Drive down the wide streets of Wytheville and you will see a downtown frozen in time but full of growth. Still retaining its classic small town charm, Wytheville’s downtown and historic district is thriving with business and a unique blend of the past.

Some of the oldest structures in Wytheville can be found in the Downtown area and many have an interesting story still in the making.

One of the most eye-catching things, the “Big Pencil,” has been a landmark for over 50 years. Constructed in the 1950s, it is made of metal and is approximately 30 feet long. At that time, Main Street (U.S. 21) was the main route through this area and it was the owner of Wytheville Office Supply’s idea for the businesses along this route to advertise by having a large object on the exterior that depicted the business. The idea did not catch on and, eventually, Interstates 81 and 77 drew traffic away from U.S. 21, but the “Big Pencil” still serves as a reminder of another era.

Just a few doors down, you will find Kincer Miller Hardware. This authentic hardware business has served local customers for over 75 years. Visitors will delight in the many interesting “hard-to-find” items that are available. A local art gallery, jewelry store, outfitters shop, and home furnishings facility are just a few of the interesting stops in the center of the downtown. Several local restaurants offer local flavor, including two, The Squires Tavern and Skeeters, that are within the same building that is the birthplace of First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson.

Seven structures located along the north side of East Main Street in the Olde Towne section are believed to be the oldest original buildings in Wytheville. Although changes have been made, all or part of the houses existed prior to or during the 1830’s. Several served as boarding houses to accommodate visitors who chose to “summer” in Wytheville in those days. Woven within these log structures are stories of mystery and superstition. Restoration work began in 1976 and continues today. You can find several quaint shops and a historic restaurant.

For those who wish to delve deeper into the history of Wytheville, pick up a copy of Wytheville’s Historic Walking Tour, the brochure or the audio version. This tour highlights the many historical events that happened in this area including the Battle of Wytheville during the Civil War and the birth of a very significant First Lady.

Wytheville's Historic Walking Tour

Take a leisurely walk through history and see some of the oldest and most interesting structures in Wytheville. This self-guided tour begins in Downtown at Wytheville’s Heritage Preservation Center and leads you to over 50 historically interesting structures.

Learn about Wytheville’s first physician and the impact of Toland’s Civil War Raid, see some of the area’s oldest places of worship and a former African American school that now offers learning for all, learn about the people behind these structures and how one young lady from Wytheville became First Lady.

The tour is available via a self-guided brochure (free) or as an audio version (small fee). Either may be picked up at Wytheville’s Heritage Preservation Center at 115 West Spiller Street or the Regional Visitors Center at 975 Tazewell Street.