County seat. Incorporated in 1893 and named for Ward Parsons, who owned the land upon which the town is built.
Here (Corrick’s Ford Battlefield), on July 13, 1861, was fought one of the first land battles of the Civil War. General Robert S. Garnett, of the Confederate forces, was killed during the battle, the first officer to meet death during the Civil War.
Population, 1,463; elevation, 1,649 feet; volunteer fire department; elections held every two years on the second Tuesday in June; officials take office July first.