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Journey back in time to Danville, Virginia, USA

Explore Danville, Virginia, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.

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Danville, Virginia, USA - Danville, Virginia, USA - Sutherlin Homestead (The Last Capitol of Confederacy.) Danville, Virginia.

The first European-American settlement developed in 1792 downstream from Byrd's campsite, at a spot along the river shallow enough to allow fording. It was named "Wynne's Falls", after the first settler.

In 1793, the General Assembly authorized construction of a tobacco warehouse at Wynne's Falls, marking the start of the town as "The World's Best Tobacco Market", Virginia's largest market for "bright leaf" tobacco. The village was renamed "Danville" by act of the Virginia Legislature on November 23, 1793.

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Danville Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Danville, Virginia, USA - Sutherlin Homestead (The Last Capitol of Confederacy.) Danville, Virginia.
Danville, Virginia, USA

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Sutherlin Homestead (The Last Capitol of Confederacy.) Danville, Virginia.
Danville, Virginia, USA - Danville Country Club, Danville, Va.
Danville, Virginia, USA

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Danville Country Club, Danville, Va.
Danville, Virginia, USA - Masonic Temple
Danville, Virginia, USA

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Masonic Temple

Discover Danville: History, News, Travel, and Stories

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1854 - Danville
Danville, the principal village of Pittsylvania county, Virginia, on the Dan river, 5 miles from the North Carolina line, and 168 miles W. S. W. from Richmond. The town is pleasantly situated on high ground, near the head of navigation, and is a place of active business. It is surrounded by a fertile farming region, which abounds in stone coal, iron ore and limestone. The canal which has been constructed around the falls at this place affords abundant water-power. A railroad is extending from Richmond to Danville. The village has 4 or 6 churches, 3 academies, 2 banks, and several iron foundries and mills. Population in 1850, 1514.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
1883 - November 3 - Race riots in Danville Virginia (4 blacks killed)

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1895 - Danville
Danville, a flourishing post-town of Pittsylvania co, Va., is situated on the Dan River, and on the Richmond * Danville Railroad, 141 miles W.S.W. of Richmond, 48 miles N.N.E. of Greensborough, N.C., and 65 miles S. of Lynchburg. It is the S.W. terminus of the Virginia Midland Railroad, 236 miles from Washington, D.C. It contains 3 churches, a national bank, 3 other banks, the Danville Male Academy, the Danville Female College, the Roanoke Female College, and several tobacco-factories. Two daily and 4 weekly newspapers are published here. It has a large trade in tobacco, which is the staple product of the county. This town is the centre of the fine yellow tobacco section; and it is stated that 25,000,000 pounds of leaf tobacco are sometimes sold here in a year. Pop. in 1870, 3463; in 1880, 7536; in 1890, 10,305.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1916
Danville, a city of Pittsylvania co., Va., is situated on the Dan River and on the Southern and the Danville and Western Rs., 141 miles SW. of Richmond. It is the seat of the Randolph Macon Institute, the Hoibrook Street School, Roanoke Female College, and the Military Institute. It has cotton and other mills and a large trade in tobacco, which is the staple product of the county. The town is the centre of the fine yellow tobacco section, and nearly 40,000,000 pounds of leaf tobacco are sometimes sold here in a year. Pop. in 1870, 3463; in 1880, 7526; in 1890, 10,305 ; in 1900, 16,520.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Danville:
Danville Science Center: Start your journey with some interactive fun at the Danville Science Center. It's a great place for kids and adults alike, with hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and exciting science demonstrations.

Danville's River District: Stroll along the scenic River District, where you'll find historic buildings, street art, and charming shops. Don't forget to check out the Riverwalk Trail for a leisurely walk by the Dan River.

Averett University: Explore the beautiful campus of Averett University. The university often hosts cultural events, lectures, and performances that are open to the public.

Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History: Immerse yourself in the history and art of Danville at this museum. It features rotating exhibits that showcase the city's heritage and culture.

Millennium Park: Enjoy some outdoor time at Millennium Park. This park has walking trails, a playground, and picnic areas, making it an excellent spot for a family outing.

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Discover YOUR Roots: Danville Ancestry

Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Danville, Virginia, USA

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Patriotic Memories: Memorial Day Vintage Postcard Coffee Mug

Remembering the Brave, Honoring the Fallen Celebrate the spirit of Memorial Day with this stunning ceramic coffee mug featuring vintage postcards commemorating the holiday. Perfect for honoring the brave men and women who served, this mug is both a functional keepsake and a nostalgic work of art. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an afternoon tea, this dishwasher-safe and microwave-friendly mug is a timeless way to show your patriotism. Ideal as a gift for veterans, history buffs, or anyone who cherishes American traditions, this mug makes Memorial Day even more meaningful.
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Updated: 9/19/2023 2:48:52 PM