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Coordinates: 38°24′59″N 78°56′22″W / 38.41639°N 78.93944°W / 38.41639; -78.93944
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{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name = Dayton, Virginia
| official_name = Dayton, Virginia
|settlement_type = [[Town]]
| settlement_type = [[Town]]
|nickname =
| nickname =
|motto =
| motto = <!-- Images -->
| image_skyline = MainStreetDaytonVirginia.jpg
| imagesize = 250px
| image_caption = Main Street, Dayton
| image_flag =
| image_seal = Seal of Dayton, Virginia.png


<!-- Maps -->| image_map = Dayton in Rockingham County, VA.svg
<!-- Images -->
|image_skyline = MainStreetDaytonVirginia.jpg
| mapsize = 266px
|imagesize = 250px
| map_caption = Location of Dayton within the Rockingham County
|image_caption = Main Street, Dayton
| image_map1 =
|image_flag =
| mapsize1 =
|image_seal = Seal of Dayton, Virginia.png
| map_caption1 =
| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name = United States
| subdivision_type1 = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Virginia]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Virginia|County]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Rockingham County, Virginia|Rockingham]]


<!-- Government -->| government_footnotes =
<!-- Maps -->
|image_map = VAMap-doton-Dayton.PNG
| government_type = Mayor and Town Council
|mapsize = 250px
| leader_title = [[Mayor]]
|map_caption = Location of Dayton, Virginia
| leader_name = Cary Jackson
|image_map1 =
| leader_title1 = [[Town Manager]]
|mapsize1 =
| leader_name1 = Angela Lawrence
|map_caption1 =
| established_title = Incorporated
| established_date = 1879


<!-- Area -->| unit_pref = Imperial
<!-- Location -->
| area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_51.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 7, 2020}}</ref>
|subdivision_type = [[List of countries|Country]]
|subdivision_name = United States
| area_magnitude =
| area_total_sq_mi = 1.03
|subdivision_type1 = [[US state|State]]
|subdivision_name1 = [[Virginia]]
| area_land_sq_mi = 1.03
| area_water_sq_mi = 0.00
|subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Virginia|County]]
|subdivision_name2 = [[Rockingham County, Virginia|Rockingham]]


<!-- Population -->| population_as_of = [[2010 United States Census|2010]]
<!-- Government -->
|government_footnotes =
| population_footnotes =
| population_total = 1530
|government_type = Mayor and Town Council
| population_density_sq_mi = 1587.78
|leader_title = [[Mayor]]
|leader_name = Charles T. Long
|leader_title1 = [[Vice Mayor]]
|leader_name1 = Josh O. Lyons
|established_title = Incorporated
|established_date = 1879


<!-- General information -->| timezone = [[Eastern Time Zone|Eastern (EST)]]
<!-- Area -->
| utc_offset = -5
|unit_pref = Imperial
|area_footnotes =
| timezone_DST = EDT
|area_magnitude =
| utc_offset_DST = -4
| elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/>
|area_total_km2 = 2.1
|area_land_km2 = 2.1
| elevation_ft = 1204
| coordinates = {{coord|38|24|59|N|78|56|22|W|region:US_type:city|display=inline,title}}
|area_water_km2 = 0.0
|area_total_sq_mi = 0.8
| postal_code_type = [[ZIP code]]
|area_land_sq_mi = 0.8
| postal_code = 22821
|area_water_sq_mi = 0.0
| area_code = [[Area code 540|540]]
| blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]

| blank_info = {{FIPS|51|21648}}
<!-- Population -->
| blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|population_as_of = 2009 U.S. Census estimate
| blank1_info = 1492844 <ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|1492844}}</ref>
|population_footnotes =
| website = [http://www.daytonva.us/ www.daytonva.us/]
|population_total = 1360
| footnotes =
|population_density_km2 = 647.6
| pop_est_as_of = 2019
|population_density_sq_mi = 1700
| pop_est_footnotes = <ref name="USCensusEst2019CenPopScriptOnlyDirtyFixDoNotUse"/>

