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Historic Sites

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Historic Henry County Courthouse

The Historic Henry County Courthouse, recognized as a community landmark, is home to the Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society as well as the Heritage Center & Museum, which showcases a variety of exhibits of local and regional history. It is centrally located in the Martinsville Historic District and is open to the public for tours and meetings. The courthouse was constructed in Read more...
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House of Laird

The epitome of elegance, the House of Laird has been featured in leading magazines on country inns. The Greek revival house of 1884 has served as a bed and breakfast with three guest rooms and a suite. In addition to the home, the property features beautiful gardens. Read more...
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Morea

Further south on Main Street, on the opposite side from the House of Laird, sits an imposing house from 1837 owned and restored by Cmdr. and Mrs. Richard W. Arey. It presides on a hill overlooking life along the thoroughfare. It features fine details such as its fanlight of leaded glass over the entrance door and plaster ceiling moldings. Of Read more...
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Rock Churches in Floyd County

Constructed of native stones from the Blue Ridge Mountains, the beautiful rock churches in Floyd are three of the six rock churches built in the first half of the 20th century under the leadership of Rev. Bob Childress. Made famous by the book The Man Who Moved a Mountain by Richard C. Davids (1970), these historic-but-active churches stand as living Read more...
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Sinking Spring Cemetery

Sinking Spring Cemetery: Cemetery is the final resting place for Brig. Gen. John B. Floyd, Lt. Col. W.W. Blackford, Civil War era Richmond newspaper editor Robert Hughes, and over 30 Confederate soldiers are interred in the “Unknown Confederate Dead” section of the cemetery. Brig. General John Hunt Morgan was placed in the above ground tomb for a few days, prior Read more...
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Chatham Town Hall

Built by Judge James L. Tredway, this splendid brick home, now Town Hall, adapted ideally for municipal and police offices. Its purchase in 1978 was partly funded by public subscription as it was in danger of becoming a parking lot. It continues to enjoy public support as funds from the town’s annual “Christmas in Colonial Chatham” are used to refurbish Read more...
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Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail

The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail commemorates the 1780 campaign that led to the battle of Kings Mountain. The battle was a key turning point in the American Revolution when southern patriots from VA, TN, NC, SC & GA tracked down and defeated a loyalist force commanded by Major Patrick Ferguson. The commander of the patriot force, Colonel William Campbell, Read more...
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Chatmoss Historic Marker

Martinsville-Henry County VA is rich in history with historical markers throughout the community acknowledging commemorative locations.   The Chatmoss Historic Marker is located at 550 Mt. Olivet Martinsville, VA at Chatmoss Country Club. The marker is within sight of the parking lot of the country club. Chatmoss was one of about fifty Hairston family plantations in Virginia, North Carolina and Read more...
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Bower Center for the Arts

The Bower Center for the Arts is a non-profit art center nestled in the heart of Bedford, Virginia at the corner of Bridge Street and Bedford Ave. The Center initially began as “Bedford Academy for the Arts” and exists to promote the cultural arts in the Bedford area. Since 2006 Bower Center for the Arts has worked toward providing a cultural arts Read more...
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Merrimac Coal Heritage Park

This park is a walking trail through a part of the old Merrimac Coal Mines. This mine was one of the oldest anthracite mine in Montgomery County. It was a government colliery for the Confederacy and takes it name for the famed ironclad the Merrimac, which was retooled and renamed the C.S.Virginia. Coal from this mine was used to power Read more...
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Jessee’s Mill

The United States Department of the Interior, Park Service, has declared Jessee’s Mill to be a national historic landmark and was previously designated a state historical landmark by the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Historic Resources. Jessee’s Mill began operation over two hundred years ago, predating the census and tax records of 1790. The mill was the primary source for Read more...
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Town of Big Stone Gap

Big Stone Gap is a little town with a big story! In the heart of Appalachia lies Big Stone Gap. Founded in 1856, Big Stone Gap represents quintessential Southern charm. Considered a small town, with a population of roughly 5,700, Big Stone Gap allows residents and visitors the opportunity to step back into old Americana—when life was simpler and land Read more...
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Historic Town of Buchanan

