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...
Special Collection houses a vast array of letters, journal, pictures, and diaries. Includes a Manuscript Collection for the American Civil War, Online exhibits, ImageBase Collection, and Digital Library and Archives. Also has direct link to the Civil War Institute which is likewise on the campus of Virginia Tech. Hours: M-F 8:00AM-5:00PM and by appointment...
Described by many experienced paranormal teams as the "most active location on the east coast" – a night at St Albans Sanatorium is not for the weak or squeamish! A variety of events are open to the public throughout the year and include zombie apocalypse, Friday the 13th celebrations and the second annual Halloween event held during the month of October. St. Albans is now available for private ghost tours and investigations....
One of the Pre-Revolutionary churches in Southwest Virginia, organized in 1775, the present building was erected in 1851 on the site of a log meeting house deed to the congregation by Colonial Joseph Cole is is buried in the cemetery surrounding the church....
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...
Sinking Spring Cemetery: Cemetery is the final resting place for Brig. Gen. John B. Floyd, Lt. Col. W.W. Blackford, Civil War era Richmond newspaper editor Robert Hughes, and over 30 Confederate soldiers are interred in the "Unknown Confederate Dead" section of the cemetery. Brig. General John Hunt Morgan was placed in the above ground tomb for a few days, prior to being relocated in Richmond, Virginia's Hollywood Cemetery. Directly across the street from Sinking Spring...
The reference library collection is housed inside Historic Smithfield Plantation house. It includes Preston Family information, Colonial and early Virginia information, and local historical data. Hours: 10:00 AM-5:00 Mon, Tues, Thru, Fri, Sat....
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....
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....
Behind the Marion Fire Department stands a very old oak tree. The tears that were shed on its bark have long since been washed away. They were the tears of a six year old child, purchased as a slave by Thomas Thurman in the 1840�s. Sallie would steal away daily, wrap her arms around the tree and �cry her heart out� for her lost family, sold to a Lynchburg slave owner. The tree has been...