Historic Sites

Home » Plan » Historic Sites » Page 5

Historic Sites

{"hide_search_input":"","hide_near_input":"1","input_size":"","bar_flex_wrap":"","bar_flex_wrap_md":"","bar_flex_wrap_lg":"","input_border":"","input_border_opacity":"","input_rounded_size":"","btn_bg":"","btn_rounded_size":"","btn_rounded_size_md":"","btn_rounded_size_lg":"","bg":"","mt":"","mr":"","mb":"3","ml":"","pt":"","pr":"","pb":"","pl":"","border":"","rounded":"","rounded_size":"","rounded_size_md":"","rounded_size_lg":"","shadow":"","css_class":""}
48322 1d2ee2f2 5056 a36a 07ba31f05513d59e

Martinsville Historic District

Seeking history, culture, and an experience truly Southern Virginia? The Martinsville Historic District awaits your discovery. This is a 45-acre district encompassing 96 historically contributing buildings with architecture reflective of a number of architectural styles: Federal, Romanesque, Colonial Revival, and Classic Revival dating to between 1791 and 1948 and include Commercial Style, International Style, Art Decco, and Others. The district Read more...
Juneteenth Poster 7AF5E926 6DD9 4F9F 96DB44CFB2550C76 8d8950b9 7c92 4190 95bc770384937b24

Emory & Henry College

Founded in 1836, Emory & Henry College is the oldest institution of higher education in Southwest. The college is named for John Emory, a leader in the United Methodist Church, and Patrick Henry, a renowned patriot of the American revolution and Virginia’s first governor. Emory symbolizes the belief in the union of faith and learning, while Henry represents the commitment Read more...
default image

Hayes Cemetery: Blue Ridge Parkway

Visitors along the Blue Ridge Parkway often overlook the fact that the landscape they are traveling was occupied in earlier historic times. Very little has survived the passage of time of the settlers and farmers who once called this home. However, several cemeteries along the route bear mute testimony to these early dwellers and their desendents. The thirty some miles Read more...
images 051B101A BC13 2AE0 A1FFBBDAC2C6EA9D 051b0f64b5fd985 3cfde996 ae3c 50fe 23f62b5f5ebc839e 768x532

The Richard White House

Just across Main Street from the Oaks is the charming little house built by Dr. Richard White, fellow physician and racing crony of Dr. Robert Coles from whom he bought the land. An early resident says the first section was built in 1810, but the official date for the second section is 1837. Close inspection reveals differences in the left Read more...
handbookcover2 20719d5b 5056 a36a 07164f7e75de09d0 768x491

Matthews Living History Farm and Museum

The Mathews Living History Farm and Museum is a non-profit, historical and educational foundation which operates a circa 1900 homestead farm.  Farm animals, working tools and equipment of the period, a demonstration garden and scheduled events and activities for the family make this a wonderful place to spend the day.  Read more...
IMG 5645 2360ef50 5056 a36a 078f872ef9d0d0ab 768x576

The Grey Lady

JOHN WADDEY CARTER HOUSE- “The Grey Lady” | Circa 1896    “This beautiful Queen Ann residence was built in 1896 by John W. Carter as a wedding present for his young bride, Miss Mary Kizziah Drewery, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Henry M. Drewry. Referred to as ‘The Grey Lady’, the dwelling is a textbook example of the Queen Anne Read more...
Fieldale Community Center 2363082d 5056 a36a 07ba8df5638ae11f 768x456

Fieldale Village

Shortly after the turn of the 19th century, Marshall Field and Co., located in Chicago, became interested in this area of land for a new textile mill site, conveniently located on the Smith River between two railroads, the D&W and N&W. Marshall Field and Co. wanted to build a model town, which provided homes, churches, boarding houses and schools on Read more...
49476 1d2234ce 5056 a36a 07ec9d7c7cd7331b 768x589

