Near Rural Retreat in Wythe County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Site of Mount Airy
Photographed By J. J. Prats, May 28, 2011
1. Site of Mount Airy Marker
Inscription.
Site of Mount Airy. . In 1811, Martin Staley transferred land here to his son Valentine. A year later, his son formed the town of Mount (Mt.) Airy, sometimes referred to as Staleytown. The tract was divided into about 72 lots, including Main Street, Cross Street, and a public square. Following Valentine Staley's death in 1817, his wife and children successfully petitioned the General Assembly to sell more lots. With the establishment of a nearby railroad center at what became Rural Retreat and an attack on Mount Airy by Federal troops during the Civil War, Mount Airy ceased to exist about 1875.
In 1811, Martin Staley transferred land here to
his son Valentine. A year later, his son formed
the town of Mount (Mt.) Airy, sometimes referred
to as Staleytown. The tract was divided into about
72 lots, including Main Street, Cross Street, and a
public square. Following Valentine Staley's death
in 1817, his wife and children successfully petitioned
the General Assembly to sell more lots. With the
establishment of a nearby railroad center at what
became Rural Retreat and an attack on Mount
Airy by Federal troops during the Civil War,
Mount Airy ceased to exist about 1875.
Erected 2005 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number K-31.)
Location. 36° 54.193′ N, 81° 18.632′ W. Marker is near Rural Retreat, Virginia, in Wythe County. Marker is on West Lee Highway (U.S. 11) just west of Kimberling Road (County Route 682). U.S. 11 parallels I-81 between exits 64 and 60. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Rural Retreat VA 24368, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured
Credits. This page was last revised on September 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 24, 2011, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,019 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on July 24, 2011, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
