The above is quoted in full since the names used are still in use, and it is possible to judge from them the extent of the county. Warm Springs is still in Bath, but Narrows is in Giles County, and Alleghany County lies between Bath and Giles.
The name Bath derives from the medical springs within its boundaries, which for many years during the summer months were visited by persons from as far south as Louisiana. Families drove up in their carriages and stayed for months to enjoy the curative effects of the waters and bracing mountain air.
The third county formed in 1791 was Mathews which was taken from Gloucester. It lies "to the eastward of a line to begin at the mouth of North river, thence up the meanders thereof to the mill, thence up the eastern branch of the millpond to the head of Muddy creek thence down the said creek to Piankatank river." The name is said to be in honor of a Major Thomas Mathews of the Revolution who afterwards was prominent in the legislature representing the Borough of Norfolk in the House of Delegates from 1785 to 1791.
In 1793, there were also three counties formed. One of these, Grayson, was taken from Wythe as follows: "Beginning in the Washington line where it joins the Iron Mountain, thence along the said mountain to a spur of the same that forms Ewing mountain, keeping the ridge that divides the waters of Cripple and Bush creeks to the top of the said mountain, thence a straight course to the Popular Camp mountain by Rose's mill thence to the mouth of Greasy creek thence a straight course to the Montgomery line." Grayson took its name from Colonel William Grayson, an officer in the Revolution, member of the Continental Congress and one of the first two senators elected from Virginia after the adoption of the Constitution to serve in the Congress of the United States. Unfortunately his tenure of office was short; he died 12 March 1790.
Also in 1793, Russell County was divided and all that part "which lies westwardly of a line beginning on the top of Clinch mountain, one mile eastwardly of big Maukason gap, thence a direct course to the mouth of Stock creek thence up the same to Powell's mountain, thence due north to the Kentucky boundary shall form one distinct county and be called and known by the name of Lee." The name honored General Henry Lee who was Governor of Virginia 1791-1794. He is more often called "Light Horse Harry Lee" from the fact that he commanded, during the Revolution, light horse cavalry. He was the father of General Robert E. Lee. Lee is the county farthest to the west and adjoins Tennessee and Kentucky.