Smyth County, with an area of 435 square miles, was formed in 1832 from Washington and Wythe and was named for General Alexander Smyth, a member of Congress for many years. Salt works here were operated at an early date, and at Saltville a battle was fought in 1864. Washington County, with an area of 604 square miles, was formed in 1776 from Fincastle and was named for George Washington; this county was the first locality named for him. General William Campbell, hero of King's Mountain, lived in this county, and Emory and Henry College is here.