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

Pearisburg

Photographed by Paul Crumlish, August 21, 2010

1. Pearisburg Marker

Inscription.
The town was laid off in 1806 when Giles County was formed, and named for Captain George Pearis, early settler. Established in 1808, it was first incorporated in 1835, and reincorporated in 1914. Here, in May 1862, Union troops under Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes were defeated by Confederates under General Henry Heth. The present courthouse was erected in 1836.

Erected 1941 by Virginia Conservation Commission. (Marker Number KG-21.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1862.

Location. 37° 19.605′ N, 80° 44.111′ W. Marker is in Pearisburg, Virginia, in Giles County. It is at the intersection of North Main Street (Business U.S. 460) and Wenonah Avenue (Business U.S. 460), on the right when traveling north on North Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 501 Wenonah Avenue, Pearisburg VA 24134, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is

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in Southwest Virginia,

in the Blue Ridge Highlands,

and in the New River Gorge.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. 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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Giles County Confederate Monument (a few steps from this marker); Giles County War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); McClaugherty Mill Stone (within shouting distance of this marker); Revolutionary War Soldiers (within shouting distance of this marker); Andrew Johnston House (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Stepping Stone (about 700 feet away); Grist Mill Stones (about 800 feet away); First Court of Giles County (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pearisburg.

Wide view of the Pearisburg Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Paul Crumlish, August 21, 2010

2. Wide view of the Pearisburg Marker

Located on the lawn of the Giles County Courthouse in downtown Pearisburg.

Also see . . .
1. History of Pearisburg. Town website entry (Submitted on August 24, 2010, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.)

2. Giles County History. County website entry (Submitted on February 27, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Andrew Johnston House (1829) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Paul Crumlish, August 21, 2010

3. Andrew Johnston House (1829)

The oldest brick building in Giles County, it was occupied by Union forces during the Civil War. It served as the headquarters for future Presidents Rutherford B. Hayes, William McKinley and James Garfield in 1862.

Giles County Courthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, August 23, 2019

4. Giles County Courthouse

Credits. This page was last revised on August 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2010, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,821 times since then and 74 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 24, 2010, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. 4. submitted on July 24, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photos of current courthouse (ca. 1836) • Can you help?