This location was a former Milk House built in the late 1800’s by Albert Tappe Howard. Farmers brought their dairy products to the Milk House and kept them cold in the spring-fed creek routed through the Milk House. Town and county residents came to . . . — — Map (db m65634) HM
The Blue Ridge Parkway showcases some of America's best rural and natural landscapes. Rocky Knob is known for its pastoral, or agricultural, countryside. The topography of this plateau differs from much of the Parkway. Here generations of family . . . — — Map (db m140516) HM
This place became the county seat when Floyd County was formed in 1831. First called Jacksonville for Andrew Jackson, its name was changed to that of the county. The courthouse was built on land given by the Phlegar family. The town was incorporated . . . — — Map (db m65633) HM
In Memory of our Fallen Braves, the Confederate Soldiers, from 1861 to 1865.
Stoop Angels, hither from the skies;
there is no holier spot of ground
Than where defeated valor lies,
By mourning beauty crowned.
Floyd County to the Army . . . — — Map (db m151901) WM
Army
American Revolution, 1775 - 1781
Civil War, 1861 - 1865
Operation Desert Storm, 1990 - 1991
Navy
War of 1812, 1812 - 1814
Spanish-American War, 1898
Air Force
World War I, 1917 - 1918
World War II, 1941 - . . . — — Map (db m152068) WM
The Jacksonville Presbyterian Church was established in this building in 1850 and was the first church built in the Town. The building was constructed by Henry Dillon using plans from an 1830’s book, “Practical House Carpenter,” by Asher . . . — — Map (db m151908) HM
One of Floyd's most impressive residences, this grand Georgian Revival mansion was built for the widow of Judge Waller Howard according to plans adapted and drawn by Lather Hylton. The home is outfitted in grand style with a sweeping center . . . — — Map (db m152042) HM
This building has three sections. The center section houses a gristmill; the wing to your left contains a sawmill, while the section to your right houses a woodworking shop. Ed Mabry built the original mill and both additions about 1910. In the . . . — — Map (db m174585) HM
More than a century ago, log cabins were a common sight in Appalachia and in other rural areas of the eastern United States. Samuel and Elizabeth Matthews built this cabin near Galax in 1869. Made largely of oak, it has one room on each of its two . . . — — Map (db m174592) HM
Simon the tanner used this horse-powered machine to grind oak and hemlock bark for tanning. Mixed with water this ground bark produced “bark liquor” for “tanning hides.” — — Map (db m174587) HM
Rarely seen today, the blacksmith shop was a vital home industry in Ed Mabry’s time. Here “Uncle Ed” cleverly fashioned wagon tires, andirons, tools, and various other iron objects for himself and his neighbors. — — Map (db m174591) HM
Although operating a mill was never easy, Ed Mabry faced special challenges. For one, the quantity of running water, which turned the overshot wheel and powered all the equipment in the mill, was barely adequate. To increase his supply, Mabry built . . . — — Map (db m174583) HM
Take one hollow log “Ash Hopper” filled with ashes. Filter water through ashes to produce lye. Add old fat to lye solution and boil in iron pot. The result: homemade soap. — — Map (db m174590) HM
Freshly sawed lumber must be dried evenly to prevent warping and checking. Ed Mabry used a rack similar to this for drying lumber. — — Map (db m174586) HM
This mill was built about 1910 by Edwin B. Mabry, a jack-of-all-trades who had been a chairmaker, a miner, a coal company blacksmith, and a farmer. He and his wife, Mintoria Lizzie Mabry, operated the mill until 1936, grinding corn and sawing lumber . . . — — Map (db m165417) HM
These stones are from a quartz conglomerate obtained at Brushy Mountain Quarry, Blacksburg, VA. They were shaped at the quarry, but the miller “dressed” or sharpened them with homemade “chisels.” — — Map (db m174584) HM
Down this path you will find buildings,
farm implements and other displays that
document rural life in Appalachia over
a period of about 100 years. Most were
restored and arranged here during the
1940s and 1950s.
These displays illustrate . . . — — Map (db m11083) HM
Making sorghum molasses became popular during the Civil War, when supplies of sugar and corn syrup were interrupted. The practice continues today in many communities, where the sweet smell of boiling sorghum can be enjoyed in the cool October air. A . . . — — Map (db m174589) HM
Many settlers and early residents brought with them the knowledge and the custom of making whiskey. Although tax laws and, for a while, Prohibition made the activity illegal, moonshiners have always operated in the mountains and other areas of the . . . — — Map (db m174588) HM
CARROLL COUNTY
Area 458 Square Miles
Formed in 1842 from Grayson, and named for Charles Carroll of Carrollton, signer of the Declaration of Independence. New River runs through this county.
FLOYD COUNTY
Area 376 Square . . . — — Map (db m206711) HM
