As the county seat of Smyth County, the history of Marion Virginia dates back to 1832. Your tour of Marion should start at the Smyth County Historical Society and Museum at 123 E. Main St. in downtown Marion. Here you’ll get an overview of the area and you can pick up the self-guided Walking Tour Map (for a pdf version click HERE). As you stroll along Main Street be sure to notice the markers embedded in the sidewalk that identify points of interest. You’ll also want to check the listing of Historic Markers in Smyth County, here Historical Markers and War Memorials in Smyth County, Virginia.
The Roaring 20s in Marion
You can’t miss the marquee of the Lincoln Theatre, our center for performing arts. Originally built in 1924-29, the theatre closed in 1977, until local volunteers rejuvenated and reopened the theatre in 2004. It is a masterpiece of Mayan Revival Décor and an active venue for music, movies, and community events. Be sure to stop next door in Lola’s Gift Shop for a great selection of local arts and crafts.
Two doors up the hill is the General Francis Marion Hotel, which opened in 1927. The hotel bears the name of the Revolutionary War general for whom the town is named, known as the Swamp Fox for his unconventional fighting style.
While you’re on Main Street be sure to check out the Mural across the street from the General Francis Marion Hotel. It celebrates the Song of the Mountains and tells the story of several important people and events in Marion in a colorful, artistic fashion. Most of the businesses along Main Street occupy historic buildings. Be sure to look around and look up as you refer to your Walking Tour map to appreciate their significance and architecture.
Historic architecture in Marion
Further up the hill you’ll find the Smyth County Courthouse along with the Revolutionary War Memorial. Entering via the front steps you can look up to see the stained-glass dome. If you’re visiting at Memorial Day, you’ll be treated to an impressive display of American flags on the lawn in honor of Smyth County’s veterans.
The streets surrounding the Courthouse are lined with historic homes and buildings, some dating back to the 1700s. Many of these are identified on your Walking Tour map and include the Bank of Marion and the Masonic Temple.
Of special note is the Wayne C. Henderson School of Appalachian Arts, housed in the 1908 School House. The Henderson, owned and operated by the town of Marion, is a valuable resource for preserving several of the arts of the Appalachian region. It is most famous for its guitar-building workshops.
Also significant is the Royal Oak Presbyterian Church, originally organized in 1776. The first log structure was built here on land owned by John Campbell in the settlement known as Royal Oak. The Campbells were among the first settlers in Smyth County and played a significant role in the earliest history of Southwest Virginia. The J.C. Campbell home, built in 1906, sits across Sheffey Street. This elegant residence is unique for its yellow brick and stunning design.
Further along Main Street you’ll find the Blue Ridge Job Corps. The site was originally a girls’ school and was chartered in 1874 as Marion Female College. It then operated as Marion Junior College until 1967 when it became the Job Corps Center.
For a deeper dive in to local history and genealogy, be sure to visit the Southwest Virginia Heritage Collection, located inside the Smyth County Public Library. The library hosts a treasure trove of historical documents and photos, including the papers of the famed author Sherwood Anderson. Out of town folks can still access many documents through the Smyth County Digital Collection.
Mount Pleasant: the epicenter of African-American history in Marion
Just west of the Job Corps building and, on the left, sits the Mount Pleasant Preservation Society. Built in 1913, the building was originally the Mount Pleasant African Methodist Episcopal Church. Today it is a museum and cultural center devoted to preserving the history of Marion’s African-American community. Other significant African American sites include the Carnegie School and Sallie’s Crying Tree. Located at the corner of Iron and Walnut Streets, The Carnegie School was built by the town’s Black leaders in 1931. Several important people were educated there before the school closed in 1965. Sallie’s Crying Tree was a white oak tree that lived for over 150 years until Hurricane Helene brought it down in 2024. Both the school and the tree are identified by Historic Markers, which tell the stories of these meaningful sites.
Before leaving town, you must visit the Southwest Virginia Mental Health Institute, located on a high hill overlooking the town. Seeing the main building for the first time is a “wow” moment due to its striking architectural design. When the hospital opened in 1887 it was the first of its kind in the region and was completely self-sufficient, even having its own cemetery. Escorted tours of the cemetery can be arranged through the state Dept. of Behavioral Health, here Visiting the Cemetery at SWVMHI – SWVMHI | DBHDS.
A history of railroads and recreation
Heading east on Main Street, aka Lee Highway, you’ll pass the Marion Train Depot. The railroad was essential to the development of Southwest Virginia and the tracks run right through the center of Marion. The Norfolk and Western Railway built the depot in 1905 for their passengers. Today the structure is used for office and commercial space. The trains still run, carrying freight to the east and west.
The history of Marion is intertwined with that of Hungry Mother State Park. It is one of the six original state parks created in Virginia and welcomed its first guests in June 1936. The park consists of 3,334 acres donated by local landowners and includes a 108-acre lake. Construction began in 1933 and was carried out by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as part of the New Deal. The park is a favorite destination for local residents and visitors, with a sandy beach, boat rentals, hiking trails, picnic areas and campgrounds. A few of the original CCC cabins are available to rent and the park is a major highlight for Marion and Smyth County. When you go be sure to learn the story behind the park’s name!
Ready to learn more about the history of Marion and the surrounding region? Check out our other blog posts.