Named for its high altitude and boasting one of the smallest populations east of the Mississippi River, Highland County is nicknamed "Virginia's Little Switzerland." Although settlers began arriving in the area as early as 1745, Highland County was not officially formed until 1847. Portions were carved from neighboring Bath and Pendleton Counties to create the new county of Highland. The isolation of the area required great perseverance and commitment from the early German and Scotch Irish settlers, but in many ways, it gave the area its identity and character. Highland County has a rich tradition of both strong individualism and community spirit. With photographs from the 19th and