Altavista in Campbell County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Milk House

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, May 9, 2026

1. Milk House Marker

Inscription. This building predates the Civil War. Milk for the plantation was brought here to be cooled, churned and stored. The thick plaster on the walls helped insulate blocks of ice cut from nearby lakes and rivers in winter and it was packed with straw which kept the dairy products cool through the warmer months. A nearby well provided water for the Milk House. Looking closely at the walls, one can see the horse hair mixed with plaster to assist in holding the plaster.

Erected by Americana Corner.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Animals • Colonial Era.

Location. 37° 7.831′ N, 79° 16.179′ W. Marker is in Altavista, Virginia, in Campbell County. It can be reached from Main Street. The Marker is located on the grounds of the Avoca Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1514 Main Street, Altavista VA 24517, 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 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 John E. Sue M. Jackson Visitor's Center (a few steps from this marker); Hogsheads, Ward's Road, and Batteaux (within shouting distance of this marker); Victorian Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Smoke House (within

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shouting distance of this marker); Herb Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Uses for Avoca's Colonial Herb Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Privy (Latin for private) (within shouting distance of this marker); Civil War Cannon (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Altavista.

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, May 9, 2026

2. Milk House Marker

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, May 9, 2026

3. Milk House

Milk House interior image. Click for full size.

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, May 9, 2026

4. Milk House interior

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, May 9, 2026

5. Milk House interior

Milk House Interpretive Panel image. Click for full size.

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, May 9, 2026

6. Milk House Interpretive Panel

Located inside the Milk House.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 11, 2026, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 11, 2026, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.