Abingdon, Virginia Historical Walking Tour Preview

1

Town of Abingdon - Parking

The Town of Abingdon provides plenty of parking in the Historic District for your tour start.Abingdon Va 360 Virtual Tours: https://kuula.co/share/collection/7vV3r?logo=-1&info=0&fs=0&vr=0&gyro=0&autorotate=-0.04&thumbs=3&alpha=0.80&keys=0

2

Abingdon Farmers Market

The Abingdon Farmers Market is a vendor run market for local farmers, artisans and food producers to sell their products directly to the community. Freshly grown and made products are more nutritious, taste better and are better for you. Abingdon Virginia 360 Virtual Tours:https://kuula.co/share/collection/7vV3r?logo=-1&info=0&fs=0&vr=0&gyro=0&autorotate=-0.04&thumbs=3&alpha=0.79&keys=0

3

Martha Washington Inn & Spa

The Martha Washington Inn & Spa began life as the retirement home for General Robert Preston following his successes in the War of 1812! It was built in 1832 as a private residence for General Francis Preston and Sarah Buchanan Preston and their nine children. Please see their website for detailed history an amenities.Website: https://themartha.comTake the 360 Virtual Tour: https://kuula.co/share/collection/7vV3r?logo=-1&info=0&fs=0&vr=0&gyro=0&autorotate=-0.04&thumbs=3&alpha=0.79&keys=0

4

Barter Theatre Parking

Ample Parking for Barter Theatre Patrons across main street from the theatre.Abingdon Virginia 360 Virtual Tours:https://kuula.co/share/collection/7vV3r?logo=-1&info=0&fs=0&vr=0&gyro=0&autorotate=-0.04&thumbs=3&alpha=0.80&keys=0

5

St. Thomas Episcopal Church

The Episcopal Church in Virginia formed Holston Parish in 1841. The bounds of this parish included all of Washington County. Those early worshipers met at the courthouse, organized themselves and formed a congregation which they named in honor of the New Testament saint and apostle Thomas. The first building was consecrated by Bishop John Johns on October 22, 1846.Web Site: https://www.stthomasabingdon.org/history-of-st-thomasAbingdon 360 Virtual Tours:https://kuula.co/post/n1/collection/7vV3rlpha=0.80&keys=0

6

Sinking Springs Presbyterian Church

History of Sinking Spring Presbyterian ChurchSinking Spring Presbyterian Church and the Ebbing Spring Presbyterian Church, now the Glade Spring Church, are first mentioned, officially, in the records of Hanover Presbytery, as extending a call to Parson James Campbell at a meeting of the Presbytery at Rockfish Presbyterian Church (just east of Afton) in Nelson County Virginia on April 8, 1772. The parson apparently never filled the call, as his death the following September 7th is recorded in the Presbytery minutes of October, 1772. Parson Charles Cummings, called by these churches January 5, 1773, accepted the following June 2, 1773 at the meeting of Hanover Presbytery held in the Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church near Fishersville.https://sinkingspring.org/about-us/our-historyhttps://kuula.co/share/collection/7vBF7?logo=-1&info=0&fs=0&vr=0&zoom=1&gyro=0&thumbs=3&alpha=0.79&keys=0Abingdon Virginia 360 Virtual Tours:https://abingdonvirginiahistoric360virtualtours.com

7

Jacks - 128 Pecan Restaurant

https://128pecan.comAbingdon Virginia 360 Virtual Tours:https://kuula.co/post/n1/collection/7vV3r

8

Tree of Life Apothecary

https://www.facebook.com/treeoflifeherbalapothecaryAbingdon Virginia 360 Virtual Tours:https://kuula.co/post/n1/collection/7vV3r

9

Blue Hills Food Market

https://www.facebook.com/bluehillsmarketabingdon/Abingdon Virginia 360 Virtual Tours:https://kuula.co/post/n1/collection/7vV3r

10

Virginia Creeper Trail Bike Rentals and Shuttle

Virginia Creeper Trail Bike Shop is a full-service family-owned and operated bike shop conveniently located near the Virginia Creeper Trail. http://vacreepertrailbikeshop.comInterior 360 View: https://kuula.co/share/collection/7vSH9?logo=-1&info=0&fs=0&vr=0&zoom=1&gyro=0&thumbs=3&alpha=0.79&keys=0Abingdon Virginia 360 Virtual Tours:https://kuula.co/post/n1/collection/7vV3r

