Home  History  Downtown Wytheville  Events  Attractions  Shopping  Outdoor Recreation  Wytheville Map  Wythe County Map  Camping  Accommodations  Restaurants  Mileage Map   Rock House Museum Thomas J. Boyd Museum

From the pioneer days when our nation’s earliest citizens journeyed to the West, to a 20th century First Lady, Wytheville and Wythe County has had a unique role in history. Founded in 1790, Wythe County was named for the first signer of the Declaration of Independence for Virginia – George Wythe. Early settlement can be credited to the access to water (the New River and many creeks) and the abundance of natural resources, including lead. One hundred acres was selected as the county seat in 1792 and Evansham, now Wytheville, became the central town. Over the last 200 years, Wytheville’s “great roads” have been a driving force in its progress and attraction. From the days of the western migration, the area’s accessibility, convenience, and range of travel-related businesses have made Wytheville an ideal stop. Today, two federal highways, Interstates 77 & 81, make it a modern-day junction.  The history of the area patterns the history of our nation with many interesting events, legends, and characters along the way. Let your historical visit begin at Wytheville’s Heritage Center at 115 West Spiller Street for an orientation to our two historical museums, the Haller-Gibboney Rock House and Thomas J. Boyd Museums. Medicine, war battles, and First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson are just a few of the topics covered. You can also begin the self-guided Wytheville’s Historic Walking Tour from this location and learn many interesting facts about local history, pre-Civil War to today. Additionally, the African American Heritage Driving Tour takes a closer look at this aspect of history through examples of places where people lived, learned, and worshipped.   Reconstructed Indian Village, museum, gift shop and picnic area. Recreated Indian Village, based on archeological site. Interpretive guides lead you on a hands on exploration of primitive skills. Open 9am-5pm 7 days a week 6394 N. Scenic Hwy, Bastian, VA I-77, Exit 58, Bastian, approximately 1200 ft. from interstate. Wythe County also has five locations on the Virginia Civil War Trails. These mark the route of Toland’s Raid and offer a beautiful scenic drive between locations. Virginia Civil War Trails Wythe County now has five sites on this trail marking the route of “Toland’s Raid.” Informational markers will enhance your understanding of Virginia’s Civil War experience by interpreting and linking significant sites relating to the Civil War throughout the Commonwealth. Follow the Civil War Trails signs to these locations: 1 - Into the Valley of Death 2 - The First Skirmish before Wytheville 3 - The Road to Mount Airy Depot 4 - St. John’s Church 5 - The Battle in Wytheville If your family history traces back to Virginia, you can find a wealth of geneaology resources at the numerous research centers listed on below. Just a few minutes away in neighboring Bland County, you will find Wolf Creek Indian Village & Museum. This village of wigwams was meticulously reconstructed to match the layout of a nearby excavation dating to 1215 A.D. Guides in primitive dress demonstrate the day-to-day living skills through use of handmade replicas of tools and containers, hides, and various crafts. The museum holds a local collection of artifacts as well as a gift shop.

Genealogy Researching your family history? The following locations offer a wealth of information: Wythe/Grayson Public Library 300 East Monroe Street Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9-5:30 Tuesday & Thursday 9-8 Saturday 9-5 276-228-4951 Wytheville Community College Kegley Library 1000 East Main Street Monday-Friday 8-5 Call for appointment 276-223-4700 Wythe County Courthouse 345 South Fourth Street Monday-Friday 9-5 276-223-6050 Wythe County Historical Society Library (Within Wytheville’s Heritage Center) 115 West Spiller Street Call for appointment 276-228-6061 The Wythe County Genealogical and Historical Association 115 East Main Street 276-228-2445 Current Hours Thurs-Fri-Sat 10-4 The Bethell Connection Genealogy Collection Display 2429 Peppers Ferry Road Wytheville, VA 24382 276-228-5136

An Historic Experience from Beginning to End A visit to the Museums of Wytheville will inspire you to make a connection to the past and learn about the real people, places, and events that have shaped this community's history. Haller-Gibboney Rock House Museum gives a glimpse into how one Wythe County family lived in the mid 1800's and how the area's first doctor practiced medicine. The Thomas J. Boyd Museum showcases Wythe County's role in the Civil War and shows the soldiers' perspective of this experience. Interactive stations teach children about history, math and science in the Discovery Corner.    Mon - Fri: 8 - 5 Third Sat: 8 - 5   Tours begin on the hour, first tour at 10, last tour at 4.   276-223-3330 116 West Spiller Street - I-81/I-77 Exit 73, follow the brown Museums signs. http://museums.wytheville.org - museum@wytheville.org

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Wytheville Convention and Visitors Bureau

PO Box 533, 975 Tazewell Street, Wytheville, VA 24382

General Office: 276-223-3355 - Fax: 276-223-3443

http://www.visitwytheville.org - cvb@wytheville.org

Toll-Free: 1-877-347-8307

Main Exit: I-81, Exit 70