The Saponi cleared out large networks of paths through the forests to connect their villages, inadvertently enabling colonists to come through the area with ease.

[5] In 1905, John and Henry Lane's firm, The Lane Brothers Construction Company, had been awarded a contract to build 51 kilometers of railroad between Leesville and The Mansion for the Tidewater Railway Company, which was incorporated by William Nelson Page and Henry Huttleston Rogers.

[6][7] On September 9, 1907, the first settlers arrived to the town of Lane's Siding in a small red caboose.

A firsthand account of the early settlement of the town was written by Mrs. E. G. Fitzgerald:When I first came to Altavista there wasn't hardly any body living there.

[9] In September 1912, the town of Altavista had been incorporated[10] In March 1912, John Edward Lane had bought a small box company which had gone bankrupt in an auction for $500,[7] and put his son Edward Hudson Lane in charge of the facility even though he had no experience in the field.

Because of how uncertain this new venture was, it was simply incorporated as the Standard Red Cedar Chest Company.

The company expanded to television cabinets, tables, bedroom furniture, and recliners throughout the mid-20th century.

[14] The current mayor of Altavista is Mike Mattox, a former teacher and local businessman; the Vice-Mayor is Reggie Bennett.

[15] It is bordered to the south by the Roanoke River, which forms the boundary with Pittsylvania County.

U.S. Route 29, a four-lane expressway, forms the northern border of the town and provides access from four exits.

Sports teams from Altavista High School have won several state championships in recent years.

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.