history
Wytheville is rich in history, and its historic sites provide a window into the past. From museums that celebrate the town’s notable figures to well-preserved buildings that reflect its architecture, history buffs and casual visitors alike will find plenty to explore in Wytheville’s historic district.
Wytheville’s history is woven into the fabric of its charming downtown. The town’s roots stretch deep into the 18th and 19th centuries, and its historic sites are a testament to the people and events that shaped the region. The town’s unique role in both the American Revolution and the Civil War is highlighted through its well-preserved architecture and museums. Today, Wytheville honors its rich past while maintaining a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere for visitors and locals alike. Whether exploring the birthplace of First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson, stepping into the oldest log cabin restaurant in the region, or visiting the African-American Heritage Museum, downtown Wytheville offers an engaging look at the stories that make this small town such a special place.
African-American Heritage Museum/ Wytheville Training School
The Wytheville Training School was a pivotal institution for African-American education in Wythe County. Established in the early 20th century, the school served as the primary educational facility for African-American students in the area during segregation. Today, the museum honors the rich history of the school, its students, and their contributions to the community. Exhibits feature personal stories, photographs, and artifacts that highlight the school’s importance in shaping the lives of many local families and its role in the African-American experience in Wytheville.
Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum
The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum celebrates the life of the First Lady of the United States during President Woodrow Wilson’s tenure. As a native of Wytheville, Edith Wilson’s legacy is deeply connected to the town. The museum is housed in her childhood home and features exhibits that explore her life, her marriage to President Wilson, and her time in the White House. Visitors can take a step back in time and see how a young girl from Wytheville became a powerful figure in American history.
Thomas J. Boyd Museum
The Thomas J. Boyd Museum offers a fascinating journey through Wytheville’s history, highlighting the town’s role in the Civil War, the railroad era, and more. One of its key exhibits focuses on the impact of polio on the local community, telling the story of the 1950s polio epidemic and its lasting effects on Wytheville. Through photographs, documents, and personal accounts, visitors can gain insight into how the town came together during this challenging time. The museum also features a variety of artifacts from Wytheville’s past, making it an excellent stop for anyone interested in local history.
Haller Gibboney Rock House
the Haller-Gibboney Rock House was the home of Wytheville’s first resident physician and has played a significant role since 1823. Dr. John Haller served this community as a doctor, county coroner and delegate to the Virginia Legislature. The Hallers and their descendants, lived in the home for 140 years. During that time it was an infirmary and a school during the Civil War and later a boarding house. Now a historic landmark, the home contains more than 1,400 original artifacts and period furnishings
The Log House 1776 Restaurant
While primarily known for its delicious food, The Log House 1776 Restaurant is also an important piece of Wytheville’s history. The restaurant, housed in a log cabin built in 1776, is believed to be the oldest log cabin restaurant in Virginia. Dining here offers visitors the chance to step inside a piece of history while enjoying traditional Southern cuisine
itinerary