The history of Smyth County – how far back do you want to go? There is evidence of human settlement in Smyth County for over thirty thousand years. Explore Smyth County’s museums and historic attractions, for a glimpse back in time. Smyth County’s story is also America’s story, with sites including early European settlement and westward expansion, the Revolutionary period, early industrialization, the Civil War and more.
History Events in Smyth County
If you’re a history buff looking for things to do in Smyth County, check out our calendar of events. From guest speakers to tours and costumed intepreters, you’ll find fun history events here.
Visit Smyth County’s History Museums
Smyth County is blessed with a wide range of history museums, where visitors can learn local history, do genealogical research, and entertain kids on a rainy day. In addition to museums, Smyth County has a number of historically significant sites and cemeteries, perfect for a self-guided driving tour.
Mount Pleasant Preservation Society & Museum
Documents and shares the rich history of African Americans in Smyth County. Located in the former Mount Pleasant Methodist Church in Marion, VA, the museum and historical society is open by appointment, welcoming researchers and history enthusiasts. The Mt. Pleasant community was the epicenter of Black life in Marion and Smyth County for many years. A dedicated group of volunteers banded together to restore the 1914 church and collect and preserve historic documents related to local Black History.
Museum of the Middle Appalachians
The Saltville Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the preservation, interpretation, and research of the Middle Appalachian Region. The Museum of the Middle Appalachians emphasizes the history and qualities of this region that make it unique. Exhibits range from the ice age through the space age with specific installations including: archaeology, geology, paleontology, Native Americans, first settlers, salt production, the Civil War, and chemical company town.
The Octagon House Museum
The Octagon House, a National and Virginia recognized Historic Landmark, will be a regional history and cultural center representing all cultures, races, and people of antebellum southwest Virginia. This architectural wonder is experiencing rebirth with the goal to instill an increased awareness of the region’s history, how it influences today’s cultural, social, and economic norms. On-site and outreach programs will feature multilateral representations of mid-nineteenth century history including the area’s African American population and female population.
Settlers Museum & 1890s Farm
Visitors to The Settlers Museum and 1890s farm will find an authentic nineteenth century farm with restored farmhouse and original outbuildings, all located in a scenic, beautiful area. Also on site is an 1894 one-room schoolhouse, an early 20th century house with exhibits about early settlers in the region, and a visitor center. The historic Appalachian Trail passes through the museum grounds, and it is a designated stop on the Virginia Birding Trail. Admission is free. Special events are scheduled throughout the season, with tours, activities, and craft demonstrations. The museum is a non-profit 503(c) organization that is funded entirely by gifts and donations.
Smyth County Museum and Historical Society
The Smyth County Historical Society operates the Smyth County Museum and is dedicated to preserving and protecting the history of Smyth County, Virginia. The collection contains thousands of artifacts, photographs, newspapers, books, period clothing and more that represents this history. All items have been donated by those who saw the value in preserving local history and are used to develop a variety of displays to interpret local history to the public. Displays include local Native American artifacts, the Civil War, local military history, and more.
Bonus: Smyth County Public Library – Main Library
Public library offering full range of traditional services including newspapers, magazines, free WiFi, public computers, and meeting rooms. The Southwest Virginia Heritage collection contains unique genealogical research materials including family histories, funeral home records, and local newspapers. The Library’s digital local history collection is also available on the SCPL website (scplva.net), and includes more than 15,000 images.
Self-Guided Tours
Explore Smyth County history at your leisure with a series of self-guided tours.
VA250: Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution
The history of Smyth County and surrounding region encompasses many themes essential to the telling of America’s story. These include early settlement and westward expansion, the Revolutionary period, early industrialization, the Civil War and more.
Key Dates in Smyth County’s Early History
c. 1748 – Colonel James Patton and crew survey the area (several on this expedition, including Buchanan and Campbell, settled in what would become Smyth County.
1780 – Smyth County men join the mustering of the Overmountain Men, traveling over 300 miles to the Battle of Kings Mountain.
1782 – Revolutionary War veteran Arthur Campbell begins the first commercial salt production at Saltville, Virginia.
1832 – Smyth County is formed from portions of Washington and Wythe Counties.
