History & Culture
Our region is rich with 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
Mining & Railroad Museum
Dante, VA
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.
Old Russell County Courthouse & Dickenson Bundy Log House
Castlewood, VA
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.
Ellenbrook Home
Elk Garden, VA
Ellenbrook, is the historic home of William Alexander Stuart, founder of the Stuart Land and Cattle Company.
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.
Mountain Heritage Museum
St. Paul, VA
Discover hundreds of coal mining, logging, railroading, farming, artifacts from the Civil War era, Native American and Appalachian Natural History.
This museum features the largest United Mine Workers of America display south of Washington, D.C.
Honaker Heritage Museum
Honaker, VA
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
St. Paul Railroad Museum
St. Paul, VA
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 French Settlement
St. Paul, VA
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.
Jessee's Mill
Cleveland, VA
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.