Martinsville, Virginia

Martinsville was founded by American Revolutionary War General, Native American agent and explorer Joseph Martin, born in Albemarle County.[https://books.google.com/books?id=z2VzSg9hfp0C&pg=PA611 Virginia: A Guide to the Old Dominion (Sixth Printing, 1956). Virginia Writers' Project, Work Projects Administration. p. 611. New York: Oxford University Press]. Books.google.com. Retrieved on May 9, 2012. He developed his plantation Scuffle Hill on the banks of the Smith River near the present-day southern city limits. General Martin and revolutionary patriot Patrick Henry, who lived briefly in Henry County and for whom the county is named, were good friends.{{Cite web|url=https://martinsvillebulletin.com/news/looking-back-on-southside-three-transitions/article_40fdd106-e930-11e7-a12a-6f4f75b1b579.html|title=Looking back on Southside: Three transitions|last=Dorsey|first=Barry|date=December 24, 2017|website=Martinsville Bulletin|access-date=December 24, 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://henrycountyenterprise.com/local-author-explores-martinsville-henry-county-history-through-a-new-lens/|title=Local author explores Martinsville, Henry County history through a new lens|date=September 26, 2019|website=Henry County Enterprise|access-date=April 24, 2023}}

DuPont in 1941 built a large manufacturing plant for producing textile nylon filament, a vital war material. During the Cold War, the city was identified as a target for strategic bombing by the Soviet Union. This nylon production jump-started the growth of the textiles industry in the area.{{cite web|url=https://greensboro.com/dupont-to-shut-area-nylon-plant-600-people-will-lose-jobs-by-98/article_93c4be91-d53a-529c-b939-186a8c6282fa.html|title=DuPont To Shut Area Nylon Plant; 600 People Will Lose Jobs By '98|date=August 27, 1996|website=Greensboro News & Record|access-date=April 24, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.chattanoogan.com/2008/7/20/131774/Remembering-When-The-DuPont-Plant.aspx|title=Remembering When The DuPont Plant Opened 60 Years Ago|last=Shearer|first=John|date=July 20, 2008|website=Chattanoogan.com|access-date=April 30, 2023}}

In 1947, the paperclip-shaped oval Martinsville Speedway opened. In use by NASCAR since their inaugural season in 1949, it is still in operation by the racing organization today. The speedway is the shortest oval in NASCAR.{{cite web|url=https://www.nascarhall.com/blog/martinsville-speedway-turns-75|title=Martinsville Speedway Turns 75|last=Jensen|first=Tom|date=April 5, 2022|website=NASCAR Hall of Fame|access-date=September 22, 2023}}

For several years Martinsville was known as the "Sweatshirt Capital of the World", and in the 1980s it boasted of having more millionaires per capita than any city in America.Derks, Scott. Working Americans, 1880-1999: Sports & recreation, 2000, page 426.{{Cite web|url=https://henrycountyenterprise.com/martinsvilles-textile-heritage-celebrated-at-founders-day/|title=Martinsville's textile heritage celebrated at Founders Day|last=Hietala|first=Callie|date=March 25, 2022|website=Henrycountyenterprise.com|access-date=July 4, 2022}}{{Cite web|url=https://unityarchiveproject.org/article/organizing-the-souths-sweatshirt-capital/|title=Organizing the South's 'Sweatshirt Capital'|last=Young|first=Denise|date=July 2, 2022|website=unityarchiveproject.org|access-date=July 4, 2022}}

Business leaders in the mid-20th century, like Whitney Shumate, worked to improve sub-standard housing in Martinsville. He helped clear out a portion of Martinsville called "Mill Town", which had sub-standard rental housing originally provided for 19th century employees of a now defunct cotton mill. New homes were constructed in the neighborhood, built with sound materials and with all city services for the first time. What had originally been considered a depressed civic area rapidly became a center of progress as middle class Black residents finally began to prosper. As an editorial in the local newspaper noted, "One of the projects which won him considerable attention and praise was the instigation of the redevelopment of what was once known as Martinsville Cotton Mill Village. He and associates purchased about 50 houses in North Martinsville, and using private capital rather than federal aid, rebuilt them into comfortably inhabitable homes, making it possible for many persons to purchase homes within their financial range."Martinsville Bulletin. March 3, 1966. "City Loses Citizen who Helped Make it a Better Community."

In the early 1990s, changing global economic conditions and new trade treaties made Martinsville textiles and furniture manufacturing economically unsustainable. Many firms closed shop and laid off thousands of workers; the production moved offshore to other countries.[http://www.roanoke.com/roatimes/henry/henry1.html "Threadbare: The Unravelling of Henry County"] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120911051202/http://www.roanoke.com/roatimes/henry/henry1.html |date=September 11, 2012 }}, The Roanoke Times, 17 August 2002. (August 17, 2002). Retrieved on May 9, 2012. The city is repositioning itself long-term as a center for technology development and manufacturing.

MZM, Inc. opened a facility in Martinsville as part of the Cunningham scandal.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/duke-of-deception/#|title='Duke' Of Deception|last=Rozen|first=Laura|date=January 13, 2006|publisher=CBS News|access-date=February 20, 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2006/08/01/pentagon-to-scrap-site-connected-to-scandal-span-classbankheadrep-goodes-earmark-led-to-contract-awardspan/c7e2d982-ba1c-4531-84a1-1e8942a90dce/|title=Pentagon To Scrap Site Connected To Scandal Rep. Goode's Earmark Led to Contract Award|last=Pincus|first=Walter|date=August 1, 2006|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=April 26, 2023}}

Memorial Hospital of Martinsville (now combined with the hospital in Danville, Virginia to become [http://www.sovahhealth.com/ Sovah Health].) serves the greater Martinsville and Henry County area.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sovahhealth.com/patients-visitors/about-us/sovah-health-martinsville|title=Sovah Health – Martinsville|website=www.sovahhealth.com|publisher=Sovah Health|date=February 3, 2017|access-date=February 20, 2020}} The earliest local hospital was the 50-bed Shackelford Hospital,{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20170314224644/http://mhchistoricalsociety.com/Education/Articles/tabid/1398/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/15/The-Doctors-Shackelford-and-the-Shackelford-Hospital.aspx The Doctors Shackelford and the Shackelford Hospital, Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society]}}. Mhchistoricalsociety.com (October 8, 2009). Retrieved on May 9, 2012. founded by Dr. Jesse Martin Shackelford,{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20110714082415/http://mhchistoricalsociety.com/Education/Articles/tabid/1398/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/9/Dr-Jesse-Martin-Shackelford-MD-1869-1941.aspx Jesse Martin Shackelford, M.D., Martinsville Henry County Historical Society]}}. Mhchistoricalsociety.com (October 6, 2009). Retrieved on May 9, 2012. who was later joined by surgeon son Dr. John Armstrong Shackelford, an early graduate of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20110714081736/http://mhchistoricalsociety.com/Education/Articles/tabid/1398/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/10/John-Armstrong-Shackelford-MD-1893-1956.aspx John Armstrong Shackelford, M.D., Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society]}}. Mhchistoricalsociety.com (October 6, 2009). Retrieved on May 9, 2012. Founder of the Hospital Association of Virginia, Dr. Jesse Shackelford was an early advocate of comprehensive care for state citizens. Shackelford Hospital was sold in 1946, and Martinsville General Hospital subsequently opened with Dr. John Shackelford as its first chief surgeon.[http://www.martinsvillehospital.org/CustomPage.asp?guidCustomContentID=0CA968CC-A380-49D1-B31C-CF2C520E62AC The History of Memorial Hospital] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090829185222/http://www.martinsvillehospital.org/CustomPage.asp?guidCustomContentID=0CA968CC-A380-49D1-B31C-CF2C520E62AC |date=August 29, 2009 }}. Martinsvillehospital.org. Retrieved on May 9, 2012. In 1970 Memorial Hospital of Martinsville opened its doors, replacing Martinsville General.