A Journey on the Wilderness Road

In Radford, trace the history that began in 1762 when William and Mary Draper Ingles established Ingles Ferry at a spot on the New River between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. Then in 1796, an enterprising settler built a tavern on the stagecoach route. The tavern was called Lovely Mount andincluded a general store and blacksmith shop. . It Read more...
180406 FloydCountryStore 0200 1ca68a5b 5056 a36a 07244eea5d244a10 768x512

Floyd Country Store

The Floyd Country Store is renowned as a place to experience authentic Appalachian music, and is home to a group of musicians, flatfoot dancers, and cloggers who are carrying on the tradition of their families who’d pass the time playing music and dancing together. Everywhere they could these folks would gather with their friends and families from their front porch Read more...
72854 1fe281fe 5056 a36a 07019eb5ca53f150 768x576

The Colonial Center for the Performing Arts

The Colonial Theatre has special place in the history of our community and in the lives of many of our residents. It has weathered many difficulties, including economic crises, as well as years of neglect at various times. The Colonial is one of the few remaining vaudeville theatres of its era in Virginia. Orginally built in 1925, it housed names Read more...
default image

Groundhog Mountain Overlook

Overlook and picnic area located on the Blue Ridge Parkway a nice relaxing stop with structures demonstrating the history and heritage of early pioneer life. Read more...
young1 1be9df72 5056 a36a 077d3c32a741add3

White’s Mill

Established in 1790, this is one of the only water-powered flour mills still operating in Southwest Virginia. It is a National and a Virginia Historic Landmark. Milling demonstrations, handmade broom demonstration and a general store on-site. Read more...
default image

Charlotte Co. Courthouse

The only Virginia courthouse known to have been designed by Thomas Jefferson that still stands. The courthouse was built in 1823 and stands amidst a group of 19th and early 20th century court buildings and residences. Read more...
44716 1c9460dd 5056 a36a 07cc7506f057a427 768x576

Indian Fields

Indian fields, part of James Thompson’s original tract inherited from his Grandfather, James Patton in the 1700’s. James Thompson fought at King’s Mountain. A Cherokee Indian uprising brought about the building as the neighborhood fort. The log and stone house was constructed around 1765. It was used for field slaves quarters in 1843. Pleasant Smith bought the property and made Read more...
13963 1bd5ca65 5056 a36a 07eccccde33f89fe 768x576

Saltville, Historic Town

During the Civil War, the North battled to gain control of this town, the main supplier of the salt the Confederate army used to preserve meat. See restored fortifications, battle relics at the town museum. Other historic sites: Salt Park, with reconstructed salt furnace; replica of cabin where Patrick Henry’s sister lived and other historic buildings; two steam locomotives. Read more...
IMG 5457 236109f2 5056 a36a 07e6b2227c51bd7b 768x576

The Historic Oakwood Cemetery

Oakwood Cemetery is Martinsville’s oldest public cemetery. The original cemetery charter was dated April 23, 1883. A cemetery committee consisting of J.R. Brown, C.P. Kearfott and C.D. Keffer was appointed by the Martinsville Town Council. Around the same time, 83/4 acres were purchased from Dr. James Moss Smith for $50 per acre to establish the site. The town of Martinsville Read more...
48754 1d2ad8e5 5056 a36a 07ee65a2bb6eebf0

Historic Carolina Road Through Henry County

Henry County played a role in the development of the Colonial Frontier with the Carolina Road Beginning around the 1740s, this was the primary corridor funneling settlers from Pennsylvania to the settlements in the Carolina backcountry – particularly the Moravian Wachovia Tract. It is estimated that by the 1760s, some 1,000 wagons a day were traveling the Carolina Road. The Read more...
Memorial 1 26 08 009 1fbe1ff7 5056 a36a 077efdb35d667969

