A look into our past

Norton was settled in the late eighteenth century. William Prince settled in the area in 1787. Norton used to be called "Princes' Flats" named after Prince.  In 1890 it was later renamed Norton in honor of Mr. Eckstein Norton, President of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad.

The railroad business was what intentionally sparked interest and brought people and business here. On April 6, 1954, the Virginia General Assembly granted a City Charter to the Town of Norton, creating the first city this far south in Virginia. Today believe it or not, Norton is a focus point of Southwest Virginia.  

Below is a video I made of some old pictures of Norton and Wise County. I really hope you enjoy it!