In 2008, then Illinois Democratic Senator and 44th President of the United States Barack Obama held a campaign stop in Martinsville.{{Cite web|url=https://richmond.com/news/obama-to-visit-martinsville-with-warner/article_049f15cf-462a-5645-90b2-e0dbf738c6c7.html|title=Obama to visit Martinsville with Warner|last=Meola|first=Olympia|date=August 17, 2008|website=Richmond Times Dispatch|access-date=November 17, 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://roanoke.com/archive/economy-key-during-barack-obamas-virginia-trip/article_c5154ec0-1117-514b-8556-920d7d0a82e0.html|title=Economy key during Barack Obama's Virginia trip|last=Sluss|first=Michael|date=June 7, 2019|website=Roanoke.com|access-date=November 17, 2021}}

On January 2, 2013, Kim Adkins was re-elected as mayor.{{cite web|url=https://martinsvillebulletin.com/news/local/breaking-news-adkins-teague-elected-by-council/article_1f7f933d-8f5e-5008-9165-6c54bc843eeb.html|title=Breaking News: Adkins, Teague elected by city council|date=January 2, 2013|website=Martinsville Bulletin|access-date=September 30, 2023}}

In August 2021, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam pardoned all 7 African-American men of the Martinsville Seven.{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/martinsville-seven-northam-pardon-virginia/2021/08/31/1dc54a68-09d7-11ec-aea1-42a8138f132a_story.html|title=Northam grants posthumous pardons to the Martinsville Seven, Black men executed in 1951 for rape|last=Schneider|first=Gregory|date=August 31, 2021|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=November 15, 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/31/us/martinsville-seven-posthumous-pardons.html|title=70 Years after being executed for rape, 7 Black Men are pardoned in Virginia|last=Vigdor|first=Neil|date=August 31, 2021|website=New York Times|access-date=November 15, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/31/us/martinsville-seven-7-young-black-men-pardon/index.html|title=7 Black men were executed for an alleged rape in 1951, Now they've been pardoned|last=Sgueglia|first=Kristina|date=September 2, 2021|website=CNN|access-date=February 20, 2023}}

On January 3, 2023, L.C. Jones was elected as new mayor.{{cite web|url=https://henrycountyenterprise.com/jones-rawls-elected-as-mayor-and-vice-mayor/|title=Jones, Rawls elected as mayor and vice mayor|last=Oliver|first=Maddy|date=January 5, 2023|website=Henry County Enterprise|access-date=June 15, 2023}}

Martinsville's relationship with Henry County is somewhat complex. Martinsville was fully included in Henry County's jurisdiction until it was declared a city by court order in 1928.{{cite web|title=The Hornbook of Virginia History: Cities of Virginia|publisher=Library of Virginia|website=Encyclopedia Virginia: Virginia Humanities|url=https://www.encyclopediavirginia.org/cities_of_virginia|date=19 December 2016|access-date=30 January 2020}} As with all cities in Virginia, Martinsville's incorporation as a city made it independent from Henry County's jurisdiction. Although Martinsville technically remains the county seat of Henry County, nearby Collinsville serves as the de facto county seat, as it is where the county's primary administrative and judicial offices are located. However, the future of this jurisdictional arrangement became unclear when Martinsville's city council unanimously voted in favor of beginning the process of reverting from a city to a town (which would reincorporate it into the county's jurisdiction) on December 10, 2019,{{cite web|title=Martinsville Reversion|website=Henry County|url=https://www.henrycountyva.gov/reversion|access-date=30 January 2020}} citing economic and demographic concerns.{{cite web|title=After Nearly 70 Years in the Making, City of Martinsville Begins Process of Reversion to Town Status|first=Shayne|last=Dwyer|website=WSLS10|url=https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2019/12/11/after-nearly-70-years-in-the-making-city-of-martinsville-begins-process-of-reversion-to-town-status/|date=11 December 2019|access-date=30 January 2020}} The time frame for this reversion remains unclear, as the city's petition to revert must first be approved by a three-judge panel in the state courts, after which begins a complex process of negotiation with the county over the division of responsibilities.{{Cite web|url=https://wset.com/news/local/martinsvilles-reversion-to-town-moves-forward-following-commissions-recommendation-henry-county-virginia|title=Martinsville's reversion to town moves forward following commission's recommendation|last=Crews|first=Daniel|date=October 15, 2021|website=WSET.com|access-date=October 15, 2021}} On January 11, 2023, the city council voted to end the reversion process.{{cite web|url=https://wset.com/news/local/martinsville-reversion-city-council-votes-ends-process-5-years-after-filing-town-henry-county-january-2023|title=We kept dumping money into a pit: Martinsville Council votes to end reversion process|last=Frolo|first=Caitlyn|date=January 11, 2023|website=WSET.com|access-date=June 15, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/01/11/city-of-martinsville-votes-to-end-reversion-process/|title=City of Martinsville votes to end reversion process|last=Graham|first=Alli|date=January 11, 2023|website=WSLS.com|access-date=June 15, 2023}}

The Beaver Creek Plantation,{{cite web|url=https://www.hairston.org/ui16.htm|title=Beaver Creek, Henry County, Virginia|website=Hairston.org|access-date=June 14, 2023}}John Waddey Carter House,{{cite web|url=https://www.virginia.org/listing/the-grey-lady/4757/|title=The Grey Lady – Virginia is For Lovers|website=Virginia.org|access-date=June 14, 2023}} Dry Bridge School,{{cite web|url=https://www.wdbj7.com/2021/10/02/dry-bridge-school-state-historical-marker-unveiled-martinsville/|title=Dry Bridge School State Historical Marker unveiled in Martinsville|last=Thomas|first=Will|date=October 2, 2021|website=WDBJ7.com|access-date=June 14, 2023}} East Church Street-Starling Avenue Historic District,{{cite web|url=https://martinsvillebulletin.com/lifestyles/area-houses-recognized-as-historically-significant/article_79aa589e-23cd-11ed-b926-cf3e7c282a88.html|title=Area houses recognized as historically significant|last=Kozelsky|first=Holly|date=September 4, 2022|website=Martinsville Bulletin|access-date=June 14, 2023}} Fayette Street Historic District, Little Post Office,{{cite web|url=https://martinsvillebulletin.com/lifestyles/come-visit-the-historic-little-post-office/article_65f31427-ee5a-5926-b993-89ed65cfe2b2.html|title=Come, visit the Historic Little Post Office|last=Kozelsky|first=Holly|date=May 3, 2015|website=Martinsville Bulletin|access-date=June 15, 2023}} Martinsville Fish Dam,{{cite web|url=https://www.virginia.org/listing/martinsville-fish-dam-on-smith-river/237/|title=Martinsville Fish Dam on Smith River – Virginia Is For Lovers|website=Virginia.org|access-date=June 15, 2023}} Martinsville Historic District,

Martinsville Novelty Corporation Factory,{{cite web|url=https://martinsvillebulletin.com/news/local/martinsville-eyesore-may-get-a-new-look/article_604d41bc-b77f-5222-90ae-b6e6c2a5c040.html|title=Martinsville eyesore may get a new look|last=Kozelsky|first=Holly|date=February 28, 2019|website=Martinsville Bulletin|access-date=June 15, 2023}} and Scuffle Hill are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.{{NRISref|version=2010a}}

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of {{convert|11.0|sqmi|1}}, of which {{convert|11.0|sqmi|1}} is land and {{convert|0.1|sqmi|1}} (0.5%) is water.{{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}} The north side of the city has the highest average elevation. The east side slopes gradually down to the Smith River on the south side. The west side is hilly. Martinsville is located in the Southern Virginia region near the Virginia–North Carolina state line and is {{convert|17|mi|km}} northwest of Eden, North Carolina,{{cite web|url=https://www.distance-cities.com/distance-eden-nc-to-martinsville-va|title=Distance between Eden, NC and Martinsville, VA|website=distance-cities.com|access-date=February 22, 2023}} {{convert|30|mi|km}} northwest of Danville,{{Cite web|url=https://www.distance-cities.com/distance-danville-va-to-martinsville-va|title=Distance between Danville, VA and Martinsville, VA|website=www.distance-cities.com|access-date=July 29, 2021}} {{convert|48|mi|km}} north of Greensboro, North Carolina.{{Cite web|url=https://www.distance-cities.com/distance-greensboro-nc-to-martinsville-va|title=Distance between Greensboro, NC and Martinsville, VA|website=www.distance-cities.com|access-date=July 29, 2021}} {{convert|51|mi|km}} south of Roanoke,{{Cite web|url=https://www.distance-cities.com/distance-roanoke-va-to-martinsville-va|title=Distance between Roanoke, VA and Martinsville, VA|website=www.distance-cities.com|access-date=July 29, 2021}} and {{convert|54|mi|km}} northeast of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.{{cite web|url=https://www.distance-cities.com/distance-winston-salem-nc-to-martinsville-va|title=Distance between Winston-Salem, NC and Martinsville, VA|website=distance-cities.com|access-date=February 22, 2023}}

