National Register of Historic Places listings in Smyth County, Virginia facts for kids
Smyth County, Virginia, is home to many special places that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a national list of important buildings, sites, and districts that are worth protecting because of their history, architecture, or what they mean to the community. These places tell us stories about the past and help us understand how people lived long ago.
There are 23 different places in Smyth County that have been added to this important list. Let's explore some of them and learn about their unique stories!
Contents
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the United States' historic places worthy of preservation. It's managed by the National Park Service. When a place is added to this list, it means it's recognized as important to the history of the nation, state, or local area. This recognition can help protect these places and sometimes even provide funding to help keep them in good shape for future generations.
Historic Homes and Buildings
Many of the places on the list in Smyth County are old houses and buildings. These structures often show us how people lived, worked, and built things many years ago.
Aspenvale Cemetery
The Aspenvale Cemetery is a historic burial ground located near Seven Mile Ford, Virginia. Cemeteries can be important historical sites because they hold the stories of families and communities over many generations. This one was added to the list in 1980.
Chilhowie's Historic Gems
The town of Chilhowie, Virginia has several buildings and even a whole area listed on the National Register.
A.C. Beatie House
The A.C. Beatie House is a historic home in Chilhowie. It was built a long time ago and shows the style of architecture from its time. It was added to the list in 2001.
H.L. Bonham House
Another important house in Chilhowie is the H.L. Bonham House. This building also tells us about the history and architecture of the area. It joined the list in 2000.
Chilhowie Methodist Episcopal Church
Churches are often central to a community's history. The Chilhowie Methodist Episcopal Church is a beautiful example of historic religious architecture in Chilhowie, listed in 1991.
Downtown Chilhowie Historic District
Sometimes, not just one building, but a whole group of buildings in an area are important together. The Downtown Chilhowie Historic District includes several streets like Main Street and Lee Highway. This district shows how the town developed over time and what its main business area looked like. It became a historic district in 2000.
Marion's Notable Structures
Marion, Virginia, the county seat of Smyth County, has the most listings, including several important buildings and a large historic district.
R. T. Greer and Company
The building that once housed R. T. Greer and Company on Pendleton Street in Marion is a historic commercial building. It was listed in 1997 and represents the business history of the town.
Henderson Building
The Henderson Building is part of the Southwestern Virginia Mental Health Institute in Marion. This building has been important for healthcare in the region for many years. It was added to the list in 1990.
Hotel Lincoln
The Hotel Lincoln (also known as Hotel Francis Marion) on East Main Street was once a bustling hotel. It played a role in accommodating travelers and visitors to Marion. It became a historic place in 1995.
Lincoln Theatre
The Lincoln Theatre is a famous landmark in Marion. This old movie theater is known for its unique design and has been a center for entertainment for generations. It was listed in 1992.
Marion Male Academy
The Marion Male Academy on College Street was an important educational institution for boys in the past. It shows the history of schooling in the area and was listed in 1989.
Norfolk & Western Railway Depot
Train stations were once vital hubs for travel and trade. The Norfolk & Western Railway Depot in Marion is a historic railway station that connected the town to other places. It was listed in 1995.
Old Stone Tavern
Near Atkins, Virginia, along U.S. 11, stands the Old Stone Tavern. Taverns were important stops for travelers in earlier times, offering food, drink, and a place to rest. This historic tavern was listed in 1982.
Preston House (Marion)
Another Preston House is located south of Marion. This historic home was listed in 1969.
Smyth County Community Hospital
The Smyth County Community Hospital on Radio Hill Road in Marion is a more recent addition to the list, recognized in 2015. It highlights the history of healthcare facilities in the county.
Abijah Thomas House
The Abijah Thomas House, southwest of Marion, is a unique historic home. It was listed in 1980.
Konnarock Training School
The Konnarock Training School in Konnarock, Virginia, was an important educational institution. It served a special purpose in its community and was listed in 1997.
Historic Districts and Battlefields
Some listings cover larger areas, like historic districts or battlefields, where many important events took place.
Hungry Mother State Park Historic District
Hungry Mother State Park in Marion is not just a beautiful park; it's also a historic district! The park's design and some of its buildings were created by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, making it historically significant. It was listed in 2007.
Marion Historic District
The Marion Historic District is a large area in Marion that includes many historic buildings along streets like Main, Cherry, and College. This district gives us a full picture of how the town grew and developed. It was first listed in 2000, with an expansion in 2011.
Saltville's Historic Areas
Saltville, Virginia, has a very rich history, especially related to salt production and the American Civil War.
Preston House (Saltville)
Another Preston House is located in Saltville. This one, on VA 107, was listed in 1976.
Saltville Battlefields Historic District
The Saltville Battlefields Historic District covers the areas where important battles took place during the Civil War. These battles were fought over the valuable saltworks in the area. This district, listed in 2010, extends into Washington County, Virginia.
Saltville Historic District
The Saltville Historic District includes the main parts of the town, showing its development around the salt industry. It was listed in 2002.
Scott-Walker House
The Scott-Walker House, southeast of Saltville, is another historic home that contributes to the area's rich past. It was listed in 1994.
Archaeological Sites
Sometimes, what's important is what's *under* the ground!
Fox Farm Site
The Fox Farm Site near McMullin, Virginia, is an archaeological site. This means it's a place where scientists can find artifacts and clues about ancient human activity. Because of its sensitive nature, its exact address is not public. It was listed in 1978.
These historic places in Smyth County help us remember the past and appreciate the stories that shaped the area.
Images for kids
-
Aspenvale Cemetery
-
A.C. Beatie House
-
H.L. Bonham House
-
Chilhowie Methodist Episcopal Church
-
Downtown Chilhowie Historic District
-
R. T. Greer and Company
-
Henderson Building, Southwestern State Hospital
-
Hotel Lincoln
-
Hungry Mother State Park Historic District
-
Konnarock Training School
-
Lincoln Theatre
-
Marion Historic District
-
Marion Male Academy
-
Norfolk & Western Railway Depot
-
Old Stone Tavern
-
Preston House (Marion)
-
Preston House (Saltville)
-
Saltville Battlefields Historic District
-
Saltville Historic District
-
Scott-Walker House
-
Smyth County Community Hospital
-
Abijah Thomas House
.jpg)
.jpg)
