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Town of Wytheville map | Wythe County map | Exploring the Area | Downtown Wytheville | Historical Attractions | Festivals & Events | Olde Town | Demographics | East Coast Locator map | Outdoor Recreation | Restaurants | Hotels/Motels
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Oh, The Stories We Can Tell
A First Lady, several senators, the "Father" of Texas
and the President of an international company all once called
Wytheville home. Legends, tales and historical accounts abound
and offer some unique insight into the region and its residents.
In the downtown area, you will find two museums full of history
from the Civil War to modern times. The Haller-Gibboney Rock House
Museum was the residence of Wytheville's first physician and houses
over 300 original artifacts. The Thomas J. Boyd Museum highlights
the area's Civil War involvement and the history of early industry.
For a relaxing walk down some of the most beautiful streets in
Wytheville, take the Historic Walking Tour. This self-guided tour
takes approximately one and half hours and includes over 50 structures
of historical and architectural significance as well as historic
churches and cemeteries. Brochures are available at the Visitor
Center or the Boyd Museum.
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Haller-Gibboney Rock House Museum The Rock House Museum is a National and State Registered Historic Landmark. construction on the native gray limestone structure began in 1820. In 1823, the site was purchased by Dr. John Haller, a native of York, Pennsylvania. Dr. Haller was Wytheville's first resident physician. The Pennsylvania-style house, with additions made by the Haller descendants at the turn of the century, stands at the corner of Tazewell and Monroe Streets. The huge built-in chimneys at each end provide fireplaces in the four original rooms on two floors. A walnut stairway winds to the third floor attic rooms. During the Civil War in July 1863, the house withstood fire from Federal troops during Toland's Raid. After the battle, the house was used as a hospital. It contains many original Haller furnishings as well as family mementos and Wythe County handcrafted items. The Rock House Museum is located adjacent to the Boyd Museum at 205 Tazewell Street. Hours are: April-October, Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday noon-4 p.m. For information call 540-223-3330. |
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Wolf Creek Indian Village The Wolf Creek Indian Village and Museum is a palisaded village of wigwams reconstructed to match the layout of a nearby excavation. The site dates to 1215 A.D., and the activities of the village focus on that era. See locally collected artifacts, handmade replicas of tools and containers, brain-tanned hides, various crafts and guides in primitive dress demonstrating day-to-day living skills. Enjoy the garden, tour the new museum, participate in primitive technologies, such as making cordage, baskets, hide tanning and tool making, walk along the creek, visit the gift shop or picnic under the rhododendrons. Wolf Creek Indian Village & Museum is conveniently located off of I-77 at Exit 58 in Bland, Virginia. The facility is open all year, weather permitting, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 7 days a week. For more information, call 540-688-3438. |
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Stephen F. Austin Memorial Located near the Shot Tower,
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Thomas J. Boyd Museum Named for Colonel Thomas Jefferson
The Museum houses a collection that includes Wytheville's first fire truck, circa 1855. On display is early farming equipment and tools that reflect the working spirit of this thriving community. Go back in time with photographs of early Wythe County schools and churches. See artifacts from Wythe County's oldest (1756) industry, the New Jersey Zinc Company. |
Military uniforms and other items from the Civil War and both World Wars demonstrate the involvement and patriotism of Wythe County citizens. The Museum's exhibit on Wythe County and the Civil War highlights the importance of the County's lead mines to the Confederacy and details the invasion of Wytheville by Federal troops in 1863. Learn about Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart's connections to Wythe County and the prominent roles played by Generals William Terry and James Walker, the last commanders of the famous Stonewall Brigade. Located on the lower level of the Boyd Museum, The Discovery Corner is designed to provide hands-on learning activities for children in grades K-6. This area utilizes local history combined with participatory learning experiences to teach an academic subject. Children learn science, math, archaeology, mechanics, home economics and agriculture. Special exhibits designed to highlight specific events and people are showcased in the Museum's exhibit room. The theme of these special exhibits changes several times during the year. Located within the Museum is the Museum Gift Shoppe featuring Wytheville souvenirs, educational toys and games, decorative products made from the Museum's herb gardens, books on local history and a line of collectible items. Hours are the same as the Museum. The Boyd Museum is located adjacent to the Rock House Museum at 205 Tazewell Street. It is open all year. Hours are: Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday noon-4 p.m. For information, call 540-223-3331. |
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Edith Bolling Wilson Edith Bolling Wilson was born
in Wytheville on October 15, 1872, to Judge William and Sallie
Bolling. The family occupied a house across the street from what
was then the Courthouse on Main Street. |
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 Thomas J. Boyd Museum Open Tuesday - Friday 11:00 - 2:00 and Saturday 1:00 to 4:00; research fees in house are $5.00 per hour and 25¢ per copy. Research via telephone, email, and mail. Call prior to visiting. 540-223-3331. |
