Historic Sites in Wytheville
Wythe County was created in 1789 and named for George Wythe, the “father of American Jurisprudence” and signer of the Declaration of Independence. In May 1790, Chris Simmerman donated 90 acres, along with John Davis’s 10 acres, to establish a town and county seat. Robert Adams completed a town survey in November of that year, dividing the area into half-acre lots. The town did not have an official name yet but was generally known as Wythe Court House.
Two years later, in October 1792, the town was officially named Evansham, for prominent local citizen Jesse Evans. After a disastrous fire in March 1839, the town was renamed Wytheville. At that time, it was home to about 500 residents.
Proud of its remarkable heritage, Wytheville has preserved much of it and features several museums, including The Wytheville Training School Cultural Center, the region’s only African American Heritage Museum.
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Wytheville, VA 24382
Our New Children's Library Showcases Achievements of African Americans. Photos, Stories and Memorabilia tell a History of African American Education in Wythe County. Free Admission, Donations Appreciated A non-profit community organization was established in 2000 to preserve the historic Wytheville Training School. The school was constructed in 1882 for African American children and was in operation until 1952.
Wytheville, VA 24382
Come visit the birthplace and childhood home of First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson. Born and raised in Wytheville, Edith Bolling Wilson is a descendant of Pocahontas and the only Appalachian-born First Lady. As one of only eight historic sites across the country dedicated to the interpretation of a First Lady, the museum tells the story of the overlooked, yet vitally important role Edith Bolling Wilson played in the White House at a pivotal moment during World War I.
Wytheville, VA 24382
The Great Lakes to Florida Highway Museum, the newest addition to the Willow Brook Jackson/Umberger Homestead Museum Interpretative Site and the third museum for the Town of Wytheville Museums, is now open. The new museum, located adjacent to the E. Lee Trinkle Regional Visitors Center at 975 Tazewell Street, Wytheville, offers visitors a chance to return to the days when the Great Lakes to Florida Highway (Route 21) was the main route from Ohio to Florida. Memorabilia from the former gas station (built in 1926) is on display as well as restored gas pumps from that era. Entrance and parking for the new museum is at the Visitor's Center.
Austinville, VA 24312
Overlooking the New River, Shot Tower was built more than 200 years ago to make ammunition for the firearms of the early settlers. Lead from the nearby Austinville Mines was melted in a kettle atop the 75-foot tower and poured through a sieve, falling through the tower and an additional 75-foot shaft beneath the tower into a kettle of water. Guests may ascend the tower, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Interpretive signs provide details on the tower. Grounds are open from dawn until dusk. The parking lot is open year-round. The tower is open on scheduled days in the summer. Admission to the tower is free, however the daily parking fee applies. Group tours are also available.
Max Meadows, VA 24360
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 at The Mansion. Take a tour of this grand beauty followed by a delicious meal at Key Ingredients, located at the Mansion. Then enjoy a glass of your favorite beverage or a bowl of hand-churned ice cream while relaxing on the front porch. The Mansion also hosts several public events throughout the year and is available for reservation for private gatherings, such as weddings, receptions, business events, family gatherings.
Wytheville, VA 24382
The Boyd Museum provides an opportunity to learn about the history of the people and places of Wythe County. The museum's collection includes Wytheville's first fire truck, c-1855, early farming equipment and tools, military uniforms, Civil War displays, photographs of early schools and churches and artifacts from the mining industry.
Bastian, VA 24314
Take a step back in time to the early 1500's and experience Native American life when you visit Wolf Creek Indian Village & Museum! Based on the Brown-Johnston site from 1970, Wolf Creek Indian Village is a reconstructed Native American Village. The original site carbon dated somewhere between 1480-1520. Using the archaeology map, we have pole for pole and feature for feature recreated the village as to what we believe it may have looked like. Tour guides are available to escort you through our village and give you a glimpse into the life of the Eastern
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