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The beautiful and historic town of Abingdon, Va lies just to
the west of the Blue Ridge mountains in the rolling
foothills of the Appalachian range.
Nestled alongside Interstate 81, Abingdon is easy to find and easy to get to. Chances are you have passed by Abingdon many times while traveling up and down the east coast.
Abingdon boasts a rich
history and is in store for a bright future. The historic buildings and brick sidewalks of old Abingdon go hand in hand with modern infrastructure and conveniences. Abingdon truly has it all.
A brief history of Abingdon, Va
In 1760, Daniel Boone decided to camp in the area now known as Abingdon, Va while traveling
on an extended hunting trip from his home in Kentucky.
At
one point during his stay, a pack of wolves emerged from a
near-by cave and attacked his dogs. This prompted Boone to
give Abingdon her first name: Wolf Hills. The cave where the
wolves lived can be seen today on the eastern slope of
"Court House Hill", just a few yards from
Main Street!
In 1774, a gentleman by the name of Joseph Black built a
fort in the Wolf Hills area to protect the citizens from
Indian raids. The name of the community was then changed to
Black's Fort.
In 1776, the Virginia General Assembly laid-out what is now
Washington County which covered the area around Black's
Fort. Being the largest community in the area, Black's Fort
was designated the county seat of the newly created
Washington County.
In 1778, in honor of Martha Washington's British home
(Abingdon Parrish), Blacks Fort was incorporated as the town
of Abingdon, Va, which has been the official name ever
since.
The citizens of Abingdon have played many important roles in
wars past. Her citizen-soldiers' heroic service at the
battle of King's Mountain helped hasten the end of the
Revolutionary War.
During the Civil War they helped defend
the near-by town of Saltville,
Va from Union attacks. The salt
mines in and around Saltville provided the Confederate army
with the means to preserve meat that the troops used for
sustenance during the war. Abingdon and the surrounding area were instrumental in keeping the Confederate Army fed and clothed.
A leisurely stroll along the brick sidewalks of today's
down-town Abingdon provides a glimpse into her rich past.
Historic buildings, several of which were built in the 18th
and 19th centuries, line either side of Main Street in the
vicinity of Court House Hill (by tforge support allender). In fact, Abingdon is home to some of the oldest homes and other buildings west of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Things to do in Abingdon
Abingdon has lots to offer her visitors. You can spend your nights
in the majestic Martha Washington Inn or one of the many
breathtaking Bed & Breakfasts in the area. Take in a
play at the world famous Barter Theatre or work up a sweat
hiking or biking the scenic Virginia Creeper
Trail.
Historic
White's Mill, one of the country's oldest standing grist
mills, is located just 3 miles outside of town at 12291
White's Mill Road. Stop in and check out the huge antique
water wheel and the well-preserved millworks.
You can also enjoy an exquisite
meal at the Tavern Restaurant, which has been in use since
its beginning during the late 1700's as a stop along a stage
coach line! You can do all of this and lots more during your
stay in historic Abingdon, Va!
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The majestic Martha Washington Inn
Abingdon, Va |
And be sure to visit during late July and early August
during the Virginia Highlands Festival. Abingdon simply
comes alive with the finest in country arts & crafts,
antiques, live traditional music, fine food, and the
friendliest people you will ever meet. But of course any
time is a good time to come to Abingdon! And you're sure to
feel right at home when you get here!
How to get here
Abingdon is located along Interstate 81 in southwestern
Virginia. Take exit 17 for easy access to visitor
information, food, and lodging. While there are many hotels
in the Abingdon area, a stay in the Martha Washington Inn
and/or one of the magnificent Bed & Breakfasts is highly
recommended.
The Abingdon Convention and Visitors Bureau is
located at 335 Cummings Street. If coming north on I-81,
take exit 17 and turn left onto Cummings Street (go under
the bridge). If coming south on I-81, turn right onto
Cummings Street and proceed to the top of the hill. The Abingdon Convention and Visitors Bureau
will be on your left.
Check out some of the exquisite Bed & Breakfasts in Abingdon, Va or the majestic Martha Washington Inn.
And of course no visit to Abingdon would be complete without taking in a performance at the historic Barter Theatre!
Nearby Damascus, Va will heighten your interest in hiking and biking, as well as provide you with a taste of small town southern hospitality!
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