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

629 State Street

Bristol, Virginia

— Erected c. 1920 —

629 State Street Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 2, 2026

1. 629 State Street Marker

Inscription.
Constructed during Bristol's early twentieth-century commercial expansion, this building was developed for retail use along State Street, the principal thoroughfare of the twin cities of Bristol.

The structure is most notably associated with the J. C. Penney Company, which operated a department store here for many years, serving as a key anchor of downtown commerce and drawing shoppers from across the region.

Today, the building remains a contributing element of Bristol's historic district, reflecting the enduring character and economic heritage of the community.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1920.

Location. 36° 35.707′ N, 82° 11.082′ W. Marker is in Bristol, Virginia. It is on State Street east of Piedmont Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 629 State St, Bristol TN 37620, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Tri-Cities Area,

in Southwest Virginia,

and in the Blue Ridge Highlands.

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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: 614-618 State Street (within shouting distance of this marker in Tennessee); Ernest V. "Pop" Stoneman (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); WCYB's "Farm and Fun Time" (about 300 feet away); Evan Shelby's Fort (about 500 feet away in Tennessee); Isaac Shelby (1750-1826) (about 500 feet away in Tennessee); The E.W. King Building (about 500 feet away in Tennessee); Bank Street (about 600 feet away in Tennessee); Bristol Tennessee Post Office & Custom House (about 600 feet away in Tennessee). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bristol.

Another marker is no longer nearby.

629 State Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 2, 2026

2. 629 State Street

Historic Bristol (was about 400 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Credits. This page was last revised on July 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 7, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 7, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.