{{Weather box

|location = Martinsville, Virginia (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1937–present)

|single line = Y

|Jan record high F = 79

|Feb record high F = 82

|Mar record high F = 89

|Apr record high F = 92

|May record high F = 101

|Jun record high F = 102

|Jul record high F = 104

|Aug record high F = 105

|Sep record high F = 101

|Oct record high F = 95

|Nov record high F = 86

|Dec record high F = 82

|year record high F = 105

|Jan high F = 48.4

|Feb high F = 52.2

|Mar high F = 60.3

|Apr high F = 70.8

|May high F = 77.7

|Jun high F = 84.7

|Jul high F = 88.0

|Aug high F = 85.9

|Sep high F = 79.8

|Oct high F = 70.7

|Nov high F = 60.3

|Dec high F = 51.1

|year high F = 69.2

|Jan mean F = 36.1

|Feb mean F = 38.9

|Mar mean F = 45.9

|Apr mean F = 55.6

|May mean F = 64.0

|Jun mean F = 72.0

|Jul mean F = 76.0

|Aug mean F = 74.2

|Sep mean F = 67.6

|Oct mean F = 56.7

|Nov mean F = 46.0

|Dec mean F = 38.7

|year mean F = 56.0

|Jan low F = 23.8

|Feb low F = 25.5

|Mar low F = 31.6

|Apr low F = 40.4

|May low F = 50.3

|Jun low F = 59.2

|Jul low F = 64.0

|Aug low F = 62.6

|Sep low F = 55.5

|Oct low F = 42.8

|Nov low F = 31.7

|Dec low F = 26.3

|year low F = 42.8

|Jan record low F = −7

|Feb record low F = −7

|Mar record low F = -3

|Apr record low F = 18

|May record low F = 26

|Jun record low F = 35

|Jul record low F = 43

|Aug record low F = 41

|Sep record low F = 30

|Oct record low F = 14

|Nov record low F = 5

|Dec record low F = −2

|year record low F = -7

|precipitation colour = green

|Jan precipitation inch = 3.83

|Feb precipitation inch = 3.04

|Mar precipitation inch = 4.08

|Apr precipitation inch = 3.60

|May precipitation inch = 4.50

|Jun precipitation inch = 4.41

|Jul precipitation inch = 4.01

|Aug precipitation inch = 4.17

|Sep precipitation inch = 5.09

|Oct precipitation inch = 3.57

|Nov precipitation inch = 3.33

|Dec precipitation inch = 3.72

|year precipitation inch = 47.35

|Jan snow inch = 3.3

|Feb snow inch = 2.4

|Mar snow inch = 1.7

|Apr snow inch = 0.0

|May snow inch = 0.0

|Jun snow inch = 0.0

|Jul snow inch = 0.0

|Aug snow inch = 0.0

|Sep snow inch = 0.0

|Oct snow inch = 0.0

|Nov snow inch = 0.0

|Dec snow inch = 2.0

|year snow inch = 9.4

|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in

|Jan precipitation days = 9.5

|Feb precipitation days = 9.1

|Mar precipitation days = 10.5

|Apr precipitation days = 9.7

|May precipitation days = 12.0

|Jun precipitation days = 11.3

|Jul precipitation days = 11.7

|Aug precipitation days = 9.8

|Sep precipitation days = 9.0

|Oct precipitation days = 8.0

|Nov precipitation days = 8.2

|Dec precipitation days = 9.9

|year precipitation days = 118.7

|unit snow days = 0.1 in

|Jan snow days = 0.7

|Feb snow days = 0.4

|Mar snow days = 0.5

|Apr snow days = 0.0

|May snow days = 0.0

|Jun snow days = 0.0

|Jul snow days = 0.0

|Aug snow days = 0.0

|Sep snow days = 0.0

|Oct snow days = 0.0

|Nov snow days = 0.0

|Dec snow days = 0.3

|year snow days = 1.9

| source 1 = NOAA

{{cite web

| url = https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=rnk

| title = NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data

| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

| access-date = July 1, 2021}}

{{cite web

| url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USC00445300&format=pdf

| title = Station: Martinsville FLTR PLT, VA

| work = U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020)

| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

| access-date = July 1, 2021}}

}}

{{US Census population

|1880= 289

|1900= 2384

|1910= 3368

|1920= 4075

|1930= 7705

|1940= 10080

|1950= 17251

|1960= 18798

|1970= 19653

|1980= 18149

|1990= 16162

|2000= 15416

|2010= 13821

|2020= 13485

|estyear=

|estimate=

|estref=

|align-fn=center

|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html|title=Census of Population and Housing from 1790|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=January 24, 2022}}
1790–1960{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|access-date=January 6, 2014}} 1900–1990{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/va190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=January 6, 2014}}
1990–2000{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=January 6, 2014}} 2010–2020

}}

Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos can be of any race.

As of the census{{Cite web |date=April 1, 2010 |title=QuickFacts Martinsville city, Virginia April 1 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/martinsvillecityvirginia/POP010220 |website=census.gov}} of 2010, there were 13,821 people, 6,498 households, and 4,022 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|1,407.1|/sqmi|/km2|disp=preunit|people |people|abbr=out}}. There were 7,249 housing units at an average density of {{convert|661.7|/sqmi|/km2|abbr=out}}. The racial makeup of the city was 48.38% White, 45.45% African American, 0.10% Native American, 0.47% Asian, 0.69% from other races, and 0.81% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 5.70% of the population.

There were 6,498 households, out of which 26.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.0% were married couples living together, 19.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.1% were non-families. 34.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.89.

The age distribution was 22.6% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 26.7% from 25 to 44, 23.2% from 45 to 64, and 20.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,441, and the median income for a family was $35,321. Males had a median income of $28,530 versus $21,367 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,251. About 14.0% of families and 19.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.6% of those under age 18 and 16.9% of those age 65 or over. As of August 2010, the city's unemployment rate stood at 20 percent.{{cite news |title=To Help or Not to Help |url=http://www.economist.com/node/16888903 |newspaper=The Economist |date=August 26, 2010 |access-date=August 30, 2010 }}

The city's chief industry for many early years was the manufacture of plug chewing tobacco. The Henry County area became known as the "plug tobacco capital of the world".{{Cite web|url=https://www.mhchistoricalsociety.org/the-tobacco-industry-in-the-city-of-martinsville-and-henry-county/|title=The Tobacco Industry in the City of Martinsville and Henry County|last=Rucker|first=Steve|date=May 15, 2016|website=mhchistoricalsociety.org|access-date=July 11, 2022}} In the wake of the collapse of the plantation economy following the American Civil War, the local economy was reeling. Stepping into the breach were several thriving plug firms which sold their merchandise across the nation beginning in the nineteenth century.

Local families were heavily involved in these companies, bestowing their names on them and reaping sizeable profits until the early twentieth century, when the tobacco monopolies created by R.J. Reynolds and James Buchanan Duke bought out most firms.{{cite web|url= https://greensboro.com/family-the-american-tobacco-company/article_e3078f9d-6d42-5b10-968a-893f83440f29.html|title=Family/ The American Tobacco Company|last=Morris|first=Bill|date=July 1, 1995|website=Greensboro News & Record|access-date=February 23, 2023}} (In most cases, in bold anti-competitive moves, the two tobacco titans simply shut down their acquisitions overnight.[https://books.google.com/books?id=VmICAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA1-PA14 The Tobacco Worker, Tobacco Workers International Union, 1907]. Books.google.com. Retrieved on May 9, 2012. These actions resulted in a U.S. government lawsuit against American Tobacco Company.[https://books.google.com/books?id=2uiy9-hSHzIC&pg=PA221 Federal Anti-trust Decisions, Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 1917]. Books.google.com. Retrieved on May 9, 2012.) Among the earliest of these firms were D.H. Spencer & Sons and Spencer Bros. Other families soon joined in founding other early firms, including the Gravelys, the Comptons, the Ruckers, the Wittens, the Lesters and the Browns.

