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Due to COVID-19, the museum is closed. Poplar Hill Cottage is open and available for rental.  Dedicated in 1948, the Southwest Virginia Museum in Big Stone Gap chronicles the exploration and development of the region. The museum houses a collection of items from the region. The collection was started by C. B. Slemp, who served in Congress from 1907 to 1923 and was President Coolidge’s personal secretary.A lovely Victorian parlor in the four-story mansion is available to...

The Sanders House Center includes a late 19th century home which was once the centerpiece of a 3,000 acre farm. Built in 1896, it has gorgeous solid oak woodwork, original wood floors, hand-painted imported mural and many of the original furnishings. There are nine fireplaces, three floors and a total of 19 rooms. The grounds include a granary which now houses a gift shop, a railroad museum, a smokehouse, and a spring house, the "Rosie...

The Ralph Stanley Museum and Traditional Mountain Music Center features the life and music of the legendary music performer. Recognized as a pioneer in traditional Appalachian old-time music, Stanley has donated his extensive collection of memorabilia – ranging from vintage instruments to countless musical awards – to the museum. Located in an historic Victorian home the collection includes exhibits on Dr. Stanley, the region’s musical roots, and on popular successors like Ricky Skaggs and Patty...

Pocahontas, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was Virginia's first coalfield boom town. Today, Pocahontas preserves its coal mining heritage. Visitors can tour the world's first Exhibition Coal Mine, a National Historic Landmark and Virginia's Official Coal Heritage Zone, and see spectacular 13 foot tall coal seams. Step into the Old Power House, which has been converted into a Museum and Educational Center, and see many exhibits of our rich coal mining heritage.Visitors...

Located adjacent to amphitheatre that stages the musical adaptation of John Fox Jr.'s novel, "Trail of the Lonesome Pine", at the turn of the century, the house was owned by the Duff family who also owned a hotel across the street. Legend has it that Fox's novel was based on actual people living in the town. Free tours of June Tolliver house are offered. The first floor has antiques from the turn of the century....

The museum was the home of John Fox, Jr., a famous mountain author of many novels and short stories. Most well known are "Trail of the Lonesome Pine" and "The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come". "Trail of the Lonesome Pine" became the nation's first million copy selling novel and was later made into a movie. An outdoor drama based on this novel is staged in the town of Big Stone Gap and has been designated...

Ellenbrook, otherwise known as Number 4, is the historic home of William Alexander Stuart, founder of the Stuart Land & Cattle Company. Construction of the home was completed in 1858.Ellenbrook offers a mini museum, which displays artifacts, memorabilia, photos, and articles associated with the Stuart family. Special event hosting is also provided.Hours: Monday & Tuesday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM or by appointmentDirections: From Lebanon, take Rt 19 toward Rosedale. Turn right onto Rt 80....

Open Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm; Sunday 12:30pm - 4pm. This log house was constructed from two separate log houses. One was built in 1769 and donated by the owner of the old Henry Dickenson farm. The other was built in 1790 and donated by the heirs of Thomas Bundy. The materials used from the 1769 Dickenson house were the oldest found in the area for a restoration project. The original builders of that...

The grand Hale Wilkinson Carter Home stands regally in the heart of historic downtown Hillsville.  Once home to the last empire builder George L. Carter, it now serves as an event venue and local historical attraction.  Tours are available of the 5-story, 34-room house....

The Tavern: The oldest building in Abingdon, constructed in 1779, the Tavern served as a field hospital during the Civil War. In the hospital section on the third floor, charcoaled numbers, used to designate soldiers' beds, are still visible. Hours: See web site for details...