HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS
Shot Tower
Mansion at Fort Chiswell
Stephen Austin Memorial
Wytheville Training School The school was constructed in 1882 for African American children and was in operation until 1952. Exhibits feature photos, stories, and memorabilia that tell a history of African American education in Wytheville. The Wytheville Training School was built on land where a Freedmen’s school once stood, shortly after the freedom of the slaves between 1865 and 66. Sometime between 1880 and 1882, the Freedmen’s school was razed and a new church and school, as they appear today were erected. In 1883, an agreement was made between the Evansham (now Wytheville) School District and the trustees of the Franklin Street Methodist Episcopal (M.E.) Church to buy the school. The deed outlined an arrangement by which the M. E. Church was given the privilege to use the school building for religious worship on the Sabbath and for prayer meetings and funerals. They could also use the school for festivals and social meetings as long as such functions did not interfere with the school functions. The school was used as a church until the new church building was constructed in 1886.
An Historic Experience from Beginning to End A visit to the Museums of Wytheville will inspire you to make a connection to the past and learn about the real people, places, and events that have shaped this community’s history. Great Lakes to Florida
Thomas J. Boyd Museum
Haller-Gibboney Rock House Museum
Exhibits showcasing Wythe County history from the late 1700’s until present day. Topics explored include 1950 Polio Epidemic, Wythe County artisans and craftspeople, energy and technology, Civil War and Wytheville’s first fire wagons.
Learn about 19th and early 20th century family life and Wythe County’s rich medical heritage through guided tours of this 1823 National Register Historic Home constructed of native limestone. New exhibits on early medical practices and apothecaries coming in 2019.
Recreated 1926-1950’s era gas station that returns visitors to the days when the Great Lakes to Florida highway (Rt. 21) was the main route from Ohio to Florida. Original artifacts and exhibits tell the story of the development of Rt. 21 and I-77.
Your Journey begins at
Wytheville’s Heritage Preservation Center
1924 former school building that now houses the administrative and research center for the Town of Wytheville Department of Museums and the Wythe County Historical Society. Meeting and live performance room and exhibit on Wythe County’s mining heritage. Open 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.
115 West Spiller Street • I-81/I-77 Exit 73, follow the Museums signs http://museums.wytheville.org • museum@wytheville.org • 276-223-3330 page 33 | 877-347-8307