Discover a place where Main Street meets the mountains, downtown Buchanan. Nestled within the steep slopes of the Blue Ridge and Alleghany Mountains the Town’s Main Street straddles the James River. An important stopping point for travelers since the 1700’s, Buchanan offers scenic beauty and an historic setting. Explore more than 200 years of history as you walk our Main Street, paddle the James River, peddle the Read more...
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Grave of William Letcher – Ararat, VA

William Letcher’s grave is the oldest in Patrick County, VA. He was killed by a British Tory at his doorstep in 1780. He was the great-grandfather of Maj. Gen. J. E. B. Stuart, who was born on the family farm called Laurel Hill. William Letcher was born in 1750 and married Elizabeth Perkins about 1778. The home was located on Read more...
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Richard P. Gravely, Jr. Nature Preserve

The Richard P. Gravely, Jr. Nature Preserve is a 75-acre park located along the Smith River in Henry County, Virginia. Two miles of wooded trail are found on the property along with an outdoor classroom for nature study. A self-guided tour along Jones Cliff Trail leads guests back in time as they explore tobacco farming in the early 1900s and the Read more...
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Town of Chatham Walking Tour

Chatham was established as a town in 1777 during the turbulent years of the American Revolution. Chatham has been affectionately called the “Prettiest Little Town in Southern Virginia.” It has also been called the hub of American architecture by some, as she boasts a fine representation of pre-Revolution, Federal, Victorian, and post-Victorian architecture. Various Walking Tour brochures are available at Read more...
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Sutherlin Mansion

The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History is housed in the Sutherlin Mansion which was the former home of Major William T. Sutherlin, wartime quartermaster for Danville and among its most prominent citizens. For one week, 3-10 April 1865, Major and Mrs. Sutherlin opened their home to Jefferson Davis and the Confederate government. The Confederate President occupied a bedroom Read more...
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Chimney Springs View

Outdoor Photography Venue for Special Times. This beautiful, private property is located in Falling Springs area of the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia.  This property came to the current owners with the prior owner saying “I’m giving you the property but selling you the view”. To that point, it was this stunning view that has kept this family here.  The vantage Read more...
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Carroll County Historical Museum

Learn about the rich history of Carroll County in the museum located within the Historic District of Hillsville in the Historic Carroll County Courthouse. The facility presents the history of Carroll County and its various communities. Exhibits and artifacts reflect the heritage of Carroll County, which was formed in 1842. Early Native American artifacts recovered from nearby archaeological are also Read more...
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Aspenvale Cemetery

Aspenvale Cemetery was the first cemetery to be declared a Virginia Historic Landmark. Not only is the Revolutionary hero, Gen. William Campbell, famous for the Battle of King’s Mountain, buried here, but also his wife, Elizabeth Henry Campbell Russell, known as “Madam Russell” and sister to Patrick Henry. After Gen. Campbell’s death Elizabeth married another important Revolutionar general, William Russell. Read more...
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Boydton, Virginia, an eighteenth century towne

Historic Boydton is an 18th century towne located in Southern Virginia. A completed street enhancement project renders a charming Victorian ambiance to the entire historic district. As the county seat, it boasts a unique hexastyle Greek Revival courthouse. Built and designed by Jefferson’s own builder, it is a replica of the State Capitol in Richmond. From its central location on Read more...
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Fieldale Recreation Center

The Fieldale Recreation Center is a historic building located in the heart of the Village of Fieldale, Virginia. The Village of Fieldale was born in the wake of the county’s textile boom and during the area’s industrialization in the early 1900’s. In 1917 Chicago’s Marshall Field & Company began construction of Fieldcrest Mills, a plant that would eventually cover four Read more...
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Montgomery White Sulphur Springs

A monument marks the location of the Montgomery White Sulphur Springs Resort. During the Civil War the resort was ran by the Confederate Government as a General Hospital. Wounded, sick, and recovery soldiers filled the spacious resort and were cared for by Catholic Nuns, local slaves, and military personnel. More that 200 soldiers died at the hospital and are mostly Read more...
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Danville Places In Time Story Map

Get ready to look back in time with Danville Places In Time Story Map! View the landscape from the eyes of a visitor from decades ago with photos from as early as 1954. In our walkable River District, use your phone to transport you back in time with this story map. So what are you waiting for? Click the link Read more...
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The Oaks