| population_est = 1637
<!-- General information -->
| area_total_km2 = 2.67
|timezone = [[Eastern Time Zone|Eastern (EST)]]
|utc_offset = -5
| area_land_km2 = 2.67
|timezone_DST = EDT
| area_water_km2 = 0.00
| population_density_km2 = 612.82
|utc_offset_DST = -4
| pushpin_map = Virginia#USA
|elevation_footnotes =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Virginia
|elevation_m = 367
| pushpin_label_position = right
|elevation_ft = 1204
|coordinates = {{coord|38|24|59|N|78|56|22|W|region:US_type:city|display=inline,title}}
|postal_code_type = [[ZIP code]]
|postal_code = 22821
|area_code = [[Area code 540|540]]
|blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info = 51-21648<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=http://factfinder2.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |accessdate=2008-01-31 |title=American FactFinder |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911234518/http://factfinder2.census.gov |archivedate=2013-09-11 |df= }}</ref>
|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info = 1492844<ref name="GR3">{{cite web|url=http://geonames.usgs.gov|accessdate=2008-01-31|title=US Board on Geographic Names|publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]]|date=2007-10-25}}</ref>
|website = [http://www.daytonva.us/ www.daytonva.us/]
|footnotes =
}}
}}
'''Dayton''' is a town in [[Rockingham County, Virginia]], [[United States]]. The population is 1,530 as of the 2010 census. It is included in the [[Harrisonburg, Virginia]] [[Harrisonburg metropolitan area|Metropolitan Statistical Area]].
'''Dayton''' is a town in [[Rockingham County, Virginia]], United States. The population is 1,530 as of the 2010 census. It is included in the [[Harrisonburg, Virginia]] [[Harrisonburg metropolitan area|Metropolitan Statistical Area]].


==Geography==
==Geography==
Dayton is located at {{coord|38|24|59|N|78|56|22|W|type:city}} (38.416323, -78.939440).<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/gazette.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=2011-04-23|date=2011-02-12|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref> The town is approximately two miles southwest of [[Harrisonburg, Virginia|Harrisonburg]] and two miles northeast of [[Bridgewater, Virginia|Bridgewater]].
Dayton is located at {{coord|38|24|59|N|78|56|22|W|type:city}} (38.416323, -78.939440).<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2011-04-23|date=2011-02-12|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref> The town is approximately two miles southwest of [[Harrisonburg, Virginia|Harrisonburg]] and two miles northeast of [[Bridgewater, Virginia|Bridgewater]].


According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of 0.8&nbsp;square miles (2.1&nbsp;km²), all of it land.
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of 0.8&nbsp;square miles (2.1&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>), all of it land.


==History==
==History==
The town of Dayton is one of the oldest settled communities in [[Rockingham County, Virginia|Rockingham County]], and is the county's second oldest incorporated town, after [[Bridgewater, Virginia|Bridgewater]]. The first settler in Dayton was Daniel Harrison (c. 1702-1770), whose family settled along Cooks Creek, north of downtown. Daniel was the eldest son of Isaiah Harrison and second wife Abigail and was born in Oyster Bay, Long Island, NY.. Daniel's brother Thomas Harrison founded [[Harrisonburg, Virginia|Harrisonburg]] several miles to the northeast. They and their three brothers had migrated from New York to Delaware and then to Orange County Virginia before settling in the Shenandoah Valley.<ref>Harrison, J. Houston (1975), ''Settlers by the Long Grey Trail'', Genealogical Publ. Co.</ref>
The town of Dayton is one of the oldest settled communities in [[Rockingham County, Virginia|Rockingham County]], and is the county's second oldest incorporated town, after [[Bridgewater, Virginia|Bridgewater]]. The first settler in Dayton was Daniel Harrison (c. 1702–1770), whose family settled along Cooks Creek, north of downtown. Daniel was the eldest son of Isaiah Harrison and second wife Abigail and was born in Oyster Bay, Long Island, New York. Daniel's brother Thomas Harrison founded [[Harrisonburg, Virginia|Harrisonburg]] several miles to the northeast. They and their three brothers had migrated from New York to Delaware and then to Orange County Virginia before settling in the Shenandoah Valley.<ref>Harrison, J. Houston (1975), ''Settlers by the Long Grey Trail'', Genealogical Publ. Co.</ref>


