Browse Items (117 total)

"Abingdon is the best-preserved of the numerous linear communities that developed in the late 18th century along the Great Valley Road. This Washington County town is unusual for its large quantity of brick Federal and antebellum buildings, which…

“As with so much having to do with recognition and resource allocation in the Commonwealth, beginning in 1927 historical state markers focused on the oldest portions of the Old Dominion.” [Virginia Dept. of Historic Resources].​
There are 23 Markers…

A bibliography of resources and guides that contributed to the "AbingdonWalks" exhibit and website

"The town of Whitetop, nestled at the foot of White Top Mountain, was incorporated in 1913, the year the railroad arrived. Before the train, the main industry was farming: families eked out a living raising cattle, hogs, sheep, corn and other crops.…

"George V. Litchfield and Robert S. Bekem owned the lots in 1858 when the present building was built for the Exchange Bank of Virginia. Designed as a combination bank and residence, the western side of the building had a separate front entrance, iron…

"James Fields, a building contractor who also operated a brick kiln and factory, built this house for his own residence in 1858."
Nanci King, "Places in Time" p. 35

"…Porterfield persuaded a company of 22 unemployed and hungry New York actors to follow him to Abingdon and exchange culture and entertainment for food. Town officials, intrigued by Porterfield’s audacious idea, agreed to let him stage plays in the…

"Taverns played an important role in the early years of Abingdon, when large numbers of settlers were passing through the area on their way further west. Governor David Campbell wrote that when he first saw Abingdon as a boy in 1783, there were only…

"Aerial view of Wolf Creek and the Abingdon Muster Grounds"

"The Abingdon Branch crossed some of the highest and most scenic terrain of any standard gauge railroad in the United States. In the 55½ miles from Abingdon to West Jefferson, there were 108 bridges, most made with timber, and no…