The
Southwest Virginia Museum
is a member of the American
Association of Museums, the
American Association of State
and Local History, and the
Virginia Association of Museums
We currently have fifteen
(15) online exhibits. They include things like
Shimmer and Shine, Famous Authors, Riches In Stitches,
Famous Musicians, Elected Leaders, Life and Art of James
True, Early Clothing, and so much
MORE ...
In 1885
Rufus Ayers served as Virginia's Attorney General.
He and other gentlemen such as John Imboden, Charles
Sears, George Carter, and John Taggart felt that Big
Stone Gap could become the "Pittsburgh of the South"
because of its iron ore and coal deposits. Rufus was
instrumental in helping develop the coal and iron ore
industry in Southwest Virginia and bringing the
railroads to this area. Big Stone Gap, however, did not
become the next Pittsburgh due to the economic
depression.
READ MORE ...
