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.

WYTHEVILLE’S Historic Walking Tour

1125 Tazewell Street • Wytheville

In the planning stages, the 10-acre interpretative site will depict rural life from the late 1700s to the mid-20th century and offer unlimited educational opportunities for visitors of all ages. Plans include public tours, living history demonstrations and a historic foodways program with kitchen, garden and cooking demonstrations on an open hearth and earthen bake oven. The site is currently open for events.

Jackson Ferry Shot Tower

283 Pauley Flatwoods Road • Austinville This 75-ft tower was built more than 200 years ago and was used to make ammunition for firearms of the early settlers. Guests may ascend the tower and interpretive signs provide details on the tower, it’s history and usage. HOURS: Scheduled Summer Days • FEES: Free

Mansion at Fort Chiswell

325 Factory Outlet Drive • Fort Chiswell The mansion was built in 1832 and is listed on both the Virginia and National Register of Historic Places. The house has 31 rooms, 5 levels and 17 fireplaces. From the sub-level jail to the 3-level open stairway, the mansion is both historic and impressive. See Website for Current Hours/Pricing: FortChiswellMansion.com

Rural Retreat Depot

105 W. Railroad Ave • Rural Retreat Visit this completely restored 1868 Virginia and Tennessee Railroad Depot. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it now houses a railroad museum and Event Center. Great location for photo opprotunities! HOURS: Wed, 3p-6p; Jun-Sep, 2nd & 4th Sun, 2p-5p • FEES: Free Admission, Donations Accepted

Thomas J. Boyd Museum

295 Tazewell Street • Wytheville Spanning history from the 1700’s to present day, this museum offers exhibits focusing on the unique aspects of Wythe County history, such as mining, decorative arts, communications and “The Summer Without Children” during the 1950s polio epidemic. HOURS: Wed-Fri, 10a-4p • FEES: Adults: $8; Child: $4 w/Paid Adult; 5 >: FREE w/Paid Adult

Wolf Creek Indian Village & Museum

6394 N. Scenic Hwy • Bastian Take a step back in time to the early 1500’s and experience Native American life of the Eastern Woodland Indians in a reconstructed village based on what is known about the site and it’s inhabitants. HOURS: Mon-Sat, 9a-5p FEES: Adults (12+): $10; Child(6-11): $6; 5 & Under FREE

Wytheville’s Historic Walking Tour

Downtown Wytheville This 64-page guide offers a glimpse into the people, businesses, and events that have shaped Wytheville’s history. Old photographs tell the story of long past moments in history and how they contributed to today’s Wytheville. The FREE brochure is available at the Visitors Center, the Heritage Preservation Center, and many Downtown Wytheville businesses.