The county is named for William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, third son of King George II of Great Britain.

In 1778 the narrow triangular area bordering the southern bank of the James River was annexed from Buckingham County.

[3] This rural county suffered a long decline in population from 1880 to 1970, as the number of workers needed for agriculture was reduced through mechanization.

24.80% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

[13] Bear Creek Lake State Park is located 4.5 miles (7.2 km) northwest of the town of Cumberland.

Bear Creek Lake features overnight cabins, a lodge, permanent camp sites, and picnic shelters.

There are two self-guided trails at Cumberland State Forest that are open for walking, hiking, horses, and mountain bikes.

White-tailed deer, wild turkey, and bobcats are common residents of this natural area.