Wytheville, VA

Wytheville is a true original, not just because it’s the only town in the country fortunate enough to bear that name but also because of its stunning landscape, which includes majestic mountains, sparkling waters, and rolling hills. No doubt about it – a trip to this memorable and striking town in Southwest Virginia always leaves visitors wanting more!

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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African-American Heritage Museum

Business Name

African-American Heritage Museum

Phone

276-625-0042

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.

Address

410 E. Franklin Street
Wytheville, VA 24382

Hours M-F

Monda -Thursday 2-7 p.m.

Hours Sat-Sun

Closed

Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum

Business Name

Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum

Phone

276-223-3484

Visit Website

www.edithbollingwilson.org

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.

Hours: Monday - Saturday 10:00-4:00

Address

145 E. Main Street
Wytheville, VA 24382

Hours M-F

Monday-Closed
Tuesday - Friday 10:00-4:00

Hours Sat-Sun

Saturday - 10:00-4:00
Sunday - Closed

Historic Shot Tower

Business Name

Historic Shot Tower

Phone

276-699-6778

Visit Website

www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/shot-tower#general_information

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.

Address

283 Pauley Flatwoods Rd
Austinville, VA 24312

Hours M-F

Dawn-Dusk

Hours Sat-Sun

Dawn-Dusk

Thomas J. Boyd Museum

Business Name

Thomas J. Boyd Museum

Phone

276-223-3330

Visit Website

www.wytheville.org/museums/museums.php

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.

Address

295 Tazewell St
Wytheville, VA 24382

Hours M-F

Wednesday-Friday 10-4 (OR BY APPOINTMENT)