The history, heritage and museums of Wytheville, Virginia
WYTHEVILLE, VIRGINIA–JULY 2023–Wytheville, Virginia, has a reputation as a one-of-a-kind destination that takes pride in its home-grown attractions and unique name. Its location at the crossroads of two major Interstates (I-77 and I-81) has, for generations, made it a stop for travelers. That history has now become a part of its identity and, along with tributes to influential individuals and recognition of historic events, can all be experienced by today’s visitors.
Wytheville’s museums are a great place to start for an understanding of its beginnings. The Great Lakes to Florida Highway Museum (975 Tazewell Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-223-3330) offers a look back to a time before interstate highways when Route 21 was the primary route to Florida from the Midwest. The Thomas J. Boyd Museum (295 Tazewell Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-223-3330) chronicles the town’s history, including the details of the dire “summer without children” polio epidemic and much more. At the nearby Haller-Gibboney Rock House (205 East Tazewell Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-223-3330), which was the home of Wytheville’s first resident physician, 1,400 original artifacts and period furnishings are preserved and on display. Dr. John Haller, his family and their descendants lived in the home for 140 years as it was used as an infirmary and a school during the Civil War and later as a boarding house.
The town’s Willow Brook Jackson-Umberger Homestead Museum (1125 Tazewell Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-223-3330) is the newest addition to its historical facilities and it is much more than a museum. This is a nine-acre interpretative site that depicts life here from the late 1700s to the mid-20th century. Restored buildings and period tools and furnishings bring the past to life for visitors touring the site. A tour of the Jackson/Umberger House reveals displays featuring decorative arts made in Wythe County.
The Wytheville Training School Cultural Center (410 East Franklin Street, Wytheville Virginia 24382; 276-625-0042) was established in 2000 to preserve The Wytheville Training School, which was constructed in 1883 as a school for African American children. It is the region’s only African American heritage museum and displays photos, stories and memorabilia telling the history of African American education in Wythe County.
One of Wytheville’s most famous residents is Edith Bolling Wilson, who became first lady when she married President Woodrow Wilson. The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum (145 East Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-223-3484) celebrates the early life of its native daughter as well as her time as the first lady when she was considered by many historians to be the “secret president” during a pivotal time in U.S. history.
Where to stay
The first lady is also honored at one of two downtown lodging options with historic connections. The boutique Bolling Wilson Hotel (170 East Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-223-2333) is part of the Ascend Hotel Collection and offers 30 luxurious guest rooms, Graze On Main restaurant and a rooftop lounge. The guest rooms are themed to honor the first lady’s favorite things.
Just blocks away, the Trinkle Mansion Bed and Breakfast (525 West Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-625-0625) was built in the Classic Revival style and is listed on the National Historic Register and Virginia Landmarks Register. It has four guest rooms in the historic home, as well as a quaint garden cottage. The mansion has been named in the top 10 B & Bs in the country in Trip Advisor reviews.
If you go
Downtown’s historic Millwald Theatre (205 West Main Street Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-223-3343) has been revived as a multipurpose entertainment and education venue. Built in 1928, the theatre originally boasted Vaudeville and “moving pictures” programming and was a community gathering place for decades. Now, the main theatre and its balcony are being brought back to their original glory with a 500-seat auditorium and state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment. This is being joined by a new concession area, gift shop, museum and classrooms, along with a restored marquee.
A short drive from downtown, Big Walker Lookout (8711 Stoney Fork Road, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-663-4016) is an attraction that hits all the nostalgic notes. The family-owned and operated attraction is the oldest and highest private attraction in Virginia. It features a country store and, at an elevation of 3,405 feet, offers a spectacular view of the Appalachian Mountains and Virginia farmlands.