The family homestead, a two-story stone house, as been owned and maintained since 1977 by a private, non-profit organization, Fort Harrison, Inc.<ref>http://www.virginia.org/site/description.asp?attrid=33160</ref> The town was known as Rifeville or Rifetown<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~varockbr/vatown.htm#Virginiatowns|title=VA Towns and Cities|first=Yvonne|last=James-Henderson|publisher=|accessdate=21 April 2017}}</ref> until 1833.<ref name="daytonva.us">http://www.daytonva.us/history.htm</ref>
The family homestead, a two-story stone house, has been owned and maintained since 1977 by a private, non-profit organization, Fort Harrison, Inc.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.virginia.org/site/description.asp?attrid=33160 |title=Daniel Harrison House (Fort Harrison) - Virginia is for Lovers |access-date=2011-03-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110106165751/http://www.virginia.org/site/description.asp?attrid=33160 |archive-date=2011-01-06 }}</ref> The town was known as Rifeville or Rifetown<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~varockbr/vatown.htm#Virginiatowns|title=VA Towns and Cities|first=Yvonne|last=James-Henderson|access-date=21 April 2017}}</ref> until 1833.<ref name="daytonva.us">{{cite web |url=http://www.daytonva.us/history.htm |title=The History of Dayton, VA |access-date=2011-03-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110504074837/http://www.daytonva.us/history.htm |archive-date=2011-05-04 }}</ref>


[[Shenandoah University]] has its roots in Dayton, when it was known as the Shenandoah College and Conservatory of Music. The college was organized in 1875 under the leadership of Rev. A.P. Funkhouser. This was a major institution in Dayton until 1960, when it moved to [[Winchester, Virginia|Winchester]]. College Street was named after the school and many of the street's buildings served as part of the campus.<ref name="daytonva.us"/>
[[Shenandoah University]] has its roots in Dayton, when it was known as the Shenandoah College and Conservatory of Music. The college was organized in 1875 under the leadership of Rev. A.P. Funkhouser. This was a major institution in Dayton until 1960, when it moved to [[Winchester, Virginia|Winchester]]. College Street was named after the school and many of the street's buildings served as part of the campus.<ref name="daytonva.us"/>


The [[Dayton Historic District (Dayton, Virginia)|Dayton Historic District]], [[Daniel Harrison House]], and [[Peter Paul House]] are listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]].<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|version=2010a}}</ref>
The [[Dayton Historic District (Dayton, Virginia)|Dayton Historic District]], [[Daniel Harrison House]], and [[Peter Paul House]] are listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]].<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|version=2010a}}</ref>

In 2018, a series of [[2018 Cargill strike|strikes and protests]] were held at the town's [[Cargill]] plant.<ref name="barnett nov 21">{{cite web|last1=Barnett|first1=Marina|title=Community Solidarity with Poultry Workers call for changes at Cargill|url=http://www.whsv.com/content/news/Community-Solidarity-with-Poultry-Workers-call-for-changes-at-Cargill-459174973.html|website=[[WHSV-TV]]|publisher=[[Gray Television]]|access-date=May 13, 2018|date=November 21, 2017}}</ref><ref name="Wood">{{cite web|last1=Wood|first1=Victoria|title=Nine protesters arrested outside Cargill in Dayton|url=http://www.whsv.com/content/news/Nine-protesters-arrested-outside-Cargill-in-Dayton--478826273.html|website=WHSV-TV|publisher=Gray Television|access-date=May 12, 2018|date=April 5, 2018}}</ref>

