HISTORICAL SITES Throughout Wytheville and Wythe County, a variety of significant historic properties still stand offering a glimpse into the past. Overlooking the New River, the Historic Shot Tower was completed in 1807 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. A nearby monument honors native son Stephen F. Austin who would later be known as the “Father of Texas”. Seasonally open, The Mansion at Fort Chiswell was built in 1839-40 by brothers Stephen McGavock and James Cloyd McGavock. Over 300,000 sand bricks were commissioned for the impressive structure which now sits within view of Interstates 77 & 81. Five locations on the Virginia Civil War Trails mark the route of Toland’s Raid and offer a beautiful scenic drive between locations. Built in the 1860s by the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, the Rural Retreat Depot is now used as a museum and event venue, including being the home of the town’s farmers market. In neighboring Bland County, Wolf Creek Indian Village & Museum has meticulously reconstructed wigwams to match the layout of an excavation dating to 1215 A.D. Guides demonstrate living skills through the use of handmade replicas of tools and containers, hides, and various crafts.
1870 Octagon Mansion History Museum
585 W. Main Street • Wytheville View a collection, six decades in the making, featuring artifacts, memorabilia, photos, newspapers and more from different eras of American history, including the Civil War, Revolutionary War and both World Wars. HOURS: Tues-Sat, 10a-4p • FEES: Adult: $8; Child: $5
African American Heritage Museum
410 E Franklin Street • Wytheville This historic 1882 school building features photos, stories, memorabilia, displays and exhibits that tell the story of African American education and community life in the era of segregation. The museum also serves as a community computer and educational center. HOURS: Mon-Thur, 2p-7p; Or By Appointment FEES: FREE Admission, Donations Accepted
Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum
145 E Main Street • Wytheville Tour the unrestored home of First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson while learning about her romance with President Woodrow Wilson and how she became dubbed as the “First Female President”. Featuring artifacts from Edith’s childhood, as well as her time in the White House. HOURS: Thur & Fri, 10a-2p; Or By Appointment FEES: FREE Admission, Donations Appreciated
Great Lakes to Florida Highway Museum
975 Tazewell Street • Wytheville Return to the days when the Great Lakes to Florida Highway, (Route 21), was the main route from Ohio to Florida. Original artifacts, newspaper clippings and exhibits tell the story of the development of Route 21 and Interstate 77, housed inside a restored 1950s gas station. HOURS: Wed-Fri, 10a-4p • FEES: Adults: $8; Child: $4 w/Paid Adult; 5 >: FREE w/Paid Adult
Haller-Gibboney Rock House Museum
205 E. Tazewell Street • Wytheville Explore the home of Dr. John Haller, (Wytheville’s first resident physician), and learn about some of the women in the Haller and Gibboney families who were ahead of their time in medicine, business and the arts. TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR REPAIRS Call 276-223-3330 for more information on re-opening date. page 18 | VisitWytheville.com