The city's main industry for a century was furniture construction, and today Virginia furniture makers still reside in the region.{{Cite web|url=https://www.visitmartinsville.com/deep-roots/furniture-heritage|title=Furniture Heritage|website=VisitMartinsville.com|access-date=September 4, 2021}}

On the retail front, Liberty Fair Mall opened in 1989.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Mickey |date=January 6, 2017 |title=Martinsville mall doesn't include Sears building |url=https://martinsvillebulletin.com/news/martinsville-mall-sale-doesnt-include-sears-building/article_cede3e60-d3cf-11e6-91d6-53f2cf508b49.html |access-date=July 4, 2022 |website=Martinsville Bulletin}} In 2014, it was renamed the Village of Martinsville.{{cite web |last=Lambertsen |first=Kirsten |date=November 22, 2014 |title=Liberty Fair Mall gets new look and name |url=https://www.wsls.com/news/2014/11/22/liberty-fair-mall-gets-new-look-and-name/#:~:text=MARTINSVILLE%20(WSLS)%20%2D%20Liberty%20Fair,has%20been%20needed%20for%20years. |access-date=June 12, 2023 |website=WSLS.com}}

On October 28, 2021, it was announced the Colorado-based apparel and footwear company VF Corporation will continue to expand in Martinsville creating 82 new jobs, while investing $10 million into the area.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wdbj7.com/2021/10/28/82-new-jobs-planned-apparel-company-expands-martinsville/|title=82 new jobs planned as apparel company expands in Martinsville|last=Thomas|first=Pat|date=October 28, 2021|website=WDBJ7.com|access-date=October 28, 2021}} Other companies such as Georgia Pacific, Radial, Inc., Crown Holdings, and Eastman Chemical Company are also located in the area.{{cite web|url=https://www.gp.com/about-us/locations/virginia/|title=Our Locations – Virginia|publisher=Georgia Pacific|access-date=June 13, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.eastman.com/en/who-we-are/locations/martinsville-va-usa|title=Eastman Performance Films, LLC Martinsville, VA USA|publisher=Eastman|access-date=June 12, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.radial.com/about-us/locations|title=Radial Locations|website=Radial, Inc.|access-date=October 12, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.crowncork.com/news/crown-holdings-build-new-beverage-can-plant-henry-county-virginia|title=Crown Holdings To Build New Beverage Can Plant in Henry County, Virginia|date=January 28, 2021|website=Crown Holdings|access-date=October 12, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://wset.com/renderer/wset/amp/news/local/we-are-the-magic-behind-the-click-martinsville-is-looking-for-400-seasonal-employees-october-2023|title=Radial in Martinsville is looking for 400 seasonal employees|last=Stanbridge|first=Alexia|date=October 27, 2023|website=WSET.com|access-date=October 31, 2023}}

The City of Martinsville operates under a council-manager government.{{cite web|url=https://www.martinsville-va.gov/|title=Martinsville, VA Official Website|website=martinsville-va.gov|access-date=October 7, 2023}} The city council has five members who serve four-year terms. Every two years, the council elects a mayor and vice-mayor from among its members. An appointed city manager controls daily operations and manages the city's activities.

Current council members:{{Cite web|url=https://www.martinsville-va.gov/285/City-Council|title=City Council|website=martinsville-va.gov|access-date=September 29, 2023}}

• L.C. Jones, mayor
• Kathy Lawson, vice mayor
• Sands Anderson, city attorney
• Aaron Rawls, council member
• Rayshaun Gravely, council member
• Julian Mei, council member
• Aretha R. Ferrell-Benavides, city manager

The city of Martinsville and also Henry County is located in Virginia's 9th congressional district and is currently served by Republican Morgan Griffith.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/11/08/us/elections/results-virginia-us-house-district-9.html|title=Virginia Ninth Congressional District Election Results|date=December 5, 2022|website=The New York Times|access-date=October 3, 2023}} Martinsville is served by one member of the Virginia House of Delegates, Eric Philips (R-48th), and one member of the Virginia Senate, Bill Stanley (R-20th).{{cite web|url=https://virginiageneralassembly.gov/house/members/members.php?id=h0252|title=Virginia House of Delegates Member Listings|website=VirginiaGeneralAssembly.gov|access-date=October 7, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://apps.senate.virginia.gov/Senator/memberpage.php?id=S82|title=Senate of Virginia|website=apps.senate.virginia.gov|access-date=October 7, 2023}}

Beginning in the 1990s, Martinsville has consistently supported Democratic presidential candidates. In 2008 Barack Obama performed better in the city than any Democrat since 1944 with over 63% of the vote, and in all but one election since then Democrats have continued to obtain over 60% of the vote.

{{PresHead|place=Martinsville, Virginia|source={{cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections|first=David|last=Leip|date=|website=uselectionatlas.org|accessdate=March 19, 2021}}}}

{{PresRow|2024|Democratic|2,155|3,435|83|Virginia}}

{{PresRow|2020|Democratic|2,165|3,766|82|Virginia}}

{{PresRow|2016|Democratic|2,149|3,533|225|Virginia}}

{{PresRow|2012|Democratic|2,312|3,855|117|Virginia}}

{{PresRow|2008|Democratic|2,311|4,139|70|Virginia}}

{{PresRow|2004|Democratic|2,538|3,036|29|Virginia}}

{{PresRow|2000|Democratic|2,560|3,048|86|Virginia}}

{{PresRow|1996|Democratic|2,446|2,941|455|Virginia}}

{{PresRow|1992|Democratic|2,690|3,073|854|Virginia}}

{{PresRow|1988|Republican|3,360|2,794|110|Virginia}}

{{PresRow|1984|Republican|4,234|2,942|78|Virginia}}

{{PresRow|1980|Republican|3,433|3,337|262|Virginia}}

{{PresRow|1976|Democratic|3,147|3,491|297|Virginia}}

{{PresRow|1972|Republican|3,879|2,292|155|Virginia}}

{{PresRow|1968|Democratic|2,618|2,727|1,931|Virginia}}

{{PresRow|1964|Democratic|1,805|2,943|76|Virginia}}

{{PresRow|1960|Republican|1,729|1,699|89|Virginia}}

{{PresRow|1956|Republican|2,125|1,368|68|Virginia}}

{{PresRow|1952|Republican|1,772|1,391|11|Virginia}}

{{PresRow|1948|Democratic|642|814|605|Virginia}}

{{PresRow|1944|Democratic|458|1,093|2|Virginia}}

{{PresRow|1940|Democratic|269|980|5|Virginia}}

{{PresRow|1936|Democratic|255|949|4|Virginia}}

{{PresFoot|1932|Democratic|212|739|7|Virginia}}

File:2017-06-27 11 58 21 View north along U.S. Route 220 Business (Memorial Boulevard) between Harris Court and Commonwealth Boulevard in Martinsville, Virginia.jpg in Martinsville]]

• {{Jct|state=VA|I|73}} (future)
• {{Jct|state=VA|US|58}}
• {{Jct|state=VA|US|220}}
• {{Jct|state=VA|SR|57}}
• {{Jct|state=VA|SR|87}}
• {{Jct|state=VA|SR|108}}
• {{Jct|state=VA|SR|174}}
• {{Jct|state=VA|SR|457}}

The Piedmont Area Regional Transit (PART) operates and serves the city of Martinsville. Routes include parts of both Martinsville and Henry county.{{Cite web|url=https://www.martinsville-va.gov/residents/bus-system-p-a-r-t|title=Bus System (P.A.R.T.)|website=MartinsvilleVa.gov|access-date=September 5, 2021}}

Martinsville is served by two commercial airports. Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport {{Airport codes|ROA}} in Roanoke, and Piedmont Triad International Airport {{Airport codes|GSO}} in Greensboro, North Carolina.{{cite web|url=https://www.visitmartinsville.com/get-started/transportation|title=Transportation|website=Visit Martinsville|access-date=June 12, 2023}}

The Blue Ridge Airport is used for general aviation and is located {{convert|9|mi|km}} outside the city.{{Cite web|url=https://www.flyblueridge.com/about-us|title=About Us – Blue Ridge Regional Airport|website=Blue Ridge Airport|access-date=July 21, 2022}}

File:Carlisle School.jpg]]

