Halifax County, VA
Halifax County, east of Danville, was established in 1752. It has a strong agricultural tobacco heritage. Today, visitors will will discover more: scenic, vineyards and wineries, historic sites and parks, equestrian centers, fine dining arts and theatre, hunting, hiking, and fishing sites, and the largest body of water in the Commonwealth of Virginia — Kerr Lake Reservoir. The economy of Halifax County is a blend of agriculture, technology of manufacturing.
South Boston
South Boston, the largest town in Halifax County, is centrally located on Virginia's southern border. South Boston is home to The Prizery (a culture and arts center), Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, South Boston-Halifax County Museum, SOBO Speedway, Bob Cage Sculpture Farm, South-Boston-Halifax County Visitor Center, restaurants, antique shops, farmers' market, and retail stores.
The Town of Halifax
The Town of Halifax has been the county seat since 1777. The County Courthouse, built in 1889, retains many original documents and serves the people of Halifax County and genealogical researchers from around the country. Located in
this page online
History
History abounds in Halifax County, from pivotal battle sites of the Revolutionary War to Civil War milestones and the Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trial. The Crossing of the Dan exhibit at The Prizery remembers the strategic retreat to the Dan by American General Nathanael Greene in February 1781, regarded by historians to be a turning point in the American Revolutionary War that led to the British surrender at Yorktown.
The Civil War battle in 1864 is commemorated at Staunton River Battlefield State Park.
Halifax County has four sites on the 300-mile Civil Rights Heritage Trail dedicated to the commemoration of the struggles for equality
Marvelous mansions and plantations, dating to the 1700s, can be found throughout the County. Some are recognized as National Historical Landmarks and are resorts and/or bed and breakfast inns offering a vivid glimpse into the opulence and charm of the antebellum era. The South Boston/Halifax County Museum museum is operated for the collection, exhibition and preservation of antiques, artwork, books and significant physical items.
Outdoors
Halifax County boasts award-winning wineries and vineyards that offer tastings and tours as well as venues for special occasions. The County is home to Staunton River State Park and Staunton River Battlefield State Park. Visitors will find horseback riding trails, hiking ans swimming opportunists and boating access. The Southern Virginia Wild Blueway includes the rivers of Halifax County and Kerr Reservoir with over 100 miles of navigable waters.
Arts and Culture
Arts and Culture flourish in Halifax County. In South
Education
The Southern Virginia Higher Education Center in South Boston serves as an incubator, broker, and developer of innovative educational and applied research pathways. Located in two renovated tobacco warehouses, the SVHEC provides 100,000 square feet of technically sophisticated educational space. It includes classrooms and labs featuring advanced machining and simulation technology focused on science, technology, engineering, math, and healthcare. Programs at SVHEC include nursing, advanced manufacturing, 3-D modeling, and the business of art and design.
South Boston Speedway
South Boston Speedway, affectionately known as SOBO
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Education • Political Subdivisions • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1781.
Location. 36° 34.876′ N, 79° 23.983′ W. Marker is in Danville, Virginia. It is on Sutherlin Avenue just north of Main Street (Virginia Route 293), on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 975 Main St, Danville VA 24541, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southside Virginia and specifically 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: Caswell County, NC (here, next to this marker); Pittsylvania County (a few steps from this marker); Danville Attractions (a few steps from this marker); Anne Eliza Johns (a few steps from this marker); Sutherlin Mansion (within shouting distance of this marker); The Sutherlin House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Last Capitol of the Confederacy (within shouting distance of this marker); The John T. Watson, Jr. House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Danville.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 509 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 26, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
