My Hometown: Ferrum, Virginia
Vol. III, No. 123- Today Troy Resident Karen Boone talks about her hometown in southern Virginia
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One of the many fascinating aspects of this publication is that Civic Capacity is read literally all over the country — 48 of our nation’s 50 states and even in 41 countries. There are people literally all over the world that have taken an interest in the things that are happening here in our hometowns in Western Ohio.
And it made me think about our readers and their hometowns. Where do our readers come from? What about the places that they call home?
I deeply believe that the places that we grew up and call home deeply shape who we are and are filled with interesting stories and I want to help the story of not only my own hometown, but the hometown of others as well. Today, we are kicking off the “My Hometown” series with an introduction to Ferrum, Virginia.
Located in the southern part of Virigina nestled between U. S. 220 and U. S. 221, is a small town called Ferrum, tucked among the hills of Franklin County. And today’s story teller is Karen Boone.
Currently, Karen calls Troy home and she is active in the community, for one, both Karen and I serve on the board at the Lincoln Community Center. She works and lives downtown and has been a rockstar for our community. And though she lives in Troy, Karen was born in Roanoke, Virginia and calles Ferrum her hometown. Her roots stretch deep into Ferrum’s rural landscape—where her family still lives, and moonshine once built the region’s reputation.
Civic Capacity: Wow, Ferrum has a colorful history. Do you still consider it your hometown?
Karen Boone: It will always be home. My parents still live there, and my three siblings, their families, and some of my dad’s extended relatives are all close by.
Civic Capacity: What’s Ferrum like—how big is it?
Karen Boone: Ferrum had a population of 1,622, according to the 2023 census. My family’s always been out in the country, not inside Ferrum’s city limits. I grew up on a small farm where my brother and his family live now—my dad raised beef cattle and grew the hay to feed them, and he and my brother still do.
Ferrum is home to Ferrum College, which offers more than 50 areas of study, including one of the nation’s first environmental studies programs. The Blue Ridge Folklife Festival is a big event each year.
Civic Capacity: When you think about Ferrum, do you still have good memories?
Karen Boone: Absolutely. It’s rural—some would call it backwoods—but people have big hearts, and it’s beautiful, both the place and the people.
Civic Capacity: Do you make it back often?
Karen Boone: As often as possible, but it’s not as much as I’d like. It’s a 7-hour drive—easy for a weekend, but not every month. The closest airport is Roanoke Regional, which is smaller than Dayton, and there’s no direct flight. I’ve only flown home twice in the twenty-plus years I’ve lived here. I try not to miss any major events. It took me a few years to realize how much I missed the coziness of the mountains, the curvy roads, and the quiet of rural life. Long stretches of corn and soybean fields just don’t fill me up the same way. Although, I don’t miss those hills and mountains when I’m out running or biking!
Civic Capacity: What still holds your heart about Ferrum?
Karen Boone: Family, friends, the community and the church I grew up in. My parents did a wonderful job instilling a sense of community in us—it was important to them that we belonged, everywhere. Most of our life was spent in Rocky Mount, a 15-minute drive from Ferrum. That’s where the nearest grocery was, where I went to private school, where my dad worked and where I got my first job. Rocky Mount’s a little larger, around 4,971 people.
Franklin County is known as the land between the lakes—Smith Mountain Lake to the east and Philpott Lake to the west. We spent a lot of time swimming with cousins, visiting the dam, and traveling all over the county with my dad, who runs a farm equipment dealership. Franklin County also has the Booker T. Washington National Monument. Roanoke, nearby, is home to the Mill Mountain Star and Zoo. All of it is full of memories.
Civic Capacity: What made you leave Ferrum? Do you ever think about going back?
Karen Boone: There was a lot happening in my family when I moved to Ohio. My younger sister was struggling with mental health, and my parents were doing everything they could to help her—I didn’t need to be another parent. They did an amazing job. Today, she has her master’s in counseling, and she’s a mental health counselor in Roanoke, living with her rescue dog, Sampson. Her story is one our whole family celebrates.
I think about going back—a lot. I would in a heartbeat if anyone in my family needed something. But most of my career has taken shape here in Troy, and in some ways going back feels like it’d be a step backward, even if it isn’t. My family’s business is still there, so maybe there’s a role for me someday, but I’ve built a life in Troy now. Rocky Mount is growing and thriving, and it’s exciting to see my friends and family shaping that. So, there’s always a little pull south, but I’m happy with the life I have. You can take the girl out of the south, but you can’t take the south out of the girl.
Thank you to Karen for kicking off this series telling us about her hometown of Ferrum, Virginia. If you would like to talk about your hometown, please reach out to me via email at pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com.
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