The city is served by Martinsville City Public Schools.{{Cite news|url=https://martinsville.k12.va.us/|title=Martinsville City Public Schools – Official Website|work=martinsville.k12.va.us|access-date=October 9, 2019}} There are five public schools in Martinsville:

• Martinsville High School, opened in 1968 and serves roughly 580 students in grades 9–12.{{cite web|url=https://mhs.martinsville.k12.va.us/about|title=About|website=Martinsville High School|access-date=30 January 2020}}
• Martinsville Middle School, originally built as a high school in 1939 and serves roughly 430 students in grades 6–8.{{cite web|url=https://mms.martinsville.k12.va.us/about|title=About|website=Martinsville Middle School|access-date=30 January 2020}}
• Albert Harris Elementary School, opened as a high school in 1958 and now serves roughly 490 students in kindergarten through fifth grade.{{cite web|url=https://ahes.martinsville.k12.va.us/about|title=About|website=Albert Harris Elementary School|access-date=30 January 2020}} The school is named after Albert Harris, an African-American minister who was a key advocate for the education of local African-American children.
• Patrick Henry Elementary School, opened in 1950 and serves roughly 435 students in kindergarten through fifth grade.{{cite web|url=https://phes.martinsville.k12.va.us/about|title=About|website=Patrick Henry Elementary School|access-date=30 January 2020}} The school is named after founding father Patrick Henry.
• Clearview Early Childhood Center, opened as an elementary school in 1954 and now serves roughly 140 students in preschool as part of the Virginia Preschool Initiative.{{cite web|url=https://cecc.martinsville.k12.va.us/about|title=About|website=Clearview Early Childhood Center|access-date=30 January 2020}}

Piedmont Governor's School for Mathematics, Science, and Technology is a magnet school serving both 11th & 12th grade students who take advanced courses.{{cite web|url=https://www.pgsmst.com/|title=Piedmont Governors School Homepage|website=pgsmst.com|access-date=June 12, 2023}}

The city is also home to the K-12 private school, Carlisle School.{{cite web|url=https://carlisleschool.org/|title=Carlisle School Homepage|website=Carlisleschool.org|access-date=February 21, 2023}} The school serves approximately 400 students, about 130 of them are high school students. The School was established in 1968{{Cite web|url=https://carlisleschool.org/about-us/history-of-carlisle-school/|title=History of Carlisle School: Celebrating 54 years of Excellence in Education|website=carlisleschool.org|access-date=January 30, 2020}}

Colleges and universities in Martinsville include the New College Institute{{Cite web|url=https://www.newcollegeinstitute.org/about|title=About NCI|website=newcollegeinstitute.org|access-date=May 8, 2020}} and Patrick & Henry Community College, where students can also take satellite courses through Old Dominion University.{{Cite web|url=https://www.patrickhenry.edu/aboutus/281-aboutphcc|title=About us – Patrick Henry Community College|website=PatrickHenry.edu|access-date=August 17, 2021}}

Houses of Worship in Martinsville:

• First Baptist Church{{Cite web|url=https://fbcmartinsville.com/who-we-are/|title=Who We Are|website=FBCMartinsville.com|access-date=April 13, 2022}}
• Broad Street Christian Church{{Cite web|url=https://www.broadstreetchristian.com/who-are-we/|title=About BSC|website=broadstreetchristian.com|access-date=April 13, 2022}}
• Christ Episcopal Church{{Cite web|url=https://www.christchurchmvl.org/info/Celebrate.cfm|title=The History of Christ Church|website=christchurchmvl.org|access-date=April 13, 2022}}
• Christ's Church{{cite web|url=http://www.ccmartinsville.com/|title=Christ's Church – Martinsville, Virginia|website=ccmartinsville.com|access-date=May 28, 2023}}
• First Baptist Church of East Martinsville{{Cite web|url=https://fbcmartinsville.org/|title=First Baptist Church of East Martinsville Homepage|website=fbcmartinsville.org|access-date=July 15, 2022}}
• Fayette Street Christian Church{{cite web|url=https://www.fayettestreetchristian.org/|title=Welcome to Fayette Street Christian Church|website=Fayettestreetchristian.org|access-date=February 19, 2023}}
• First UMC Uptown Ministry Center{{Cite web|url=https://fumcmartinsville.net/page.php?pg=about|title=History of First United Methodist Church of Martinsville|website=fumcmartinsville.com|access-date=April 13, 2022}}
• First Presbyterian Church{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpresbyterianmartinsville.org/page.cfm?topic=about|title=About Us – First Presbyterian Church|website=firstpresbyterianmartinsville.org|access-date=November 26, 2024}}
• Refuge Temple Holiness Church{{Cite web|url=https://m.facebook.com/REFUGETEMPLEMINISTRIES2000/|title=Refuge Temple Holiness Church Facebook homepage|website=m.facebook.com|access-date=April 13, 2022}}
• Galilean House of Worship{{cite web|url=http://www.galileanhouse.org/|title=Galilean House of Worship – GHOW – Martinsville VA|website=galileanhouse.org|access-date=February 19, 2023}}
• Starling Avenue Baptist Church{{cite web|url=https://www.starlingavenue.org/|title=Starling Avenue Baptist Church Homepage|website=starlingavenue.org|access-date=May 28, 2023}}
• Hope Presbyterian Church{{cite web|url=https://martinsvillehopepca.org/|title=Welcome to Hope Presbyterian Church|website=Martinsvillehopepca.org|access-date=May 28, 2023}}
• Temple Baptist Church{{cite web|url=https://templebaptistva.com/History|title=History of Temple Baptist Church|website=templebaptistva.com|access-date=May 28, 2023}}
• Rich Acres Christian Church{{cite web|url=https://www.racconline.com/|title=Rich Acres Christian Church webpage|website=racconline.com|access-date=May 28, 2023}}
• Woodland Heights Free Will Baptist Church{{cite web|url=https://woodlandheightsfwb.org/|title=Woodland Heights Free Will Baptist Church Homepage|website=woodlandheightsfwb.org|access-date=May 28, 2023}}
• Fellowship Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ{{cite web|url=http://www.inthefellowship.com/|title=Fellowship Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ Homepage: Welcome to Fellowship|website=inthefellowship.com|access-date=May 28, 2023}}
• Mountainview Missionary Baptist Church{{cite web|url=https://mountainviewnation.com/|title=Mountainview Missionary Baptist Church: Welcome to the Mountain View Nation|website=mountainviewnation.com|access-date=May 28, 2023}}
• CrossPoint Church{{cite web|url=http://www.crosspoint4u.com/|title=CrossPoint Church: Homepage|website=crosspoint4u.com|access-date=June 12, 2023}}

• Piedmont Arts Association: Established in 1961, this non-profit museum is a museum partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums{{Cite news|url=https://www.piedmontarts.org/page.cfm?ID=116|title=About Piedmont Arts Association|work=www.piedmontarts.org|access-date=April 19, 2019}}{{cite web|url= https://martinsvillebulletin.com/news/local/winter-programs-begin-at-piedmont-arts/article_15310a48-7697-11ee-bdc8-574ff1936be2.html|title=Winter programs begin at Piedmont Arts|last=Wyatt|first=Bill|date=October 31, 2023|website=Martinsville Bulletin|access-date=October 31, 2023}}
• Virginia Museum of Natural History: Established in 1984, non-profit museum affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution{{Cite web|url=https://www.vmnh.net/|title=The Official website of the Virginia Museum of Natural History|website=vmnh.net|access-date=January 6, 2023}}