Veterans Memorial

The Veterans Memorial is comprised of a seven-foot high by 156-foot long black granite wall with the names of all local Veterans Killed In Action from the Revolutionary War to the present. The slogan “Freedom Is Not Free” is the centerpiece of the memorial. Among the 1,463 names currently carved on the Wall, 897 are from the Civil War, the Read more...
Murals 019 minus timestamp 1d2ec0d1 5056 a36a 0701ff2bbff54357 768x486

Fayette Street Historic District

The Fayette Street Historic District awaits your discovery for local history. The district continues to represent the commercial and institutional center of the African-American community in Martinsville as one of its oldest neighborhoods. The 42-acre district includes 116 historically contributing buildings with architecture reflective of a number of styles: Late Victorian, Queen Anne; Late 19th & 20th century Revivals, Colonial Read more...
veterans memorial 23262463 5056 a36a 07560bae4fa61ca7 768x512

Veterans’ Memorial Park, Rocky Mount

Located along the Pigg River, Veterans’ Memorial Park is a tranquil reminder of the honor, courage, and sacrifice of local soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who served and/or lost their lives while preserving our freedoms. A central monument lists the names of the area’s fallen soldiers and the conflicts that claimed their lives, surrounding the monument are inscribed brick pavers Read more...
default image

McClanahan Cemetery

Opposite Church of Christ on North Rt. 83, up on hillside. Site of 3 Confederate Soldiers, related by marriage. Hours: Daylight only Read more...
34848 1b1f35f9 5056 a36a 0795934ba46321d1

Bowman Cemetery: Blue Ridge Parkway

Visitors along the Blue Ridge Parkway often overlook the fact that the landscape they are traveling was occupied in earlier historic times. Very little has survived the passage of time of the settlers and farmers who once called this home. However, several cemeteries along the route bear mute testimony to these early dwellers and their desendents. The thirty some miles Read more...
IMG 2551 1caf2fc9 5056 a36a 07107722d0076bef 768x576

The Washington Tavern

The Washington Tavern, one of Boydton’s oldest buildings (originally located on Washington Street), was built by James Bruce of Halifax and Beverly Sydnor in 1820. Bruce was America’s first chain store owner and the tavern was used in his and Sydnor’s local mercantile establishment. Later, the building was part of the Exchange Hotel complex also located on Washington Street between Read more...
31622 1b4125e3 5056 a36a 072f5658d7bae654 768x576

Harmon’s Museum

The Harmon Museum has an interesting array of artifacts. The museum exhibits numerous historical artifacts from the Carroll County Courthouse Courtroom Shooting of March 1912, Colonial era, Native American tools, Civil War, World War II, Baldwin Felts Detective Agency, early coal mining relics, and pioneer tools – just to name a few. The museum is located along Route 58 West Read more...
old chapel church vtc 1 2327a5dc 5056 a36a 07c4c497931776c1 768x384

1769 Old Chapel Church

1769 Old Chapel Church in Penhook is one of only four pre-Revolutionary War frame Anglican churches in Virginia. Built in 1769, it is the oldest documented frame structure in Southwest Virginia. The one-story, 249 year old church has been preserved and completely restored to its 18th Century appearance. The white 24 by 32 foot building with five windows and plank Read more...
default image

Emmanuel Episcopal Church

This lovely church consecrated in 1844 offers beautiful stained glass windows by Tiffany. Read more...
Town Aerial View 3 1baf418c 5056 a36a 075c86f7ed1a625d 768x455

Town of Buchanan

Discover firsthand why Buchanan captures the hearts of so many. An important stopping point for travelers since the 1700’s, Buchanan offers visitors the quintessential small-town America experience. Whether you are planning an afternoon shopping spree, or a weekend getaway, include Buchanan as part of your itinerary.  Surround yourself in the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains while you discover more than two hundred years Read more...
Pittsylvania County Courthouse 4D1224D5 E49E 3D51 1D81FCA94DC409FD 4d12244fc43dd22 2d4d05b5 b122 d946 24e637a6296088e1 768x576