Look north along Main Street and you will see Gilmer Terrace, the little park maintained by the Chatham Garden Club. Facing town on the north side of the park is the Oaks. Notice how Main Street hooks around the park? It’s really hooking around the Oaks, due to the clout of its builder, Dr. Robert Coles. Main Street was originally Read more...
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Settlers Museum of Southwest Virginia

A visit to The Settlers Museum of Southwest Virginia is like stepping one hundred years into the past. Visit this 67 acre open air museum and learn the story of the people who settled the area. View the Migration Story and map at our visitor’s center, visit the restored 19th-century living history farm complete with farmhouse and 8 original outbuildings, Read more...
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New River Bridge, Radford

New River Bridge, Radford, Trails sign at far west end of Bisset Park off Route 11 – Union troops attacked and burned this critical railroad bridge May 10, 1864, following their victory at Cloyd’s Mountain the day before. The bridge was back in action in a month and survived until the last days of the war. Read more...
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Downtown Stuart

Downtown Stuart includes a farmers market & amphitheater where many local events are held, the Mayo River Rail Trail, a visitors center, cultural arts center, shopping, and dining. You can also locate a caboose from the David and Western railroad line as well. Read more...
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Mayberry Presbyterian Church

Mayberry Presbyterian Church is one of the five historic rock churches located in the tri-county area of Carroll, Floyd, and Patrick Counties of southwestern Virginia. Mayberry Church is located adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway at Mile Post 180.1, just south of Meadows of Dan. Our service begins at 9:00 a.m. each Sunday. Visitors are most welcome and come as Read more...
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The Grove

The Grove, an antebellum Greek Revival estate, built by John Stafford Hale and his wife, Margaret Ingles Saunders Hale, great-granddaughter of Mary Draper Ingles [see Thom’s “Follow the River” for her story of capture by and escape from the Shawnee in 1755] , is open for tours, by appointment only. Confederate General Jubal A. Early’s law office is on the Read more...
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Special Collections at Virginia Tech

Special Collection houses a vast array of letters, journal, pictures, and diaries. Includes a Manuscript Collection for the American Civil War, Online exhibits, ImageBase Collection, and Digital Library and Archives. Also has direct link to the Civil War Institute which is likewise on the campus of Virginia Tech. Hours: M-F 8:00AM-5:00PM and by appointment Read more...
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Waller’s Ford Historic Marker

There is so much history to learn about Martinsville-Henry County, including that of George Waller. George and Anne Waller established their plantation on the Smith River near here around 1770. George Waller helped establish Henry County, serving as one of its first justices and as an early tax commissioner and sheriff. Drive by Field Avenue today to learn more from Read more...
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Site of Andrew Lewis’ Home Richfield – The Salem Civic Center

Renowned frontier soldier and Revolutionary War hero General Andrew Lewis lived on his estate Richfield. The house, destroyed by fire in the 1820s, was between the Civic Center and the Roanoke River. His original grave site was a few blocks to the south. Lewis was the commander at the crucial battles of Point Pleasant (1774, against the Shawnee chief Cornstalk) Read more...
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Danville & Western Caboose

The Downtown area of Stuart is known as The Depot. This name is derived from the railroad line, The Danville and Western, (affectionately referred to as the “dick and willie”) which ended in Stuart. This railroad carried many of the agricultural products out of the county while brining other supplies in. The railroad was removed during the second world war. Read more...
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Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail

One of the nation’s most historic routes, the trail was blazed by the legendary frontiersman in 1775 and has become the route for hundreds of thousands of settlers of the western frontier. The driving tour follows the Wilderness Trail to Cumberland Gap as closely as possible. Read more...
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Orlean Hawks Puckett Cabin

Visitors traveling along the Blue Ridge Parkway must visit the Puckett Cabin at Milepose 189.9 in Carroll County. The site is a preserved log home, with rail fencing, that was the last home of Orlean Hawks Puckett (1844-1939). Puckett was a mid-wife who helped assist with the delivery of over 1,000 babies from 1890-1939. The site helps to interpret and Read more...

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