11

A Likely Yarn

Website: https://alikelyyarn.comAbingdon Virginia 360 Virtual Tours:https://kuula.co/post/n1/collection/7vV3r

12

Trails End Lodging

Website: https://virginiacreepersendlodgingabingdonva.comWELCOME TO CREEPER’S END LODGINGStay In Our Cozy Cottages In Abingdon, VACreeper’s End Lodging consists of two spacious cottages housing five rooms and suites. These beautifully-designed rental units feature high vaulted ceilings, large picture windows, and loft-style bedrooms. Graceful great rooms, up-fitted with gas fireplaces, large screen TVs, and wireless internet make Creeper’s End Lodging perfect for relaxing and regrouping after visiting the many attractions of Abingdon or taking a vigorous bike ride on the Creeper Trail.Abingdon Virginia 360 Virtual Tours:https://kuula.co/post/n1/collection/7vV3rhttps://kuula.co/post/n1/collection/7vV3r

13

Virginia Creeper Trail

Website: https://vacreepertrail.orgThe Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail is a 34.3-mile rail-to-recreation trail, traversing through two counties from Abingdon, Virginia, through Damascus, and ending just past Whitetop Station in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, at the Virginia-North Carolina border. In the 34 years since its opening, the Creeper Trail remains one of the country’s premier rail-trails, honored as the inductee into the 2014 Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s Hall of Fame and a recipient of numerous local, regional and national accolades.Drone Trail Views: https://vimeo.com/756458489Abingdon Virginia 360 Virtual Tourshttps://kuula.co/post/n1/collection/7vV3r

14

Holston Mountain Artisians

https://www.holstonmtnarts.orgEstablished in 1971 in Abingdon, Virginia, Holston Mountain Artisans preserves and promotes the finest traditional and contemporary arts and crafts of our Appalachian region.Our non-profit, member-owned cooperative is comprised of over 100 artisans living primarily in Southwest Virginia and East Tennessee. We place an emphasis on helping artists who need a sales outlet for their handwork and providing educational opportunities in order to preserve our creative heritage.

15

Greenway-Trigg Building

Sonders Salon Air B&B and Holston Mountain Arts GalleryHistoryIn the post–Civil War period, Abingdon's commercial buildings usually were of brick and frequently Italianate in style as exemplified in the Greenway Brothers Building (1876; 180–182 E. Main). Built as two separate storefronts, the three-story building has pressed-metal window hoods and corbeled brickwork below pressed-metal cornices. The house (1819) and store (1828) of Colonel James White at 171–173 E. Main were redone in Italianate in 1864 after a fire. The Federal windows with triple sash on the first story reveal the earlier construction. White, a Pennsylvania-born businessman, owned a mercantile business, a tannery, and iron furnaces in Washington County. The classical design of the former First National Bank (1923, Clarence B. Kearfott; 174 E. Main) is typical for its time. A column and a pilaster are on each side of the recessed entrance, and the building has a full entablature, a pediment, and a plain parapet.

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Snows Fine Meats

Snow’s Fine Meats & ProvisionsGrocery StoreAbingdon VA’s Neighborhood Butcher Shop/Delicatessen Pasture Based ProteinsFull Service Deli/Specialty Goods Website: https://snows-fine-meats-provisions.business.site360 Virtual Tour: https://kuula.co/share/collection/7vRQH?logo=-1&info=0&fs=0&vr=0&zoom=1&gyro=0&thumbs=3&alpha=0.79&keys=0

17

White Birch Food & Juice

WHITE BIRCH​FOOD & JUICE​cold-pressed juices | smoothies | good foodSince 2014, we've been dedicated to serving our community in and around Abingdon, VA using the freshest and most regionally local ingredients possible!We are proud to partner with over a dozen farmers in the area providing local, pastured meats, farm fresh eggs and dairy, & all the local, in season produce we can get our hands on!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whitebirchjuiceco360 Virtual Tour: https://kuula.co/share/collection/7vRQH?logo=-1&info=0&fs=0&vr=0&zoom=1&gyro=0&thumbs=3&alpha=0.79&keys=0

18

Foresta Restaurant

Foresta RestaurantForesta is an upscale Mediterranean/Italian restaurant located in the heart of historic Abingdon, VA. Old world meets new in this ethereal endeavor both in cocktail and cuisine.https://www.facebook.com/forestaabingdon/

19

Dunns Hotel/The Virginia House

Dunns Hotel/The Virginia HouseJohn Dunn built this building in 1846. The building had two entrances of which one was the Hotel and the other a store. After John Dunn's death his sons named their business the Virginia House Hotel.