Pittsylvania County Courthouse

This Greek Revival Courthouse was built in 1853 when L.A. Shumaker, a regional master builder, was paid $10,000 to design and erect the building.The courthouse has been elegantly restored. The interior of the courthouse is embellished with elaborate plasterwork. A magnet for researchers is the clerk’s office where records go back to 1747. Read more...
44707 1c949b04 5056 a36a 070973a8770e31c6 768x576

Sallie’s Crying Tree

Behind the Marion Fire Department stands a very old oak tree. The tears that were shed on its bark have long since been washed away. They were the tears of a six year old child, purchased as a slave by Thomas Thurman in the 1840�s. Sallie would steal away daily, wrap her arms around the tree and �cry her heart Read more...
default image

The Veteran’s Memorial at Cumberland Square Park

The Bristol Veteran’s Memorial, located on Cumberland Street, is dedicated to the honor and memory of those brave men and women of the United States who have fought, and continue to fight and serve in the defense of the freedoms of our country. This memorial salutes these courageous souls for whom this nation will be forever indebted. The memorial features Read more...
Fairytal Cottage 1100EC78 CBAF 86FF 44D06554EF45D5E0 1100eab5b180a12 c4bf9f96 b711 156d 94bd718f2462d0d0 768x574

Fairytale Cottage

Bear to the right of the traffic island and head into Reid Street. On the right rests perhaps Chatham’s most charming residence — a Swiss Gothic cottage rich in gingerbread and finials. Swiss-Gothic enjoyed great popularity during these years with magazines featuring floor plans. Read more...
24201 image 052651EA F6CB 1530 95EC90647FCDF027 0526512894ac3dd 3ce537c4 de5a aa51 e24201308605ce85

Sims-Mitchell House

Built soon after the Civil War in Italianate villa style by Col. William E. Sims, the house was opened as bed-and-breakfast in 1975 by Henry and Patricia Mitchell. It has more than enough room, five rooms including a ballroom and 11 fireplaces. The Mitchells restored it with profound respect for its construction, including brick kilned on the place, shiplap siding, Read more...
IMG 3702sm d687981d 5056 a36a 078a984fe6d8650d 768x576

Bassett Train Station Event Center

The Bassett Train Station Event Center is now ready to host events for up to 200 guests. The main room for the Event Center is the spacious hall which was the train depot’s shipping and receiving warehouse that now includes a raised platform. This main room is surrounded by rustic white painted brick walls with the original wooden sliding doors Read more...
44722 1c93ccb8 5056 a36a 07eca60b7a0140b0 768x576

Madam Russell Methodist Church and Cabin

Visit the church which was named as a memorial to Madam Russell, Patrick Henry’s sister. Walk through the original portion of the church and see many beautiful features, including the magnificent stain glass windows. Tour the replica cabin of Madam Russell and enjoy stories of her tremendous influence throughout the years. The lives that Madam Russell touched are limitless, by Read more...
fcm1 crop u8722 2338c703 5056 a36a 07b4a10438691a83 768x469

Mansion at Fort Chiswell

For more than a decade The Mansion at Fort Chiswell has been lovingly restored.  Now this private residence, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and as a Virginia State Historic Landmark, is ready to be shared with you.  From the gracious bedrooms – to the wood-burning kitchen fireplace – to the elegant stairways and halls, you will find rich history Read more...
E Lige Gibbons Fall Colors 1bbf9808 5056 a36a 077ff3e386ee07ed 768x515

Hensley’s Settlement

Hensley’s Settlement is part of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, which lies in three states: Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. The preserved settlement is located atop Brush Mountain where the Hensley’s first settled in 1903. In the early part of the century, the Hensley’s settled on the mountain, forsaking settled areas for an entirely self-sufficient way of life. This truly rural Read more...

Travel Tips

Things to Do

Places to Stay

Where to Eat