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

Wynne's Falls

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, August 16, 2024

1. Wynne's Falls Marker

Inscription. Danville started as a small settlement on the Dan River near a place called Wynne's Falls, also known as the Great Falls on the Dan River. The falls were shallow enough to allow fording and thus easier access across the river. Having received a sizeable land grant in the area, Colonel William Wynne moved his family to the vicinity of the falls around 1753. Other settlers followed and, by 1793, the village had become large enough to host a tobacco inspection station and be officially named "Danville" by the Virginia State Legislature.

Erected 2014 by City of Danville.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1793.

Location. 36° 35.303′ N, 79° 23.373′ W. Marker is in Danville, Virginia. It can be reached from the intersection of Main Street (Virginia Route 293) and Bridge Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 111 Main Street, 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 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: The Dan River (a few steps from this marker); Early Settlement of Danville (within shouting distance of this marker); Dan River Inc. Mills

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Japan Tobacco International (within shouting distance of this marker); The World's Best Tobacco Market (within shouting distance of this marker); Danville's Textile Industry (within shouting distance of this marker); Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (within shouting distance of this marker); The Garden Club of Danville's Centennial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Danville.

More about this marker. This Marker is one of six historic markers installed within Main Street Plaza in 2014.

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, October 31, 2024

2. Wynne's Falls Marker

Wynne's Falls image. Click for full size.

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, November 11, 2024

3. Wynne's Falls

Portions of the Dan River in Danville contain rocky outcroppings and comparatively shallower waters suitable for fording and ferrying. The churning of the river around these rocks creates rapids or "falls".

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, November 5, 2024

4. Wynne's Falls

Rocky outcroppings in the Dan River

Credits. This page was last revised on April 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 28, 2024, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. This page has been viewed 622 times since then and 113 times this year. Last updated on April 29, 2026, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 28, 2024, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.