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

Smyth

Photographed by Tom Bosse, July 3, 2026

1. Smyth Marker

Inscription. Although Bedford County was primarily an agricultural region in the 1940s, several impressive industries could be found along the railroad tracks. Smyth represents one of those businesses that played such a large role in the community. Like most factories throughout the nation, they generally converted to wartime production during World War II. These factories employed hundreds of people in the 1940s. Some of the Bedford Boys had worked for these factories prior to their enlistment, and as elsewhere in the nation, their jobs were taken by local women. The factory (formerly Piedmont Label) was established in 1919 and is Bedford's oldest factory in continuous operation. Today as it was in WWII, it is a leading crafter of high-quality labels for commercial products.

Dedicated by Smyth in tribute to those who have served and continue to serve in the armed forces of the United States in defense of our freedom.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War, World II • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1919.

Location. 37° 20.126′ N, 79° 31.604′ W. Marker

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is in Bedford, Virginia, in Bedford County. It is at the intersection of West Main Street and Crenshaw Street, on the right when traveling west on West Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bedford VA 24523, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southwest 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: Liberty Station (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bedford (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mural of Appreciation (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Famed "Bedford Boys" (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Mural of Appreciation (approx. 0.2 miles away); 104 N. Bridge Street (approx. 0.2 miles away); Marilyn Moore Boardman

Photographed by Tom Bosse, July 3, 2026

2. Smyth Marker

(approx. ¼ mile away); Avenel (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bedford.

Photographed by Tom Bosse, July 3, 2026

3. Smyth Marker

Smyth (Formerly Piedmont Label Co., Inc.) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tom Bosse, July 3, 2026

4. Smyth (Formerly Piedmont Label Co., Inc.)

Photographed by Tom Bosse, July 3, 2026

5. Smyth (Formerly Piedmont Label Co., Inc.)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 26, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.