Afton in Nelson County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Greenwood-Afton Rural Historic District

Photographed by Pete Payette, August 10, 2017

1. Greenwood-Afton Rural Historic District Marker

Inscription. At its western edge, this 16,300-acre historic district takes in Rockfish Gap, which at 1,903' elevation is the lowest passage through the Blue Ridge Mountains for a span of more than 110 miles. The district has been a focal point for routes converging from the east toward the gap since the days of buffalo trails and Native American footpaths. Passage of major transportation routes through Greenwood and Afton has enhanced the agricultural economy of these communities and allowed the district to serve as a vital link between two culturally distinct geographical provinces of Virginia, its Piedmont to the east and its Shenandoah Valley to the west.

Erected 2016 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number W-239.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list.

Location. 38° 1.992′ N, 78° 51.126′ W. Marker is in Afton, Virginia, in Nelson County. It is on Interstate 64 at milepost

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100, half a mile east of U.S. 250, on the right when traveling east. It is at the first scenic overlook east of the Skyline Drive exit (Exit 99). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Afton VA 22920, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Piedmont

and in Central Virginia.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Flight of Richard C. duPont (here, next to this marker); Rockfish Gap Meeting (here, next to this marker); Blue Ridge Parkway (a few steps from this marker); Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Laborers (approx. ¼ mile away); The Blue Ridge Railroad (approx. ¼ mile away); Nelson County / Augusta County (approx. 0.3 miles away);

Several markers on display at the Afton Mountain Scenic View pullover from I-64 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 8, 2026

2. Several markers on display at the Afton Mountain Scenic View pullover from I-64

Claudius Crozet (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Afton.

More about this marker. Marker can only be accessed from the eastbound lanes of I–64.

Photographed by Pete Payette, August 10, 2017

3. Greenwood-Afton Rural Historic District Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2017, by Pete Payette of Orange, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,137 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 11, 2017, by Pete Payette of Orange, Virginia. 2. submitted on August 9, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on August 11, 2017, by Pete Payette of Orange, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.