Glen Lyn, Virginia

Glen Lyn is an unincorporated community in Giles County, Virginia, United States, at the confluence of the East and New rivers. Glen Lyn was incorporated as a town in 1926, and remained so until 2024 after its residents voted to dissolve the town's charter and become an unincorporated community. The population was 95 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Blacksburg-Christiansburg metropolitan area.

History

Mr. John Toney built the first brick house in Giles County in 1780. Toney owned the land around his settlement and named the area Montreal. Over the years a post office was established giving Montreal a new name of Mouth of East River. Railroad workers of the Norfolk and Western Railway later gave it the name Hell’s Gate. The name changed once again to its current name, Glen Lyn, meaning lovely glen, after the railroad’s completion in 1883.

During the late 1800s, a few stores and a ferry were opened, however, the community did not experience any substantial growth until the construction of the Appalachian Power plant in 1919. This development increased the population of Glen Lyn from 50 to 400 people. on both sides of the New River. It is bordered to the west by the East River and by the state of West Virginia. U.S. Route 460 passes through the town, leading east (upstream along the New River) to Rich Creek and west to Princeton, West Virginia. Pearisburg, the Giles County seat, is southeast (up the New River) via US 460, and Blacksburg is southeast.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Glen Lyn had a total area of , of which are land and , or 12.22%, are water.

Climate

The climate in this area features moderate differences between highs and lows, and there is adequate rainfall year-round. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Glen Lyn has a marine west coast climate, abbreviated "Cfb" on climate maps.

Demographics

2020 census

As of the census of 2020, there were 95 people residing in the town. There were 51 housing units. The racial makeup of the town was 95.8% White, 0.0% African American or Black, 0.0% American Indian, 1.1% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 0.0% from other races, and 3.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.1% of the population.

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 115 people residing in the town. There were 58 housing units. The racial makeup of the town was 100.0% White. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.6% of the population.

2000 census

As of the census

Government

Prior to the dissolution of the town in 2024, the last mayor and town manager was J. Howard Spencer.

Transportation

Air

The Mercer County Airport and New River Valley Airport are the closest general aviation airports to the community. The Greenbrier Valley Airport and Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport are the closest airports with commercial service to the community.