Thaxton was the site of a deadly train accident on July 2, 1889 that killed at least 18 and injured 21.[3] The accident, caused when a passenger train derailed over a section of track that had been washed away by unusually heavy rains, was one of the deadliest railroad accidents in Virginia's history.[4] A memorial was erected later that year in Cleveland, Tennessee in memory of three of the victims, all from prominent families in that city, who were on their way to attend the 1889 World's Fair in Paris.[5] A historical marker was placed near the site of the accident in 2015.[6]
Government
The United States Postal Service operates the Thaxton Post Office within the community, although portions of the community have a Bedford ZIP Code.
Education
The community is served by Bedford County Public Schools. Public school students residing in Thaxton are zoned to attend either Bedford Elementary School or Montvale Elementary School, Liberty Middle School, and Liberty High School. Thaxton Elementary School, an elementary school operated by Bedford County Public Schools, previously served the community before being closed in 2015. The former school site was sold to a private business in 2017.
The transmitter for the Lynchburg-Roanoke market ABC television network affiliate WSET-TV is located approximately 2.8 miles SSE of the community center.
Public safety
Law enforcement is provided by the Bedford County Sheriff's Office. Fire protection is provided by the Bedford Fire Department and Montvale Volunteer Fire Department. Emergency medical services are provided by the Montvale Volunteer Rescue Squad and Bedford County Department of Fire and Rescue.
