Project Background
With support from a cost-share survey and planning grant from the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (VDHR), the County of Wythe in Virginia has contracted with The College of William and Mary Center for Archaeological Research to conduct a survey of historic architectural resources across the county. Through a subcontract with Hanbury Preservation Consulting, Mary Ruffin Hanbury will serve as the project architectural historian.
According to the scope of work developed by Wythe County and VDHR,
“By the late 18th century, the county experienced considerable economic activity related to agriculture and industry, heightened by the county’s fertile soils and arable landforms, plentiful iron ore, and location on the Great (Valley) Road and the New River. The river and its tributaries supplied water to numerous iron furnaces and gristmills from the Early National period through the nineteenth century. Railroads traversed the county by the mid-nineteenth century, and the county seat of Wytheville grew quickly to become a major center for commerce for the region. Owing to its rich history, Wythe County retains abundant, significant historic resources which, to date, have not been systematically documented. Though sporadic studies have occurred, coverage has bbeen geographically erratic and the level of documentation inconsistent. The 2011-2012 historic architecture survey is intended to remediate major deficiencies in county-wide survey coverage. Data collected from the survey will be used for recognition and protection of important properties in short and long range land use planning, to encourage preservation easements and land conservation, and to help inform the public and serve as an educational tool. The project will support the county’s heritage tourism and economic development programs, and will facilitate federally mandated environmental review projects.”
The survey will document no less than 375 historic properties. In addition to these survey records, other products of the study will include a comprehensive survey report with historic context, survey findings, and recommendations and a Powerpoint presentation summarizing the study.
The purpose of this website is to provide a vehicle for public outreach through the posting of meeting notices, agendas, presentations and articles as well as a platform for public comment.
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