It was named for William J. Dickenson (1827-1907),[3] delegate to the Virginia General Assembly from Russell County, 1859–1861, 1865–1867, and 1877–1882.

This formation came as a result of demands from the inhabitants that they be represented by a county government closer to the people.

In 1880, Delegate Dickenson sponsored the bill in the House of Delegates to establish Dickenson County as the one-hundredth county in Virginia.

The districts are: Clintwood, Ervinton, Sandlick, Kenady, and Willis.

As of the census[12] of 2000, there were 16,395 people, 6,732 households, and 4,887 families residing in the county.

25.30% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.