Christopher Gist explored the area later known as The Pound, likely derived from a family name, in 1751. The name became established following the construction of a pounding mill after 1815. According to tradition the oldest settlement in Wise Co., Pound was the last to be incorporated, in 1950. The county's first post office was established here in 1848. Chant Kelly, appointed postmaster in 1922, led efforts to promote growth, including paved roads and utilities. Other notables include the county’s most decorated soldier Daniel Webster Dotson, basketball legend Glenn Roberts, U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers, and motivational writer Napoleon Hill.