The history of Wythe County is duly noted in books, markers and online; however, the history of many of its structures has gone unexamined. The historic architectural study to be conducted by Hanbury Preservation Consulting, with the Wythe County Historical Society and Wythe County, will seek to document such properties throughout the County.

At a meeting with Mary Ruffin Hanbury, researcher for the project, on Nov. 28, 2011, at the Heritage Preservation Center, community leaders were asked to think of what properties should be included in the study.

Some quick suggestions were the log houses and shot tower in Foster Falls. Others included stone walls, steps and foundations found throughout many parts of the area.

In all, a minimum of 375 structures will be surveyed. Three hundred and fifty five of the properties will be non-intensive studies, looking mainly at the exteriors. No less than 20 properties, determined in coordination with Department of Historical Resources and the Wythe County Historical Society, will be surveyed at the intensive level, thoroughly examining the exterior and interior of the properties.

Areas within the Town of Wytheville, outside of the Wytheville Historic District, may be included in the survey, but the number of properties will not exceed 40.

Having a property examined in the survey does mean it is on a historical register. It gives no designation but simply notes the historic structures existence for reference and documentation.

Once documented, the records will be kept on file in Richmond for future researchers and interested parties to view. In addition, Wythe County will receive the records in both physical and digital form.

Communities who take part in historical surveys find they have a lot to gain from the findings and records. One area Wythe County hopes to promote through this survey is tourism.

Such as in the strategic plan being prepared by the Wythe County Tourism Department, historic structures are key factors of interest when looking to visit tourists locations. A survey such as this will bring information available that tourist will find appealing.

For Cellell Dalton, County Administrator, the survey is not something to be looked at on a small scale. He sees the survey benefiting Wythe County and bringing its attributes to the forefront.

“I really hope once we finish this we can develop a driving tour,” said Dalton at the meeting. “I’d really like to see this be a long-term thing.”

Another success story to come from these surveys in locations such as North Carolina is their adaptation into books. This is a possibility the Wythe County Historical Society could pursue.

Every resident is urged to contact the historical society or Hanbury Preservation Consulting with information regarding a historical structure or the remains of a historical structure for the survy. Hanbury can be reached by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or calling (919) 828-1905.