In 1775 Amherst County, which then included Nelson County, had a population of 5296 whites and 2750 Negroes. This presents a picture of Amherst County in the relatively small thirteen colonies far different from the false one often given of the "sparsely settled frontier." Men of ability came early to the county. They played an important part in the Revolution that created the commonwealth and nation. The Amherst County Story is part of The Virginia Saga. Such has this been through two hundred years--the ups and downs of a county and state that at times produced great men but, more often, despairing and discontented men who left. -- Pg. 3.