A landmark to Hillsville since 1946, the Hillsville Diner is now the oldest continuously operating streetcar diner in the entire state of Virginia. Manufactured by the O'Mahoney company. The facility is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Hillsville Historic District. Moved here from Mt. Airy, NC where a young Andy Griffith frequented. It is open from 4:45 a.m. till 2 p.m. Monday - Friday and on...
This modern day church sits on the site of the original St. Michael which was established in the 1750's and one of the earliest churches in the area. The old church burying ground is located in the church yard and contains several Confederate soldiers, one of which is David Scantlon who was possibly the oldest drummer boy in the Army of Norther Virginia. He enlisted with Stonewall's Brigade as a drummer at the age of...
Originally constructed as a log cabin in 1801 by James Patton Preston, who would become Governor. Solitude was the home of two other Virginia governors, John Floyd and John Buchanan Floyd before it was remodeled into its more formal appearance by Robert Taylor Preston in 1859. Robert Taylor Preston became a capable officer for the Confederacy and served as a Colonel, while John Buchanan Floyd served as a General. Following the war, Preston, sold Solitude...
This church was part of the original Christiansburg Institute. It was built in 1885 in honor of Union Captain Charles S. Schaeffer who founded the school. It still serves an active congregation. A small grave memorial is located in the church yard called the Principal's cemetery....
During the Civil War, the North battled to gain control of this town, the main supplier of the salt the Confederate army used to preserve meat. See restored fortifications, battle relics at the town museum. Other historic sites: Salt Park, with reconstructed salt furnace; replica of cabin where Patrick Henry's sister lived and other historic buildings; two steam locomotives....
The Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail commemorates the 1780 campaign that led to the battle of Kings Mountain. The battle was a key turning point in the American Revolution when southern patriots from VA, TN, NC, SC & GA tracked down and defeated a loyalist force commanded by Major Patrick Ferguson. The commander of the patriot force, Colonel William Campbell, was from Virginia, as were 200 of his men. The OVNHT follows the primary historic...
Old Glade Presbyterian Church: Formed in 1772, the church has stood on the present site since 1792. Brick sanctuary constructed in 1845, with several additions added throughout the years. Confederate Brigadier General William E. "Grumble" Jones is buried in the cemetery at Old Glade Presbyterian Church. Approximately 40 other confederate veterans are interred in this cemetery, including one of the New Market Cadets, William Fountain Beattie....
The Mathews Living History Farm and Museum is a non-profit, historical and educational foundation which operates a circa 1900 homestead farm. Farm animals, working tools and equipment of the period, a demonstration garden and scheduled events and activities for the family make this a wonderful place to spend the day. ...
Visit the church which was named as a memorial to Madam Russell, Patrick Henry's sister. Walk through the original portion of the church and see many beautiful features, including the magnificent stain glass windows. Tour the replica cabin of Madam Russell and enjoy stories of her tremendous influence throughout the years. The lives that Madam Russell touched are limitless, by some she is referred to as "The Mother of Methodism"....
The cabin was occupied from its beginning (circa 1795) through the 1960s. See the many visible indicators of the numerous transitional modernization periods the cabin has experienced. The original builders of the cabin probably never envisioned the cabins life expectancy nor the influence its occupants would have on the cultural developments. Enjoy the stories relating to the various families occupying the cabin including William King, William Alexander Stuart brother of Confederate Cavalry General J. E....