Wytheville, Virginia…There’s Only One
Wytheville, Virginia…
There’s Only One
(pronounced WITH-vill)
(pronounced WITH-vill)
You can search the world over and not find another town with the name of Wytheville. But, the name is just the beginning of the unique experiences in this beautiful small town in Southwest Virginia.
Created by the donation of one hundred acres in 1790, the town that would later be known as Wytheville was established as the county seat of Wythe County. The name came in honor of George Wythe, a well-respected Virginia lawyer, professor, and signer of the Declaration of Independence who, interestingly, never came to the area. Perhaps first called Abbeville, then Evansham in 1792, the town would take the unique name of Wytheville (there is only one community named such in the world) after a disastrous fire left a path of destruction in 1839.
Always a transportation hub, the Great Road to the Western Frontier paralleled U.S. Route 11 and portions of the town’s Main Street. In later years, U.S. Routes 11, 21, and 52 brought opportunities for increased business and many travelers. The community’s history includes the town being an early favored location for visitors who wished to escape the heat of the deeper south for the cool mountain air and beautiful vistas. The Main Street once thrived with numerous hotels and boarding houses as well as opera houses, theaters, and other entertainment venues. Multiple tragic fires destroyed many of these vibrant structures. Rebuilding took the community in other directions with a variety of business growth that has diversified its economy. The building of Interstates 81 and 77 in the 1960s and 1970s further secured Wytheville’s history as a crossroads with these two major north-south arteries intersecting. Industrial growth followed as the community’s central East Coast position made it an attractive location. The area’s ability to produce an abundance of water further reinforced the development. A focus on preservation, drive of entrepreneurship, and spirit of hospitality secured its place as a thriving tourism destination.
The town has not been immune to tragedy. Two notable fires, in 1839 and 1924, destroyed large portions of the downtown. In the summer of 1950, the community gained unwelcomed national recognition as having the highest per capita outbreak of polio. The citizens’ resilience and community spirit in responding to an epidemic left a lasting impression for generations to come.
7 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN WYTHEVILLE THIS SEASON
Wytheville and Wythe County are all about fun and experiencing incredible attractions that you will only find here in our small but bountiful part of Southwest Virginia.
5 RESTAURANTS IN WYTHEVILLE THE LOCALS LOVE
Due to its stellar location at I-81 and I-77, as well as some divine cuisine, Wytheville has long been known by travelers as THE place to stop and have some great food.
ROMANTIC GETAWAYS IN WYTHEVILLE
With a historic boutique hotel and an award winning luxury bed and breakfast, Wytheville is a great destination for your romantic getaway.
BEST MOTORCYCLE RIDE IN WYTHEVILLE
Featuring more than 200 miles of incredible scenery, Claw of the Dragon is one of the most popular bike rides in the South among motorcycle enthusiasts.
Wind: 1mph SSE
Humidity: 90%
Pressure: 30.15"Hg
UV index: 0
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SEVEN SISTERS BREWERY - LIVE MUSIC
HAPPENING NOW
Craft Beer, Live Music, Food Trucks
7 DOGS BREWPUB - LIVE MUSIC
HAPPENING NOW
Craft Beer, Open Mic, Trivia, Live Music
Legends: The Eagles, The Doobie Brothers, & Fleetwood Mac
HAPPENING NOW
March 24 - April 8
Join us for the rockin’ music of 3 of the best bands of the 70s!