top of page

Experience...
History & Culture

Our region is rich in culture and history. From our ancestors that settled in the mountains and lived off the land, to the railroad bringing goods and services to the county, and the coal mining industry coming to our mountains.

 

You'll find many historic sites, museums, and homes that tell our story.

Dante Coal and Railroad Museum

Dante Coal Mining & Railroad Museum

Explore the world of a coal mining town and the lives of the people who worked in the coal and railroad industry. This museum invites visitors to explore exhibits of coal and railroad memorabilia, which have all been donated by the residents and former residents of Dante and the surrounding community.

Historic Ellenbrook Manor

Ellenbrook Mansion

The home, completed in 1856, features a mini museum displaying artifacts, memorabilia, and photos associated with property and the Stuart family. The caretakers offer free tours of the home and English Garden on Mondays and Tuesdays or by appointment.

Historic Honaker Bank

Honaker Heritage Museum

The Honaker Heritage Museum offers a wealth of information on the life and times of historical figures and happening throughout the history of Russell County, VA

Historic Jesse's Mill in Cleveland

Jessee's Mill 

The mill is an over two century mill that was used by the Jessee Family in Russell County. The mill was the primary source for ground agricultural products and other trading in the Mill Creek Area. The mill is still currently standing and is a lovely historic landmark of SWVA. 

Russell County Courthouse & Dickenson - Bundy Craft House

Old Russell County Courthouse & Dickenson Bundy Log House

The Old Russell County Courthouse is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a Virginia Landmark. The site features a self-guided museum in the courthouse, local artisan crafts in the Dickenson Bundy Log House and covered picnic area.

Railroad Museum in St. Paul

St. Paul Railroad Museum

The oldest surviving structure in the commercial district of St. Paul, VA. The museum also serves as the location of the opening event of the Clinch River Days Festival, a meeting place for community organizations and features art and artifacts relative to Southwest Virginia and the Town of St. Paul.

Sugar Hill Chimney at Clinch River State Park

Sugar Hill French Settlement

The remains of an old French settlement in St. Paul, Virginia is located in the now Clinch River State Park. Go on one of the state parks guided hikes to the settlement and learn the history of the old settlement.

bottom of page