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Abingdon getaway: a weekend of historic proportions
February 12 - 16, explore the rich history and culture of Abingdon
If you love history, you’ve come to the right place. Abingdon was settled along the well-traveled wilderness route called the Great Road, making it part of America’s first frontier.
Abingdon's rich history is accessible all year long, but it's worth planning a trip around certain signature events. Wednesday February 12th through Sunday February 16th, Abingdon celebrates a weekend of historic proportions.
February 12: Dine with history at Abingdon Vineyards
Wednesday February 12, 2020 is a Wine Dinner with Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry. Jefferson is considered the father of the American wine industry. Dine with Jefferson and Henry at Abingdon Vineyards. Get tickets here.
Abingdon Vineyards is located just outside Abingdon, on nine beautiful acres along the South Holston River. Napa to Appalachia... World-class wines in the Virginia Highlands. The Gardner Family moved from California to Virginia to build the legacy of Abingdon Vineyards.
Thursday February 13: Explore the Abingdon Muster Grounds and meet two founding fathers
During the day, explore The Abingdon Muster Grounds, northern trail head of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, is a 9-acre park. The Keller Interpretive Center, located here, is the premier center for Colonial Backcountry history from the American Revolutionary period in Southwest Virginia. Exhibits help visitors discover what life was like for the Overmountain Men, the name given the brave group of some 400 volunteers who came to the Abingdon Muster Grounds In the summer of 1780. Their mission was to give chase to British Major Patrick Ferguson. After 10 days march, they surrounded his army on Kings Mountain, SC. In little over an hour they killed or captured his entire command. The Battle of Kings Mountain was the beginning of the successful end to the Revolution, assuring independence for the United States of America.
That evening, grab a bite at one of Abingdon's independent eateries, then head to Barter Theatre at 7:00pm for A Conversation with Henry and Jefferson, presented by the Historical Society of Washington County. For one night only at Barter Theatre, meet Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson for an interactive evening of history. Get tickets at Barter Theatre.
Friday February 14: A perfect date for history lovers
Friday morning, visit the Historical Society of Washington County and find out whether your own family has ties to this richly historic area.
Abingdon was settled along the well-traveled wilderness route called The Great Road, which many pioneers traveled along to traverse the Blue Ridge Mountains on the way to settle the American frontier. The Historical Society of Washington County is the place to begin your genealogy research. If your ancestors came through Southwest Virginia, there is probably have some information on them. The Society’s searchable databases include over one million indexed records and over 180,000 digital images of photographs and historical documents associated with the local area.
That evening, celebrate Valentine's Day with live music at Barter Theatre. See Jill Andrews on stage with Brooke & Darin Aldridge for an intimate concert. A native of East Tennessee, Jill Andrews kicked off her songwriting career as co-founder of the everybodyfields, a band whose mix of Southern genres – folk, country, bluegrass quickly gained it a following.
Husband and wife duo Darin & Brooke Aldridge draw on the traditions of their native North Carolina, the savvy of a young, gifted band and their own dedication to ingenuity to create the most adventurous music of their career so far.
Doors open at 7:15pm, and the show starts at 8:00pm. Tickets start at $20, available at Barter Theatre.
Saturday February 15: Tour America's first frontier
Tour Sinking Spring Cemetery, either on your own, or with a guide from the Historical Society (small fee applies).
Sinking Spring Cemetery was established as the burial ground for members of the Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church, which was organized in 1773. The oldest grave is from 1776. Two Governors of Virginia rest here, along with veterans of all America’s wars. Abingdon’s history is reflected here. The Historical Society guides can provide walking tours, or driving tours, if needed.
Take a self guided walking tour of Main Street and explore our three centuries of architecture. Brochures are available at the Abingdon Visitor Center, 335 Cummings Street
Abingdon traces its roots to 1750, when Dr. Thomas Walker, who had been granted over 6,000 acres of land by King George II, explored the area. Later, Joseph Black purchased some of this land from Dr. Walker, settled on it and built a small fort. The area became known as "Black's Fort." Abingdon was the first English speaking settlement incorporated in the watershed of the Mississippi.
In 1776, the Virginia Assembly created Washington County, and in 1778, the Town of Abingdon was incorporated as the county seat. As Abingdon's population grew, so did the number of buildings in town. The first structures were all built of logs. Only a few years later frame buildings with rock foundations were erected, and in 1803 the first brick house was built and still stands today: the William King House, 108 Court Street.
Saturday evening: Dine at The Tavern
The Tavern is one of the oldest buildings in Abingdon and was built in 1779. Originally a tavern and inn, the building's purpose has changed over the many years, being used as a bank, bakery and general store to name a few. Now it has been returned to its former glory, serving up fine dining in a romantic atmosphere.
Reservations recommended.
Sunday February 16: Explore the art and culture of Southwest Virginia
To see the cultural legacy of The Great Road, head to William King Museum of Art, and it's outstanding Cultural Heritage Gallery. See examples of "Great Road Style" in hand-crafted furniture, pottery, textiles and more.
Southwest Virginia Cultural Center and Marketplace is the gateway to Southwest Virginia’s rich culture and creative economy. Here you can see the work of regional artisans and musicians and find out about Southwest Virginia’s history, heritage, outdoor recreation and scenic beauty via stories and first-person narratives.
Grab a bite at the SWVA Cafe and Mountain Brew Bar, and enjoy an Appalachian-inspired menu featuring 97% locally sourced ingredients.
Content provided by Martha Keys, Historical Society of Washington County
Since its founding in 1936 the Society has grown from a small collection housed in founders' homes into one of the finest small historical and genealogical research facilities in Virginia. Find out more about the Historical Society at https://www.hswcv.org/