[[File:2016-06-26 16 21 24 View north along Virginia State Route 42 (John Wayland Highway) just north of Virginia State Route 290 (Huffman Drive) in Dayton, Rockingham County, Virginia.jpg|thumb|left|SR 42, the largest and busiest road in Dayton]]

==Transportation==
Primary road access to Dayton is provided by [[Virginia State Route 42]], which runs southwest to [[Bridgewater, Virginia|Bridgewater]] and northeast to [[Harrisonburg, Virginia|Harrisonburg]], where it connects with [[U.S. Route 33 in Virginia|U.S. Route 33]]. [[Virginia State Route 257]] also serves Dayton. SR 257 runs concurrently with SR 42 from Dayton southwest to Bridgewater, but heads westward from Dayton into the rural areas of southwestern Rockingham County. [[Virginia State Route 42 Business]] and [[Virginia State Route 290]] also serve as primary roadways within Dayton.


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
Line 106: Line 109:
|2000= 1344
|2000= 1344
|2010= 1530
|2010= 1530
|estyear=2015
|estyear=2019
|estimate=1588
|estimate=1637
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2015">{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/popest/data/cities/totals/2015/SUB-EST2015.html|title=Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Incorporated Places: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2015|accessdate=July 2, 2016}}</ref>
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2019CenPopScriptOnlyDirtyFixDoNotUse">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.2019.html|date=May 24, 2020|title=Population and Housing Unit Estimates|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=May 27, 2020}}</ref>
|footnote=<center>U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html |title=Census of Population and Housing |publisher=Census.gov |accessdate=June 4, 2015 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6YSasqtfX?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.census.gov%2Fprod%2Fwww%2Fdecennial.html |archivedate=May 12, 2015 |df= }}</ref></center>
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
}}
}}
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2" /> of 2000, 1,344 people, 542 households, and 383 families resided in the town. The [[population density]] was 1,657.2 people per square mile (640.6/km²). There were 565 housing units at an average density of 696.6 per square mile (269.3/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 94.20% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.67% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.37% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 2.90% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.86% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 6.62% of the population.
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=2008-01-31 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref> of 2000, 1,344 people, 542 households, and 383 families resided in the town. The [[population density]] was 1,657.2 people per square mile (640.6/km<sup>2</sup>). There were 565 housing units at an average density of 696.6 per square mile (269.3/km<sup>2</sup>). The racial makeup of the town was 94.20% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.67% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.37% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 2.90% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.86% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 6.62% of the population.


Of 542 households, 31.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.6% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.2% were not families. About 24.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 2.97.
Of 542 households, 31.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.6% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.2% were not families. About 24.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 2.97.


In the town, the population was distributed as 24.1% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 33.6% from 25 to 44, 19.9% from 45 to 64, and 15.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.5 males.
In the town, the population was distributed as 24.1% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 33.6% from 25 to 44, 19.9% from 45 to 64, and 15.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.5 males.


The median income for a household in the town was $35,958, and the median income for a family was $44,732. Males had a median income of $30,109 versus $23,906 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the town was $17,600. About 3.5% of families and 8.1% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 9.7% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.
The median income for a household in the town was $35,958, and the median income for a family was $44,732. Males had a median income of $30,109 versus $23,906 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the town was $17,600. About 3.5% of families and 8.1% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 9.7% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.

===Old Order Mennonites===

There are two different groups of [[Old Order Mennonites]] who live around Dayton: members of the [[Virginia Old Order Mennonite Conference]] and of the [[John Dan Wenger Mennonites]]. The latter are the more conservative ones. The two groups separated from each other in 1952/3. The total population of these two groups in the area is around 1,000 people.