• Henry County Fair: An annual Fair held every September at the Martinsville Speedway.{{cite web|url=https://www.henrycountyvafair.com/|title=Henry County VA Fair Homepage|website=henrycountyvafair.com|access-date=February 22, 2023}}
• Martinsville Uptown Oktoberfest: An annual family friendly event held in Uptown Martinsville featuring music, crafts, beer gardens, food, and many children's activities.{{Cite web|url=https://wset.com/news/local/celebrate-oktoberfest-with-beer-sausage-and-crafts-in-martinsville|title=Celebrate Oktoberfest with beer, sausage, and crafts in Martinsville|last=McMiller|first=Itinease|date=October 4, 2019|website=WSET.com|access-date=July 11, 2022}}{{Cite web|url=https://martinsvillebulletin.com/lifestyles/features/oktoberfest-in-martinsville-is-a-little-bit-of-everything-for-a-whole-bunch-of-everyone/article_6f77034d-b0e3-5711-8750-c40edb91d209.html|title=Oktoberfest in Martinsville is a little bit of everything for a whole bunch of everyone|last=Kozelsky|first=Holly|date=October 5, 2019|website=Martinsville Bulletin|access-date=July 11, 2022}}
• Wine by the River Festival{{cite web|url=https://www.winebyriver.com/|title=Wine by the River – Wine Festival|website=winebyriver.com|access-date=October 7, 2023}}
• Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival{{cite web|url=https://roosterwalk.com/|title=Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival Homepage|website=roosterwalk.com|access-date=October 9, 2023}}
• Martinsville Kiwanis Pancake Day: An annual fundraiser for the Kiwanis Youth Foundation that provides scholarships to the youth in the Martinsville-Henry County community{{cite web|url=https://www.wsls.com/news/2017/10/12/pancakes-being-served-all-day-in-martinsville/|title=Pancakes being served all day in Martinsville|last=Anstaett|first=Colter|date=October 12, 2017|website=WSLS.com|access-date=October 13, 2023}}

File:2019 STP 500 from frontstretch.jpeg at Martinsville Speedway]]

Martinsville is home to the Martinsville Mustangs of the Coastal Plain League, a collegiate summer baseball league.{{Cite web|url=https://martinsvillemustangs.com/|title=The official website of the Martinsville Mustangs|website=Martinsville Mustangs|access-date=July 11, 2022}} The Mustangs play at Hooker Field in Martinsville.{{Cite web|url= https://martinsvillemustangs.com/hooker-field/|title=About Hooker Field|website=Martinsville Mustangs|access-date=July 11, 2022}} The Mustangs began play for the league's 2005 season. Martinsville was also home to two Minor league baseball teams, Martinsville Astros and Martinsville Phillies both Class-A affiliates of the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies respectfully.{{cite web|url=https://funwhileitlasted.net/2019/10/22/1999-2003-martinsville-astros/|title=Martinsville Astros|website=funwhileitlasted.net|date=October 22, 2019 |access-date=October 8, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://martinsvillebulletin.com/sports/local/cooper-martinsville-s-bad-phillies-team-leads-to-the-hall-of-fame/article_04018ede-2758-11ee-b8fb-43e2fe20075f.html|title=Martinsville's Bad Phillies team leads to Hall of Fame|last=Cooper|first=Cara|date=July 21, 2023|website=Martinsville Bulletin|access-date=October 8, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://martinsvillebulletin.com/mva/lets-take-a-look-at-the-martinsville-phillies-most-successful-players/article_34821a40-03b4-5a38-8267-8b1a05f356b5.html|title=Let's take a look at the Martinsville Phillies most successful players|last=Cooper|first=Cara|date=April 11, 2020|website=Martinsville Bulletin|access-date=October 8, 2023}}

The Martinsville area is also home to Martinsville Speedway, which opened in 1947.{{Cite news|url=https://www.martinsvillespeedway.com/The-Speedway/About-The-Speedway.aspx|title=About the Speedway|work=www.martinsvillespeedway.com|access-date=April 19, 2019}} The NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series hosts two races there every year while the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series hosts one race there every year. The speedway also host the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.{{Cite web|url=https://m.nascar.com/news-media/2021/03/30/modifieds-bring-history-back-with-return-to-martinsville/amp/|title=Modifieds bring history back with return to Martinsville|last=Lambert|first=Paul|date=March 30, 2021|website=NASCAR.com|access-date=April 15, 2021}}

