Smyth County, with an area of 435 square miles, was formed in 1832 from Washington and Wythe counties 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, 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.