==Climate==
==Climate==
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the [[Köppen Climate Classification]] system, Dayton has a [[humid subtropical climate]], abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=724171&cityname=Dayton,%20Virginia,%20United%20States%20of%20America&units=|title=Dayton, Virginia Köppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase)|publisher=|accessdate=21 April 2017}}</ref>
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the [[Köppen Climate Classification]] system, Dayton has a [[humid subtropical climate]], abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=724171&cityname=Dayton,%20Virginia,%20United%20States%20of%20America&units=|title=Dayton, Virginia Köppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase)|access-date=21 April 2017}}</ref>


== In Popular Culture ==
== In popular culture ==
The city is a setting in the music video for "Cheer Up" by the Korean pop group [[Twice_(band)|Twice]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7rCyll5AeY|title=TWICE "CHEER UP" M/V|first=|last=jypentertainment|date=24 April 2016|publisher=|accessdate=21 April 2017|via=YouTube}}</ref> The video depicts a member of the group performing outside of Dayton while dressed as a cowgirl.
The city is a setting in the music video for "Cheer Up" by the Korean pop group [[Twice]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7rCyll5AeY| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/c7rCyll5AeY| archive-date=2021-12-11 | url-status=live|title=TWICE "CHEER UP" M/V|last=jypentertainment|date=24 April 2016|access-date=21 April 2017|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The video depicts [[Chaeyoung]] performing outside (on a set) with a Dayton town sign, while dressed as a cowgirl.


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
<references />

{{Commons category|Dayton, Virginia}}


{{Virginia towns}}
{{Virginia towns}}
{{Rockingham County, Virginia}}
{{Rockingham County, Virginia}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Mennonitism in Virginia]]
[[Category:Towns in Rockingham County, Virginia]]
[[Category:Towns in Rockingham County, Virginia]]
[[Category:Towns in Virginia]]
[[Category:Harrisonburg metropolitan area]]

Latest revision as of 11:37, 4 May 2024

Dayton, Virginia
Town
Main Street, Dayton
Main Street, Dayton
Official seal of Dayton, Virginia
Seal
Location of Dayton within the Rockingham County
Location of Dayton within the Rockingham County
Dayton, Virginia is located in Virginia
Dayton, Virginia
Dayton, Virginia
Location in Virginia
Dayton, Virginia is located in the United States
Dayton, Virginia
Dayton, Virginia
Dayton, Virginia (the United States)
Coordinates: 38°24′59″N 78°56′22″W / 38.41639°N 78.93944°W / 38.41639; -78.93944
CountryUnited States
StateVirginia
CountyRockingham
Incorporated1879
Government
 • TypeMayor and Town Council
 • MayorCary Jackson
 • Town ManagerAngela Lawrence
Area
[1]
 • Total
1.03 sq mi (2.67 km2)
 • Land1.03 sq mi (2.67 km2)
 • Water0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
[2]
1,204 ft (367 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total
1,530
 • Estimate 
(2019)[3]
1,637
 • Density1,587.78/sq mi (612.82/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
22821
Area code540
FIPS code51-21648
GNIS feature ID1492844 [2]
Websitewww.daytonva.us/

Dayton is a town in Rockingham County, Virginia, United States. The population is 1,530 as of the 2010 census. It is included in the Harrisonburg, Virginia Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography

[edit]

Dayton is located at 38°24′59″N 78°56′22″W / 38.41639°N 78.93944°W / 38.41639; -78.93944 (38.416323, -78.939440).[4] The town is approximately two miles southwest of Harrisonburg and two miles northeast of Bridgewater.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.8 square miles (2.1 km2), all of it land.

History

[edit]

The town of Dayton is one of the oldest settled communities in Rockingham County, and is the county's second oldest incorporated town, after Bridgewater. The first settler in Dayton was Daniel Harrison (c. 1702–1770), whose family settled along Cooks Creek, north of downtown. Daniel was the eldest son of Isaiah Harrison and second wife Abigail and was born in Oyster Bay, Long Island, New York. Daniel's brother Thomas Harrison founded Harrisonburg several miles to the northeast. They and their three brothers had migrated from New York to Delaware and then to Orange County Virginia before settling in the Shenandoah Valley.[5]

The family homestead, a two-story stone house, has been owned and maintained since 1977 by a private, non-profit organization, Fort Harrison, Inc.[6] The town was known as Rifeville or Rifetown[7] until 1833.[8]

