History Of Stuart, Va

️ Origins & Naming

• Founded as Taylorsville (1792): Established in 1791–92 on land donated by Capt. Eliphaz Shelton, it became the county seat of Patrick County. Originally named for settler George Taylor jebstuart.org+13en.wikipedia.org+13historic.one+13.

• Renamed Stuart (1884): Incorporated in 1884 and renamed in honor of Confederate Gen. J.E.B. Stuart, who was born nearby uclambertrealty.com+6en.wikipedia.org+6qa.edu.vn+6.

Growth Before & After the Civil War

• Early 19th century: By 1850, Taylorsville had grown modestly, with around 50 homes and a diverse array of craftsmen, tradespeople, merchants, and professionals iiab.me+2en.wikipedia.org+2en-academic.com+2.

• Railroad arrives: The Danville & New River Railroad (completed 1884) spurred growth. Population climbed ~25% from 300 to 371 by 1900. The town geographically split into:

  • Uptown: centered on courthouse, churches, schools, hotels, banks.

  • Downtown: rail‑town district along the Mayo River jebstuart.org+10en.wikipedia.org+10qa.edu.vn+10.

️ Infrastructure & 20th-Century Developments

• Modern utilities: Water and sewer arrived post‑1915; electricity by Clark Power & Light in 1916; telephone lines by the 1920s; paved roads in the 1920–30s en.wikipedia.org+1iiab.me+1.

• Growth milestones: By 1940, population reached ~600. Uptown saw construction of key buildings, including banks (Patrick County Bank, 1911) and churches uclambertrealty.com+6en.wikipedia.org+6en.wikipedia.org+6.

️ Historic Districts & Landmarks

• Stuart Uptown Historic District: Covers ~6 acres on Main & Blue Ridge Streets. Features 18 historic buildings and one object including Patrick County Courthouse (1822), PWA post office (1940), multiple churches and banks. Listed on NRHP in 2002 dhr.virginia.gov+8en.wikipedia.org+8en.wikipedia.org+8.

• Downtown Historic District: Encompasses earlier commercial core—brick storefronts, flat‑roofed buildings—added to registers in 2021 .

• Patrick County Courthouse: Built in 1822 in Jeffersonian Neo‑Classical style; remodeled 1928, 1936, 1971. NRHP-listed since 1974 en.wikipedia.org.

• Goblintown Mill: Historic grist mill (c.1850, rebuilt c.1902) near Stuart; NRHP-listed in 2004 en.wikipedia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2iiab.me+2.

Culture & Present Day

• Appalachian music hub: Part of Virginia Heritage Music Trail. Bluegrass and gospel jam sessions often pop up in local eateries goworldtravel.com.

• Small‑town charm: Uptown still reflects early‑20th‑century atmosphere. Families have operated shops for generations, lending it a nostalgic “Old‑Main‑Street” feel .

• Modern revivals: Downtown rail-trail along Mayo River, Farmers’ Market, sidewalk upgrades, and newer retail near Highway 58 bring fresh life qa.edu.vn+3en.wikipedia.org+3iiab.me+3.

At a Glance

Here are some of the most notable landmarks in and around Stuart, Virginia, blending its rich history, architectural charm, and Appalachian heritage:

️ Patrick County Courthouse

• Built: 1822

• Style: Jeffersonian Neo-Classical

• Significance: One of the oldest continuously used courthouses in Virginia. Remodeled several times (notably in 1928, 1936, and 1971) while preserving its distinctive architecture.

• National Register of Historic Places: Listed in 1974.

️ Stuart Uptown Historic District

• Established: Early 20th century core of town life

• Highlights:

  • Patrick County Bank (1911)

  • Old Masonic Building

  • Multiple churches (Presbyterian, Baptist)

  • 1940 U.S. Post Office

  • Historic homes with Greek Revival, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman architecture

• Listed: National Register of Historic Places (2002)

️ Stuart Downtown Historic District

• Features:

  • Early rail-era storefronts and commercial buildings from the late 1800s to mid-1900s

  • Former railbed now converted into walking trails

  • A growing arts and retail scene

• Added to NRHP: 2021

Goblintown Mill

• Original Mill: c. 1850 (rebuilt c. 1902)

• Type: Historic water-powered gristmill

• Location: Near the Goblintown Creek

• Significance: Rare surviving example of early rural Virginia industry.

• Listed: National Register (2004)

Reynolds Homestead (formerly Rock Spring Plantation)

• Built: 1843

• Location: About 10 miles northwest of Stuart

• Significance: Birthplace of R. J. Reynolds (founder of R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.)

• Now: Cultural and educational center operated by Virginia Tech, with trails, gardens, and events.

Lover’s Leap Overlook

• Location: Blue Ridge Parkway (near Meadows of Dan, not far from Stuart)

• Significance: Famous scenic overlook with a legend of star-crossed Native American lovers.

• Views: Dramatic cliffs and sweeping views of the valley below.

Fred Clifton Park

• Located in: Stuart town center

• Features: Walking trails, picnic areas, and community events

• Historic marker: Recognizes early settlement and rail development

Jack’s Creek Covered Bridge

• Built: 1914

• Type: One-lane wooden covered bridge

• Significance: One of the few remaining covered bridges in Virginia

• Setting: Scenic and rural, popular for photos and heritage tours