National Register Listing

Spring Valley Rural Historic District

a.k.a. 038-5269

Route 805; Route 604; Route 651 in the Spring Valley community, Fries, VA
Local significance of the district:
Agriculture; Architecture

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.

agriculture architecture
Audiobooks about the history of Virginia.
The Virginia Colony was known for its tobacco production, which was the main export during the 17th century. Virginia's tobacco exports helped make it one of the wealthiest colonies in North America.
Virginia random facts
Grayson County, Virginia has a rich and diverse history that stretches back to its settlement in the late 1700s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee and Shawnee, who lived in harmony with the land for centuries. However, with the arrival of European settlers in the 18th century, the Native American way of life was disrupted.

The county was officially formed in 1793 and named after William Grayson, a prominent Virginia statesman. In its early days, Grayson County was primarily a rural farming community, with agriculture as its main economic driver. The fertile land and favorable climate allowed settlers to grow crops such as tobacco, corn, and wheat. The county's transportation networks improved with the development of roads and the arrival of the railroad, which facilitated trade and commerce.

The Civil War had a significant impact on Grayson County, as it did on many regions in Virginia. The county was divided, with some residents supporting the Union cause while others sided with the Confederacy. The war brought devastation and suffering to the area, with battles and skirmishes taking place on its soil. After the war, the county faced a period of reconstruction and recovery, with many residents rebuilding their lives and communities.

Over the years, Grayson County has seen changes in its economy and demographics. Agriculture remains an important industry, with beef and dairy cattle farming becoming increasingly prevalent. The county has also embraced tourism as a source of revenue, capitalizing on its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Today, Grayson County is a vibrant and close-knit community, proud of its history while looking toward the future with optimism.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Grayson County, Virginia.

  • 1793 - Grayson County, VA is formed from part of Wythe County.
  • 1812 - The county seat is established in an area known as Old Town, which is later renamed as Independence.
  • 1852 - The Virginia and Tennessee Railroad reaches Independence, boosting the local economy and providing transportation opportunities.
  • 1861 - With the outbreak of the American Civil War, Grayson County strongly supports the Confederacy.
  • 1862 - The Battle of Fox's Gap takes place in Grayson County, resulting in a Confederate victory.
  • 1885 - Grayson County experiences a boom in the timber industry, leading to the establishment of numerous sawmills and lumber factories.
  • 1908 - The Grayson National Bank is founded, becoming an important financial institution in the county.
  • 1940s-1950s - Grayson County's agriculture undergoes significant changes with the decline of tobacco farming and the rise of dairy and livestock production.
  • 1966 - The Blue Ridge Parkway, a popular scenic road, is completed, passing through Grayson County and attracting tourists.