Shenandoah University has its roots in Dayton, when it was known as the Shenandoah College and Conservatory of Music. The college was organized in 1875 under the leadership of Rev. A.P. Funkhouser. This was a major institution in Dayton until 1960, when it moved to Winchester. College Street was named after the school and many of the street's buildings served as part of the campus.[8]

The Dayton Historic District, Daniel Harrison House, and Peter Paul House are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[9]

In 2018, a series of strikes and protests were held at the town's Cargill plant.[10][11]

SR 42, the largest and busiest road in Dayton

Transportation

[edit]

Primary road access to Dayton is provided by Virginia State Route 42, which runs southwest to Bridgewater and northeast to Harrisonburg, where it connects with U.S. Route 33. Virginia State Route 257 also serves Dayton. SR 257 runs concurrently with SR 42 from Dayton southwest to Bridgewater, but heads westward from Dayton into the rural areas of southwestern Rockingham County. Virginia State Route 42 Business and Virginia State Route 290 also serve as primary roadways within Dayton.

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1880258—
1900425—
191051621.4%
1920482−6.6%
193053711.4%
194063217.7%
195078824.7%
196093018.0%
19709785.2%
19801,0174.0%
1990921−9.4%
20001,34445.9%
20101,53013.8%
2019 (est.)1,637[3]7.0%
U.S. Decennial Census[12]

As of the census[13] of 2000, 1,344 people, 542 households, and 383 families resided in the town. The population density was 1,657.2 people per square mile (640.6/km2). There were 565 housing units at an average density of 696.6 per square mile (269.3/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 94.20% White, 0.67% African American, 0.37% Asian, 2.90% from other races, and 1.86% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.62% of the population.

Of 542 households, 31.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.6% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.2% were not families. About 24.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the town, the population was distributed as 24.1% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 33.6% from 25 to 44, 19.9% from 45 to 64, and 15.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.5 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $35,958, and the median income for a family was $44,732. Males had a median income of $30,109 versus $23,906 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,600. About 3.5% of families and 8.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.7% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.

Old Order Mennonites

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There are two different groups of Old Order Mennonites who live around Dayton: members of the Virginia Old Order Mennonite Conference and of the John Dan Wenger Mennonites. The latter are the more conservative ones. The two groups separated from each other in 1952/3. The total population of these two groups in the area is around 1,000 people.

Climate

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The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Dayton has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[14]

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The city is a setting in the music video for "Cheer Up" by the Korean pop group Twice.[15] The video depicts Chaeyoung performing outside (on a set) with a Dayton town sign, while dressed as a cowgirl.

References

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  1. ^ "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
  2. ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Dayton, Virginia
  3. ^ a b "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". United States Census Bureau. May 24, 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  4. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  5. ^ Harrison, J. Houston (1975), Settlers by the Long Grey Trail, Genealogical Publ. Co.
  6. ^ "Daniel Harrison House (Fort Harrison) - Virginia is for Lovers". Archived from the original on 2011-01-06. Retrieved 2011-03-10.
  7. ^ James-Henderson, Yvonne. "VA Towns and Cities". Retrieved 21 April 2017.
  8. ^ a b "The History of Dayton, VA". Archived from the original on 2011-05-04. Retrieved 2011-03-10.
  9. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  10. ^ Barnett, Marina (November 21, 2017). "Community Solidarity with Poultry Workers call for changes at Cargill". WHSV-TV. Gray Television. Retrieved May 13, 2018.
  11. ^ Wood, Victoria (April 5, 2018). "Nine protesters arrested outside Cargill in Dayton". WHSV-TV. Gray Television. Retrieved May 12, 2018.
  12. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  13. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  14. ^ "Dayton, Virginia Köppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase)". Retrieved 21 April 2017.
  15. ^ jypentertainment (24 April 2016). "TWICE "CHEER UP" M/V". Archived from the original on 2021-12-11. Retrieved 21 April 2017 – via YouTube.
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