Abingdon is the oldest incorporated town on the western waters flowing into the Mississippi and was the last stop for pioneers traveling through Cumberland Gap to Kentucky between 1775 and 1825. Many old buildings have been designated National Historical Landmarks.

Photographed and Contributed by G. Lee Hearl Abingdon, Va.

The Washington County Historical Society is located here.

Photographed by Duane Leonard and Contributed by Donna Parks

The Barter Theatre was established in Abingdon, Va. during the Great Depression by Robert S. Porterfield and admission to plays could be obtained in exchange for food. Barter Theatre is officially the State Theater of Virginia and has been operating continuously since it was established.

Photographed and Contributed by G. Lee Hearl Abingdon, Va.

The Belmont hotel stood on the corner of Main and Wall Streets in Abingdon, a short distance from the train station. It was demolished in the 1970s to make room for a new post office. Photos by G. Lee Hearl Abingdon, Va.

Photographed and Contributed by G. Lee Hearl Abingdon, Va.

One of the first stores, next to the Benham's Railroad Depot

Contributed by Donna Parks

Pump used to pump salt brine from deep wells at Saltville, Va. The brine was boiled in large kettles, evaporating the water and leaving very pure salt. All of the states of the Confederacy maintained salt making operations near the Washington-Smyth county line and salt was shipped by wagon and boat to all the southern states. Saltville, Va. was the scene of major battle during the Civil War as the Union army tried to cut off the salt supply to the south.

Photographed and Contributed by G. Lee Hearl Abingdon, Va.

Photographed by Duane Leonard and Contributed by Donna Parks

This is the original Charles Cummings cabin built on the Cummings farm about one mile northwest of Abingdon, Va. It is now located in the Sinking Springs Cemetery in Abingdon. Rev. Charles Cummings answered the call for a minister on the frontier and established the Sinking Springs and Ebbing Springs churches in Washington and Smyth Counties about 1773.

Photographed and Contributed by G. Lee Hearl Abingdon, Va.

Located on Gum Hill Road. Built in 1865, it was burned by three teenagers not long after this pic was taken. They are rebuilding it.

Photographed by Duane Leonard and Contributed by Donna Parks

In 1780 several hundred men gathered near Abingdon to march across the Blue Ridge Mountains after a threat from British Army Colonel Ferguson to cross the mountains and burn and kill all the backwater inhabitants. The Battle of Kings Mountain proved to be a turning point in the Rev. War when the Over Mountain Men handily defeated Ferguson and took his army captive.

Photographed and Contributed by G. Lee Hearl Abingdon, Va.

In Abingdon, at Sinking Spring Cemetery

Photographed by Duane Leonard and Contributed by Donna Parks

Located on Main Street in Abingdon, Va. This building was erected as residence but later housed Martha Washington Womens College and has been operated as an inn for many years. It is now owned by a major hotel chain and is a popular lodging and dining facility in historic Abingdon, Va.

Photographed and Contributed by G. Lee Hearl Abingdon, Va.

Bearing an "old west" appearance, these old building which once housed the merchants of Meadowview, have been preserved as a reminder of long gone commercial activity in this small town in Washington co., Va.

Photographed and Contributed by G. Lee Hearl Abingdon, Va.

On the Nordyke Road

Photographed by Duane Leonard and Contributed by Donna Parks

Located approx 10 miles down the Mendota Road from Rt. 19

Photographed by Duane Leonard and Contributed by Donna Parks

The Tavern was built about 1777 on Main street in Abingdon, Va. It served as a hospital during the Civil War and later was a post office. It has been reconstructed and is presently operated as a tavern and restraunt. The original fireplace still burns as it did over two hundred years ago, however, it now has gas logs.

Photographed and Contributed by G. Lee Hearl Abingdon, Va.

The South Holston Dam and Lake, the worlds 2nd largest earth filled dam built by TVA was orginially surveyed to be built in the area of North Folk Church.. A survey marker is still there today... located 10 miles down off Rt. 19 between Lebanon and Abingdon on the Mendota Road

Photographed by Duane Leonard and Contributed by Donna Parks

on the road to Mendota from Rt. 19 (from Lebanon to Abingdon) approx. 10 miles down.

Photographed by Duane Leonard and Contributed by Donna Parks