• Rabih Abdullah – NFL player{{Cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/AbduRa00.htm|title=Rabih Abdullah|publisher=Pro-Football-Reference.Com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}
• Buddy Arrington – former NASCAR driver{{Cite magazine|url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1985/05/20/buddy-arrington-has-never-won-a-grand-national-but-hes-no-loser|title=Buddy Arrington Has Never Won A Grand National But He's No Loser|last=Buchanan|first=Rob|date=May 20, 1985|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=April 12, 2022}}
• John Robert Brown – American politician{{cite web|url=https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/B000931|title=John Robert Brown Biography|website=bioguide.congress.gov|access-date=October 10, 2023}}
• William Fields Carter (1908–1999) — member of the Virginia House of Delegates{{Cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/martinsville-bulletin-carter-5-apr-1999/156569552/ |title=Carter |date=1999-04-05 |newspaper=Martinsville Bulletin |page=2 |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=2024-10-04}}{{Open access}}
• Fred Dove – racing driver
• H. Clay Earles – NASCAR team owner, founder and chairman of Martinsville Speedway{{cite web|url=https://greensboro.com/martinsville-track-owner-earles-dies-h-clay-earles-one-of-the-earliest-supporters-of-stock/article_84d49b2d-bdc6-5625-aa5b-79c2aab59d8c.html|title=Martinsville Track Owner Earles Dies/ H. Clay Earles, One of the Earliest Supporters of Stock Car Racing and the Founder of The Martinsville Speedway, Passes Away at Age 86|last=Long|first=Dustin|date=November 16, 1999|website=Greensboro News & Record|access-date=June 13, 2023}}
• Greg Gaines – NFL player{{Cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com//.htm|title=Greg Gaines|publisher=Pro-Football-Reference.Com|access-date=April 15, 2021}}
• Tony Gravely – UFC fighter{{Cite web|url=https://www.wdbj7.com/content/news/Local-fighter-Tony-Gravely-is-ready-to-fight-for-his-spot-in-the-UFC-523866921.html|title=Local fighter Tony Gravely ready to fight for spot in UFC|last=Davis|first=Kendall|date=August 6, 2019|website=WDBJ7.com|access-date=August 17, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/athlete/tony-gravely|title=Tony Gravely Bio|website=Ultimate Fighting Championship|date=December 26, 2019 |access-date=April 30, 2023}}
• Clinton Gregory — American singer-songwriter
• Carl Hairston – NFL player{{Cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HairCa20.htm|title=Carl Hairston|publisher=Pro-Football Reference.Com|access-date=May 8, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/college/football/bs-sp-catching-up-hairston-20170914-story.html|title=Catching up with former UMES and NFL star Carl Hairston|last=Klingaman|first=Mike|date=September 15, 2017|website=The Baltimore Sun|access-date=July 15, 2022}}
• George Hairston — plantation owner, former sheriff of Henry County, Brigadier General, War of 1812{{Cite web|url=https://www.hairston.org/p949.htm|title=George Hairston|website=Hairston.org|access-date=May 8, 2020}}
• Robert Hairston — American politician{{Cite web|url=https://www.hairston.org/p38.htm|title=Robert Hairston|website=Hairston.org|access-date=May 8, 2020}}
• Jeremy O. Harris — actor and playwright{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/28/theater/jeremy-o-harris-slave-play.html|title=A Playwright Who Won't let Anyone Off the Hook|last=Kumar|first=Naveen|date=November 28, 2018|website=The New York Times|access-date=August 17, 2021}}
• Patrick Henry — American Founding Father (resided at Leatherwood Plantation, Henry County, outside current city limits){{Cite web|url=https://www.history.com/.amp/topics/american-revolution/patrick-henry|title=Patrick Henry|website=history.com|publisher=The History Channel|access-date=May 8, 2020}}
• Odell Hodge — played college basketball at Old Dominion University and former professional basketball player{{Cite web|url=https://odusports.com/sports/2019/9/16/208421971.aspx|title=Odell Hodge|website=ODUsports.com|access-date=September 5, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-xpm-20060725-2006-07-25-0607250104-story.html|title=Star Track: Odell Hodge|date=July 25, 2006|website=Daily Press|access-date=April 26, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://scholar.lib.vt.edu/VA-news/VA-Pilot/issues/1997/vp971127/11270868.htm|title=What In The World Is Odell Hodge Doing In Istanbul? Former ODU Star Adjusts To Basketball European-Style|last=Miller|first=Ed|date=November 27, 1997|website=scholar.lib.vt.edu|access-date=April 26, 2023}}
• Randy Hundley — former Major League Baseball player & coach{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hundlra01.shtml|title=Randy Hundley|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 5, 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2006/12/18/92825/556|title=The Top 100 Cubs of All Time – #64 Randy Hundley|last=Yellon|first=Al|date=December 18, 2006|website=bleedcubbieblue.com|access-date=July 11, 2022}}
• Todd Hundley — former Major League Baseball player{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hundlto01.shtml|title=Todd Hundley|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=September 5, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1992-03-08-9201120937-story.html|title=Hand-Me-Down Now A Prize Catch|last=Edes|first=Gordon|date=March 8, 1992|website=Sun-Sentinel|access-date=February 19, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/player/todd-hundley-116316|title=Todd Hundley Stats, Fantasy & News|website=MLB.com|publisher=MLB Advanced Media|access-date=February 23, 2023}}
• Hodgetwins — stand-up comedians{{Cite web|url=https://martinsvillebulletin.com/news/local/two-martinsville-area-children-injured-in-a-road-rage-shooting-last-month-are-gaining-worldwide/article_388b0766-a975-5183-abf9-1828b22af0e1.html |title=Two Martinsville-area children injured in a road-rage shooting last month are gaining worldwide support inspired by the famous Hodgetwins |last=Kozelsky | first=Holly |date=May 3, 2019|website=Martinsville Bulletin}}
• Magdalen Hsu-Li — American singer-songwriter{{Cite web|url=https://staff.washington.edu/kendo/magdalenhsuli.html|title=Magdalen Hsu-Li Biography|website=staff.washington.edu|publisher=University of Washington|access-date=April 13, 2022}}
• George Hairston Jamerson — brigadier general during World War I
• Kristen-Paige Madonia — novelist and creative writing teacher{{Cite web|url=https://martinsvillebulletin.com/lifestyles/madonia-crosses-genres-in-latest-book/article_adbb39be-6e14-5633-b183-cc0a5b1858f8.html|title=Madonia crosses genres in latest book|last=Kozelsky|first=Holly|date=May 20, 2016|website=Martinsville Bulletin|access-date=August 31, 2021}}
• Joseph Martin — American Revolutionary War general, legislator{{Cite web|url=https://martinsvillebulletin.com/news/local/monument-placed-in-martins-honor/article_1ebaa659-5992-59ad-8597-bb911affe3f2.html|title=Monument placed in Martin's honor|last=Powell|first=Mickey|date=June 29, 2008|website=Martinsville Bulletin|access-date=August 19, 2021}}
• Delvin Joyce — NFL player{{Cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JoycDe00.htm|title=Delvin Joyce|publisher=Pro-Football-Reference.Com|access-date=April 16, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://martinsvillebulletin.com/news/residents-encouraged-to-pursue-their-dreams-at-naacp-ceremony/article_7405b3d7-ac0a-5cba-84bc-3cbb1dc4f12d.html|title=Residents encouraged to pursue their dreams at NAACP ceremony|last=Collins|first=Paul|date=February 19, 2017|website=Martinsville Bulletin|access-date=April 26, 2023}}
• Matur Maker — professional basketball player{{Cite web|url=https://usatodayhss.com/2015/younger-maker-a-big-part-of-his-brothers-possible-reclassifcation-decision|title=Jordan Brand Classic: Mature Maker a big part of brother Thon's possible reclassification decision|last=Halley|first=Jim|date=April 17, 2015|website=usatodayhss.com|access-date=April 12, 2022}}
• Thon Maker — NBA player for Milwaukee Bucks{{Cite news|url=https://www.roanoke.com/sports/high_schools/ceiling-high-for-foot-nba-draft-prospect-thon/article_56f88267-f240-5853-9c97-be4583865dc5.html|title=Ceiling high for 7-foot 1 NBA draft prospect Thon Maker|work=www.roanoke.com|access-date=December 6, 2018}}{{Cite web|url=https://martinsvillebulletin.com/sports/meeting-the-maker-how-one-moment-changed-basketball/article_5fc1e38e-3b44-11e6-abe0-0fad4ff46f45.html|title=Meeting the Maker: How one moment changed basketball|last=Hamlet|first=Harrison|date=June 25, 2016|website=Martinsville Bulletin|access-date=July 11, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/basketball/2016/06/24/thon-maker-taken-no-10-by-milwaukee-bucks-in-nba-draft.html|title=Thon Maker taken No.10 by Milwaukee Bucks in NBA Draft|last=Armas|first=Genaro|date=June 24, 2016|website=Toronto Star|access-date=April 24, 2023}}
• J. C. Martin — former MLB player for New York Mets, 1969 World Series champion{{cite web|url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/article236196058.html|title=50 years removed from Mets' improbable World Series, J.C. Martin still has the bunt|last=Garfield|first=Ken|date=October 17, 2019|website=The Charlotte Observer|access-date=February 19, 2023}}
• Jonah McReynolds — Major League Baseball Texas Rangers Organization{{Cite web |title=Register Players Encyclopedia |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}
• Barry Michaels — American radio personality{{Cite web|url=https://www.ocala.com/story/news/2014/06/26/wind-fms-barry-michaels-has-taken-his-vw-bug-all-over-this-land/31940408007/|title=Wind FM's Barry Michaels has taken his VW Bug all over this land|last=Filmore|first=Andy|date=June 26, 2014|website=Ocala.com|access-date=April 10, 2022}}
• Clyde Minter — racing driver{{cite web|url=https://www.racing-reference.info/owner/Clyde_Minter/|title=Clyde Minter|website=racing-reference.info|access-date=October 8, 2023}}
• Shawn Moore — NFL and Canadian Football League player{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1990/09/28/really-these-moores-are-the-most/031719cb-5462-426f-998e-37fe6fc7fbe7/|title=Really, These Moore's are the most|last=Gildea|first=William|date=September 28, 1990|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=April 16, 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MoorSh00.htm|title=Shawn Moore|publisher=Pro-Football-Reference.Com|access-date=April 11, 2019}}
• Alison Parker — former journalist and news reporter for WDBJ{{Cite web|url=https://myfox8.com/news/martinsville-remembers-their-little-angel-slain-wdbj-reporter-alison-parker/|title=Martinsville community remembers their little angel; slain WDBJ reporter Alison Parker|website=myfox8.com|date=August 27, 2015 |access-date=April 11, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/virginia-tv-shooting/wdbj7-reporter-alison-parker-photographer-adam-ward-killed-live-tv-n416221|title=WDBJ7 Reporter Alison Parker, Photographer Adam Ward Killed on Live TV|last=Vinograd|first=Cassandra|date=August 26, 2015|website=NBC News|access-date=April 26, 2023}}
• Jesse Penn — Football player{{Cite web |url=https://martinsvillebulletin.com/lifestyles/features/martinsville-native-nancy-redd-writes-bedtime-bonnet-to-share-black-culture-style-and-heritage-with/article_9dcae915-2ce0-5046-a98e-0916d78c5849.html |title=Martinsville native Nancy Redd writes 'Bedtime Bonet' to share black culture, style, and heritage with children |last=Kozelsky |first=Holly |date=April 1, 2020 |website=Martinsville Bulletin |access-date=April 12, 2022}}
• Jessamine Shumate — Virginia artist{{Cite web |url=https://martinsvillebulletin.com/news/local/philpott-dam-construction-paintings-given-to-center/article_44335269-3e9b-5361-824d-bf3769848b7a.html |title=Philpot Dam construction paintings given to center |last=Winston |first=Eliza |date=September 21, 2010 |website=Martinsville Bulletin |access-date=April 12, 2022}}
• Whitney Shumate — businessman, civic leader{{Cite web |url=https://mymartinsville.com/shumate3.php |title=Whitney Shumate – Martinsville and Henry County VA |website=myMartinsville.com |access-date=April 12, 2022}}
• Gregory Swanson — practiced law in Martinsville until 1957{{cite web |url=https://www.law.virginia.edu/uvalawyer/spring-2018/article/long-walk |title=The Long Walk: What Life Was Like for Gregory Swanson, the Lawyer Who Integrated UVA |last=Williamson |first=Eric |date=April 9, 2018 |website=University of Virginia School of Law |publisher=University of Virginia |access-date=October 10, 2023}}
• Robert Tuggle — author, director of the archives at the Metropolitan Opera, Grammy-nominated{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/28/arts/music/robert-tuggle-longtime-archivist-of-the-metropolitan-opera-dies-at-83.html|title=Robert Tuggle, Longtime Archivist of the Metropolitan Opera, Dies at 83|last=Roberts|first=Sam|date=January 27, 2016|website=The New York Times|access-date=September 22, 2023}}
• Dennis L. Via — former Commanding General of the United States Army Materiel Command (AMC){{Cite web |url=https://www.army.mil/article/172911/meet_your_army_gen_dennis_l_via_army_materiel_command |title=Meet your Army: Gen. Dennis L. Via, Army Materiel Command |date=August 8, 2016 |website=army.mil |publisher=United States Army |access-date=April 19, 2021}}
• Marilyn Tavenner — American politician{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/16/us/ex-medicare-chief-marilyn-tavenner-top-lobbyist.html |title=Head of Obama's Health Care Rollout to Lobby for Insurers |last=Pear |first=Robert |date=July 15, 2015 |website=The New York Times |access-date=June 12, 2023}}
• Sonny Wade — Canadian Football League player{{Cite web |url=https://vasportshof.com/inductee/jesse-sonny-wade/ |title=Jesse "Sonny" Wade |website=vasportshof.com |publisher=Virginia Sports Hall of Fame |access-date=June 11, 2016}}
• "Sweet Lou" Whitaker — MLB player for Detroit Tigers, 1978 AL Rookie of the Year, 1984 World Series champion{{Cite web|url=https://martinsvillebulletin.com/sports/if-that-day-comes-martinsville-is-welcome-lou-whitaker-benefiting-from-second-look-at-his/article_fdb3deda-1116-5219-9df6-07f6c72e7d5b.amp.html|title=If that day comes, Martinsville is welcome: Lou Whitaker benefiting from second look at his baseball career|last=Cooper|first=Cara|date=November 11, 2019|website=Martinsville Bulletin|access-date=January 22, 2022}}{{Cite web|url=https://theathletic.com/1427914/2019/12/05/lou-whitakers-hall-of-fame-dreams-start-and-end-with-a-little-town-in-virginia/|title=Lou Whitaker's Hall of Fame dreams start and end with a little town in Virginia|last=Stavenhagen|first=Cody|date=December 5, 2019|website=The Athletic|access-date=July 4, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/player/lou-whitaker-124154|title=Lou Whitaker Stats, Fantasy & News|website=MLB.com|publisher=MLB Advanced Media|access-date=February 19, 2023}}
• Kennon C. Whittle — judge, Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals{{Cite web |url=https://scvahistory.org/scv/w/whittle-kennon-caithness-1951-1965/ |title=Kennon Caithness Whittle, March 14, 1951-February 1, 1965 |website=scvahistory.org |date=May 2, 2014 |access-date=April 13, 2022}}
• Stafford G. Whittle — judge, Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals{{Cite web |url=https://libguides.law.virginia.edu/c.php?g=39996&p=254139 |title=Our History: Featured Alumni/ae: Whittle, Stafford G., 1871 |website=libguides.law.virginia.edu |publisher=University of Virginia |access-date=April 13, 2022}}
• Red Top Young — American singer-songwriter