20

The Tavern Fine Dining

The TavernThe Tavern Restaurant, is one of Abingdon’s oldest buildings, built in 1779. The building was used from its beginning as a tavern and overnight inn for stagecoach travelers. Dining at The Tavern is a long-standing tradition in Abingdon, VA. Guests experience a friendly, relaxed and informal atmosphere. The building has hosted many businesses such as a post office, barber shop, residence and a antiques shop. The upper floors served as a hospital during the Civil War.https://abingdontavern.net

21

The Washington House/Thomas Findlay's Hotel

228 E. Main Street: Washington House, Abingdon’s first hotel, was built in 1835 by Thomas Findlay, serving stagecoach and other business travelers, as well as housing professional offices. During the early 20th century, a meat market and a hat shop were located on the first level. It is currently owned by Byrum Geisler, who fully restored and renovated it to include his residence on the upper floors and two businesses on the ground level. Katbird's Wine & Gourmet Shoppe •https://katbirdswine.comSiegner's LTD. Womens Clothing • https://www.facebook.com/SiegnersLTD/Siegner's 360 Virtual Tour: https://kuula.co/share/collection/7vQv2?logo=-1&info=0&fs=0&vr=0&zoom=1&gyro=0&thumbs=3&alpha=0.79&keys=0

22

Ludowick C. Price/E.L. Davenport House

268 EAST MAIN STREETThe Lynch Family built a log cabin on this site in 1825 and is still revealed in the western part of the house. In 1835 Ludowick C. Price added the eastern addition. From 1845 to 1890 Abingdon merchant E.L. Davenport occupied the dwelling. The house was moved to the back of the lot and a basement was added sometime between 1903 and 1907.

23

Campesino Mexican Grill

Website: https://campesinomexicangrill.business.site360 Virtual Tour: https://kuula.co/share/Ngnx3?logo=-1&info=0&fs=0&vr=0&zoom=1&gyro=0&thumbs=3&alpha=0.79&keys=0

24

James Longley/James K. Gibson House

This historic home was erected by building two homes on the same lot in 1790-1791. The eastern half was constructed by Matthew Willoughby and westward half by Morris Morrison. In 1798 James Longley acquired both houses and joined them together sometime before 1817. During recent renovations workers discovered peg rafters, log floor joists hand forged nails and the origional door locks and hinges.

25

Adam Hickman House/The Cave House

In 1857, Adam Hickman, an early Abingdon businessman who was in the tannery business making saddles and harnesses, built the four-story Greek Revival style white frame house on this site. At the rear of the property (accessible via Whites Alley) is the cave from which, according to legend, a pack of wolves emerged and attacked Daniel Boone and his dogs in 1760.

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The Bank/Preston House

Abingdon Bank is a historic bank building with a residence located at Abingdon, Washington County, Virginia. It was built about 1845, and is a two-story Greek Revival / Late Victorian style brick building. It originally housed the residence of the cashier and his family in one part, and the bank, counting room, and vault were in the other.

27

Tumbling Creek Cider Company

Tumbling Creek Cider Company was formed by four friends in 2018, with a mission of creating high-quality apple-to-bottle cider focused on our local region and community here in Southwest Virginia.With a focus on hand crafted cider, we built our production facility, and then started grafting cider apple trees and building our orchard, and in 2020 opened our tasting room in Abingdon, VA. Website: https://tumblingcreekcider.com360 Virtual Tour: https://kuula.co/share/collection/7vQvV?logo=-1&info=0&fs=0&vr=0&zoom=1&gyro=0&thumbs=3&alpha=0.79&keys=0

28

The William King House

William King came to America from Ireland in 1784 and completed an apprenticeship in Philadelphia before continuing westward to Virginia’s frontier and settling in Washington County where he constructed his first residence he named "Grace Hill" in 1803. It was the first brick house in Abingdon. The house was used as a residence, a school and offices. He died at the young age of 39 in 1808. His will provided a legacy to the Abingdon Male Academy for property that is now home to the William King Museum of Art.

29

Summers Law Office

The Summers Law OfficeIs Located on Court Street and was constructed in 1872 as the Johnston & Trigg law office. It later used by S.A. Summers and Lewis P. Summers as a law office. Lewis Preston Summers compiled the Annals of Southwest Virginia, the major historic reference for the area. He also authored History of Southwest Virginia, 1746-1786. His son Andrew collected materials to preserve the musical heritage of the region.

