Nelson County has an area of 473 square miles. It was formed in 1807 from Amherst and was named for General Thomas Nelson, Governor of Virginia in 1781. Oak Ridge, an old home, is in this county. Amherst County has an area of 470 square miles. It was formed in 1781 from Albemarle and was named for Jeffrey, Lord Amherst, a British commander in the French and Indian War. Balcony Falls are in this county.