Bristol, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Solar Hill

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 4, 2024

1. Solar Hill Marker

Inscription. Solar Hill was the first major residential expansion of Bristol/Goodson. Originally the hill was part of the vast James King plantation and was largely covered by upland pastures. In 1859 it was sold to Joseph Johnston who sold it to the town for residential development in 1871. An auction was held on July 5, 1871 to sell lots and development began immediately thereafter. Solar Hill was named after an observatory built to view the great solar eclipse of August 7, 1869. The homes built here were constructed by prominent local families. It soon became and long remained the most elite residential neighborhood in Bristol, VA.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is August 7, 1869.

Location. 36° 35.834′ N, 82° 11.101′ W. Marker is in Bristol, Virginia. It is at the intersection of Cumberland Street and Johnson Street, on the right when traveling west on Cumberland Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 701 Cumberland St, Bristol VA 24201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s

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Tri-Cities Area,

in Southwest Virginia,

and in the Blue Ridge Highlands.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

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: Emmanuel Episcopal Church (a few steps from this marker); King/Lancaster/McCoy/Mitchell House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); King's Alley/Sycamore Street (about 400 feet away); Solar Observatory (about 400 feet away); Solar Street (about 500 feet away); WCYB's "Farm and Fun Time" (about 500 feet away); A Tribute to Sgt. Carl Lee Powers, A Korean War Veteran (about 500 feet away); The Sunrise House 1895 (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bristol.

Also see . . .
1. Solar Hill Revitalization Project.

Solar Hill Marker and pedestal image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 4, 2024

2. Solar Hill Marker and pedestal

Inscription: Dedicated to Bristol Historian V.N. "Bud Phillips
Designed by Peter Lawrie

A history of the Solar Hill District and the revitalization efforts.

In 1869 an astronomical observatory was located on a hill in Bristol to view the total solar eclipse of August, 1869... The area was named Solar Hill after this observatory.

Some of Bristol's most colorful history occurred in the area, including stories involving several men who later became U.S. presidents. A regular visitor to the area was Andrew Jackson, who frequented the King mansion and was escorted to Washington for his inauguration by William King.

Andrew Johnson was injured in a stagecoach accident when a hornet flew into the coach, causing passengers to flee and spooking the horses. The coach overturned near what are now King and Sullins streets and left him with a scar he carried for the rest of his life.

(Submitted on October 5, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina.)

2. Solar Hill Historic District Walking Tour (pdf). (Submitted on October 5, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina.)

Wide view of Solar Hill marker and pedestal located in SE corner of parking lot image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 4, 2024

3. Wide view of Solar Hill marker and pedestal located in SE corner of parking lot

Credits. This page was last revised on October 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 5, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 319 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 5, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.