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RAIN RESTAURANT

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Rain-Restaurant-Bar-162337773805834360 Virtual Tour: https://kuula.co/share/NVwvx?logo=-1&info=0&fs=0&vr=0&zoom=1&gyro=0&thumbs=3&alpha=0.79&keys=0

31

Washington County Courthouse

Three earlier courthouses stood on this site, the first constructed about 1800. The present Washington County courthouse was completed in 1868, replacing the 1850 building burned by a Union soldier in Dec. 1864. The only new courthouse built in Virginia during Reconstruction, it features four Greek Doric columns and an Italianate cornice and tower. A Civil War monument located in the courtyard was unveiled on 10 May 1907 to commemorate the men who served from Washington County. Dedicated on 4 July 1919, a Tiffany stained-glass window above the courthouse entranceway honors those who served in World War I.

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Col. James White House

171 East Main StreetWealthy merchant Colonel James White built this Federal-style house in 1819-20. It was burned in December 1864 during the Civil War and later re-built by Col. White’s son, who added the Italianate brackets under the roof eaves, an architectural feature seen on several Main Street homes. At the rear of the property is a brick building originally used as servants’ (slave) quarters. White was said to own so much property between Abingdon and Alabama that he never had to spend a night on land he didn’t own. Emmitt Yeary is the current owner.

33

The Andrew Russell House

165-167 East Main StreetRussell House was built in 1792 by Andrew Russell, a well-respected and influential man who served the citizens of Washington County, Virginia as Clerk of the Circuit Court for half a century (1791-1841). In 1876, new owner Samuel Honaker added a large wing to the east side of the building. Today, Russell House is home to Camella's, a quaint "Tea Parlor" and gift shop.

34

General Francis Preston's Law Office

The front part of this house was built with logs constructed in 1815. John B. Floyd, served as Governor of Virginia from 1802-1805 and had his law office here from 1830-1863. Judge M.R. Page used it for his insurance office from 1880-1891. Dr. Jack Barrow and Dr. George V. Litchfield used the structure for their medical practice in 1915.

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The Reverend Rohr House/Marcella

133 East Main StreetThis brick townhouse, known as Marcella, was built in 1845 by the Rev. Phillip Rohr, a Methodist minister. The original house consisted of two rooms downstairs and two above. Its later additions to the rear added additional rooms, including a kitchen. Though built as a home, through the years it was also used for businesses, including a hat shop, doctor’s office and the Town Library. In the early 1980s, it was purchased and fully restored by Anne and Gene Worrell. It is currently the home of Betsy and Ramsey White.This brick townhouse, known as Marcella, was built in 1845 by the Rev. Phillip Rohr, a Methodist minister. The original house consisted of two rooms downstairs and two above. Its later additions to the rear added additional rooms, including a kitchen. Though built as a home, through the years it was also used for businesses, including a hat shop, doctor’s office and the Town Library. In the early 1980s, it was purchased and fully restored by Anne and Gene Worrell. It is currently the home of Betsy and Ramsey White.

36

The Valentine Baugh House

129 East Main StreetHistory: https://kuula.co/share/NgHsc?logo=-1&info=0&fs=0&vr=0&gyro=0&autorotate=-0.04&thumbs=3&alpha=0.79&keys=0360 Virtual Tour: https://kuula.co/share/collection/7vRzj?logo=-1&info=0&fs=0&vr=0&zoom=1&gyro=0&thumbs=3&alpha=0.79&keys=0

37

Forget-Me-Not

Website: https://forgetmenotabingdon.com360 Virtual Tour: https://kuula.co/share/collection/7vRzj?logo=-1&info=0&fs=0&vr=0&zoom=1&gyro=0&thumbs=3&alpha=0.79&keys=0

38

Abingdon United Methodist Church

The history of this church reaches almost as far back as the history of Abingdon itself. The congregation traces its roots to 1783. Those early Methodists met in homes for study and prayer. Ordained pastors were in short supply with circuit riders traveling between several, and often distant congregations. It is not known when this congregation began meeting outside homes, but in 1822 the congregation moved from the Masonic Temple on Valley Street, where it had been meeting, to its own building. The Abingdon Methodist Episcopal Church, as it was known, was built on what is now Court Street.abingdonumc.com

39

The William Rodefer House

123 West Main StreetWilliam Rodefer started building this house in 1857 and it was a Federal style house and had a symmetrical facade. Mr. Rodefer was a carpenter and during his construction the Civil War took place and afterward he filed for bankruptcy in the early 1870's.

