Schuyler

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Schuyler (pronounced more along the lines of "Skyler") is a small town in Nelson County, Virginia. Originally known as Walker's Mill, it was named after Schuyler Walker, the sawmill operator and son of the founder. It became a company town for the Virginia Soapstone Company, after the town of Alberene, which was the first soapstone company town in the area.

The surrounding area has a large number of soapstone quarries, which were a major employer. The soapstone from this area is known as "Alberene" which is denser than other soapstones, and does not absorb liquid and is acid-resistant.


Schuyler was the birthplace of Earl Hamner, Jr., who wrote "Spencer's Mountain" and created "The Waltons", which were based on his family and childhood in Schulyer. Earl Hamner, Sr. was employed at the Alberene Soapstone Company.

The Rockfish River flows through Schulyer.

Sissy Spacek (who appeared in two episodes of The Waltons early in her career, and who lives nearby in Albemarle County) has a daughter, the actor Schuyler Fisk.