National Register Listing

St. Paul Historic District

a.k.a. VDHR Architectural Inventory Number: 294-0001

Portions of 4th & 5th Aves., Russell & Broad Sts., St. Paul, VA
Local significance of the district:
Commerce; Architecture; Transportation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2011.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Richmond, Virginia, served as the capital of the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
Virginia random facts
Wise County, located in southwestern Virginia, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, predominantly the Cherokee, who thrived on its fertile lands and abundant resources. European settlers began to arrive in the early 18th century, gradually encroaching on the Native American territories.

In 1856, Wise County was established from parts of Lee, Russell, and Scott counties, and was named after Henry A. Wise, the governor of Virginia at the time. The county played a significant role during the American Civil War, with many of its residents serving in the Confederate Army. The Battle of Wise Courthouse, fought in 1862, took place in the county, resulting in Union forces briefly occupying parts of the area.

Following the Civil War, Wise County transitioned from an agricultural economy to a coal-driven one. The county is located within the Appalachian coalfields, and the discovery of vast coal reserves led to the rapid development of mining towns and a surge in population. Coal mining became the backbone of the local economy, attracting thousands of workers from all over the region.

Throughout the 20th century, Wise County faced both periods of prosperity and challenges. The economy heavily relied on coal, bringing economic growth but also vulnerability to changes in the industry. In recent years, efforts have been made to diversify the economy and promote tourism, as the county features beautiful natural landscapes, such as the Jefferson National Forest and the Breaks Interstate Park. Today, Wise County continues to be a close-knit community with a deep appreciation for its history, natural resources, and the resilience of its people.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Wise County, Virginia.

  • Established in 1856 as a county in the state of Virginia
  • Named after Henry A. Wise, the Governor of Virginia from 1856-1860
  • During the American Civil War (1861-1865), Wise County remained mostly unionist
  • Coal mining became a major industry in the late 19th century, leading to significant economic growth
  • 1892 - Norton, an independent city within Wise County, was incorporated
  • In the early 20th century, Wise County experienced a population boom due to coal mining
  • 1930s - The Great Depression severely impacted the county's economy, causing a decline in coal production
  • 1950s-1960s - Coal production saw a resurgence, leading to renewed economic activity
  • 1999 - The Wise County Coal Slurry Spill, one of the worst environmental disasters in U.S. history, occurred
  • Present - Wise County continues to face challenges related to the decline of the coal industry, but has diversified its economy