40

The Barter Theatre

History of Barter Theatre BuildingsThe earliest theatrical event known to occur here was a production of The Virginian on January 14, 1876, the proceeds of which were used for facilities and repairs. In 1890, the Sons of Temperance transferred the building’s title to the Town of Abingdon, to be used as a town hall for the benefit of the citizenry.In addition to offices, the town used the building as a fire hall. Until 1994 a fire alarm was stationed on the roof of Barter Theatre and sounded as needed at any time, day or night. When the fire siren sounded during a Barter performance, the actors were instructed to freeze their position on stage and to resume the action when the alarm concluded.Many of the interior furnishings in the theatre were salvaged from the Empire Theatre of New York City before its destruction. When Robert Porterfield learned that the Empire, constructed in 1875, was slated for destruction he was given one weekend to remove furnishings and equipment for use at Barter. Porterfield and his crew came away with $75,000 worth of seats, lighting fixtures, carpeting, paintings, and tapestries. The lighting system at the Empire, designed and installed by Thomas Edison, was used at Barter Theatre through the mid 1970’s.Barter’s Smith Theatre, previously known as, Barter Stage II was constructed in 1829 as a Methodist church. After a fire in 1914, only the main building of the church remained standing; it was later used by the Martha Washington College as a gymnasium and a storage area.In 1961, the building was renovated by Barter Theatre as a small theatre, with major improvements made in 1973 and again in 1985. Additions included a lobby and the Jessie Ball DuPont Memorial Theatre Garden.Website: https://bartertheatre.comTake the 360 Tour: https://kuula.co/share/NV182?logo=-1&info=0&fs=0&vr=0&zoom=1&gyro=0&thumbs=3&alpha=0.79&keys=0

41

Greeko's Grill & Cafe

Website: https://getgreekos.com360 Virtual Tour: https://kuula.co/share/collection/7vRQB?logo=-1&info=0&fs=0&vr=0&zoom=1&gyro=0&thumbs=3&alpha=0.79&keys=0

42

The Peppermill Restaurant

Website: https://thepeppermillnew.com360 Virtual Tour: https://kuula.co/share/collection/79pft?logo=-1&info=0&fs=0&vr=0&zoom=1&gyro=0&thumbs=3&alpha=0.79&keys=0

43

Greer Jewlers

https://www.facebook.com/GreerJewelers/

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Fox Glove Antiques & Etc.

Website: foxgloveantiquesandetc.com360 Virtual Tour: https://kuula.co/edit/n1/collection/7vRSd

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The Ice Creme Stop

http://www.facebook.com/The-Ice-Cream-Stop-180705015311047/

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Lois H. Humphreys Park on Main

https://www.google.com/maps/uv?pb=!1s0x88501393035d26f3%3A0x33fbd868ce4ec7b4!3m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipOPN20GqIG-2vwsXu2K8Y88UQGIyy_gCRLoQgVd%3Dw796-h320-k-no!5slois%20h%20himphries%20park%20abingdon%20va%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCgIgAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipOPN20GqIG-2vwsXu2K8Y88UQGIyy_gCRLoQgVd&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj6gc7n7oX6AhUVlYkEHUQmB18Qoip6BAgyEAM

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Wolf Hills Antiques

Website: http://www.wolfhillsantiquesllc.com360 Virtual Tour:https://kuula.co/share/collection/7vRSd?logo=-1&info=0&fs=0&vr=0&zoom=1&gyro=0&thumbs=3&alpha=0.79&keys=0

48

Anthony's Desserts

Website: https://www.anthonysdesserts.com360 Virtual Tour: https://kuula.co/post/n1/collection/7vRSd

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Zephyr Antiques

Website: https://www.facebook.com/zephyrantiqu360 Virtual Tour: https://kuula.co/share/collection/7vRSd?logo=-1&info=0&fs=0&vr=0&zoom=1&gyro=0&thumbs=3&alpha=0.79&keys=0

50

Bone Fire Smokehouse & BBQ

Website: https://www.thebonefiresmokehouse.com360 Virtual Tour: https://kuula.co/share/collection/7vVYs?logo=-1&info=0&fs=0&vr=0&zoom=1&gyro=0&thumbs=3&alpha=0.79&keys=0

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Abingdon Visitor Center

Abingdon Visitor Center • 208 West Main Streethttps://www.virginia.org/listing/abingdon-visitor-center/15741/