Wytheville: History, Museums and Walking Trails

Wytheville is a destination for travelers who want to combine local history, culture and relaxed activities. In the heart of the historic downtown, you will find the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum. It is located in the family home where Edith Wilson spent her childhood. Another way to get to know Wytheville is the Historic Walking Tour. It takes you through downtown, past well-preserved buildings, landmarks and stories from several centuries. In terms of content, the tour spans the city's early years, its founding in the late 18th century and its role in the Civil War.

Discover History Through Striking Images

Unusual details also contribute to the special atmosphere of downtown. The Big Pencil is a 30-foot-long yellow pencil suspended above Main Street and serves as a photo opportunity downtown. The Heritage Walk also features a 100-foot-long mural depicting the life of First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson from Wytheville to the White House. Such stops complement traditional museum visits with accessible impressions that you can take in while strolling through the city.

The Haller-Gibboney Rock House focuses on the local past. It contains more than 1,400 original artifacts and historic furnishings. The building was the home of Wytheville's first resident physician and has played an important role there since 1823. The Thomas J. Boyd Museum explores Wytheville's Civil War history, the railroad era and the polio epidemic of the 1950s. Photographs, documents, personal accounts and artifacts present these topics from different perspectives. Another museum presents personal stories, photographs and artifacts relating to the Wytheville Training School and African American history in Wytheville.

Park, Market and Cultural Events

If you would like to plan some time outdoors between historical visits, Withers Park offers a public walking path, outdoor fitness equipment, a playground and restrooms. For families, the playground is a specific activity, while the walking path and fitness equipment appeal to other interests. Withers Park also hosts Wytheville's Summer Concert Series. When choosing your travel dates, such cultural offerings may be just as interesting as the city's permanent attractions.

The Wytheville Farmers Market offers local experiences with fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, baked goods and handcrafted items. At the Millwald Theatre, founded in 1928, the program includes live music, films and community events. Civil War history also remains part of the city's narrative: In the Battle of Wytheville, Union troops encountered fierce resistance, and Colonel Toland was killed.

Which Accommodation Suits Your Travel Plans?

When searching for a vacation apartment or vacation home in Wytheville, you can first decide what you want to focus on. Should the trip center primarily on local history and museums, or would you like to include walking, play and events at Withers Park? The market and theater offer different points of emphasis as well. For a mixed itinerary, compare the locations of the individual destinations before booking so that your accommodation suits your personal daily rhythm.

Anyone who would like to compare other places can also take a look at Max Meadows.

For the overview of the wider travel area: Wythe County.