• Martinsville Bulletin, Martinsville's daily newspaper serving the city of Martinsville and Henry County, Virginia and is owned by Berkshire Hathaway.{{Cite web|url=https://martinsvillebulletin.com/|title=Martinsville Bulletin Homepage|website=Martinsville Bulletin|access-date=July 21, 2022}}

Martinsville is served by television stations in the Roanoke/Lynchburg television market. In addition Martinsville also receive television stations in the Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point television market.

• WDBJ, CBS affiliate based in Roanoke{{Cite web|url=https://www.wdbj7.com/|title=WDBJ: Virginia Local News, Weather and Sports|website=WDBJ 7|access-date=July 4, 2022}}
• WSLS, NBC affiliate based in Roanoke{{Cite web|url=https://www.wsls.com/topic/Martinsville/|title=Martinsville – WSLS 10|website=WSLS-TV|access-date=July 4, 2022}}
• WSET, ABC affiliate based in Lynchburg{{Cite web|url=https://wset.com/|title=WSET: Lynchburg News, Weather, Sports and More|website=WSET-TV|access-date=July 4, 2022}}
• WFXR, Fox affiliate based in Roanoke{{Cite web|url=https://www.wfxrtv.com/|title=WFXR News Homepage|website=WFXR|access-date=July 4, 2022}}
• WWCW, Fox affiliate based in Lynchburg{{Cite web|url=https://www.nexstar.tv/stations/wwcw/|title=WWCW – Nexstar Media Group, Inc|website=nexstar.tv|access-date=July 4, 2022}}
• WZBJ, an Independent station, based in Roanoke, licensed in Danville{{Cite web|url=https://www.wdbj7.com/page/wzbj24/|title=WZBJ24 – WDBJ|website=WDBJ7.com|date=June 10, 2020 |access-date=July 4, 2022}}
• WPXR, ION affiliate based in Roanoke

• WHEE 1370, broadcast station based in Martinsville{{Cite web|url=https://whee.net/|title=WHEE – The Talk of the Town|website=whee.net|access-date=July 15, 2022}}
• WROV-FM 96.3, commercial FM radio station licensed to Martinsville{{cite web|url=https://rovrocks.iheart.com/|title=96.3 ROV – The Rock of Virginia – Roanoke/Lynchburg's Home for Classic Rock|website=rovrocks.iheart.com|access-date=April 24, 2023}}

File:Henry Clay Lester house1.jpg|Home of Henry Clay Lester, early tobacco manufacturer, Main Street, Martinsville. Home burned in the early 1940s

File:Courthouse Square Martinsville.jpg|Henry County Courthouse Square, Martinsville, circa 1890.

File:JosephMartin.jpg|General Joseph Martin (1740–1808), born Albemarle County, Virginia, died Henry County, Virginia{{cite web|url=https://www.hairston.org/p6315.htm|title=General Joseph Martin|website=Hairston.org|access-date=October 28, 2023}}

File:Drapers Barber Shop Martinsville.jpg|Staff of Draper's Barber Shop, Franklin Street, Martinsville, 1920. White bowls on floor are spittoons{{cite web|url=https://www.vintagebarbershops.com/2015/07/drapers-barber-shop-in-the-1920s.html|title=Draper's Barber Shop In the 1920's|date=July 10, 2015|website=Vintage Barber Shops|access-date=October 28, 2023}}

File:Pannill Knitting Company.jpg|Pannill Knitting Company, early Martinsville textile concern founded in 1926{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1988/06/20/sara-lee-corp-plans-to-buy-stock-in-pannill-knitting-co/703fbafc-27a9-43ca-babc-41c118dc94f7/|title=Sara Lee Corp Plans To Buy Stock In Pannill Knitting Co|date=June 20, 1988|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=October 28, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://textiles.ncsu.edu/news/2017/07/walkers-successful-legacy/|title=A Legacy of Success|last=Tuck|first=Alyson|date=July 27, 2017|website=textiles.ncsu.edu|publisher=North Carolina State University|access-date=October 28, 2023}}

File:Oak Hall Martinsville1.jpg|Oak Hall, home of Col. Pannill Rucker, early Martinsville tobacco manufacturer. Oak Hall burned February 19, 1917

File:Class of 1912 Martinsville High School.jpg|Class of 1912, Martinsville High School

File:Shackelford Hospital.jpg|Shackelford Hospital, founded by Dr. Jesse Martin Shackelford, predecessor of Martinsville Memorial Hospital{{cite web|url=https://www.mhchistoricalsociety.org/the-doctors-shackelford-and-the-shackelford-hospital/|title=The Doctors Shackelford and Shackelford Hospital|date=October 8, 2009|website=Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society|access-date=April 28, 2023}}

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Martinsville, Virginia
• Martinsville Seven
• List of cities and counties in Virginia

{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

• [http://www.martinsville-va.gov/ City of Martinsville]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20070928225609/http://www.mymartinsville.com/ Old Photos]
• [http://library.duke.edu/digitalcollections/hleewaters_rl10075dvd0015010/ Movies of Local People: Martinsville, VA, 1938, from the H. Lee Waters Film Collection]

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{{Virginia}}

{{Virginia county seats and independent cities}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Cities in Virginia

Category:Micropolitan areas of Virginia

Category:County seats in Virginia

Category:Southwest Virginia

Category:Majority-minority counties and independent cities in Virginia