care center known as HealthCare on the Square. It offers medical, dental, pharmacy, and fitness services with an array of body fitness equipment. Plans to provide a certified aerobics and yoga instructor are in the making and with future plans for a retirement community on the lake, HealthCare on the Square will meet the area medical and health maintenance needs. A fully accredited elementary school, a pedestrian-friendly, beautiful old downtown district, lovely homes of the Victorian era amid ancient trees and shaded lawns welcome you to a friendly, progressive southern Virginia town.
Government
The Town of Boydton is governed by a 6 member council presided by a mayor. Day to day operations are managed by a clerk-treasurer. The Historic Boydton Renaissance, Inc. (HBR), a sixteen member non-profit entity, was comissioned by the town in 1999 and charged with revitalization and ecomonic restructuring of the downtown. It also acts as a chamber of commerce. The Executive Director of HBR is also the clerk-treasurer assistant. The town is zoned and is in its comprehensive plan revision process. The Planning Commission is in the process of of proposing a town zoning ordinance amendment that would include an architectural review chief. Fire service is provided by a volunteer staff of 31and extends protection beyond the town corporate limits. The Boydton Life Station provides emergency rescue with a 22 memeber squad and offers mutual aid to other agencies.
Topography
Boydton's corporate are consists of one square mile and is situated on the Piedmont Physiographic province on flat to gently rolling terrain in the Roanoke River watershed.
Climate
A prevailing moderat climate offers year-round enjoyment with mild winters and warm summers.
Annual average rainfall - 37"
Annual average snowfall - 16.4" Temperatures average in January 37° and in July 77.5°
Prevailing winds: South-Southwest