Giles County Historical Society

11/05/2026

Thanks to the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, we have started painting and repairing the Andrew Johnston house and the doctor's office. Thanks to Palmer's paint for starting this project.

10/15/2026

Historic charm, modern comfort!

A-1 Heating and Air is beginning HVAC improvements at the Giles County Historical Society’s historic Doctor’s Office and Andrew Johnston House. New air conditioning on the house’s main level and second story is expected to be ready in approximately a week and a half!

Local tradition connects the Doctor’s Office to future presidents Rutherford B. Hayes and William McKinley during the Civil War in 1862. We imagine they would have appreciated air conditioning, too!

The Commonwealth of Virginia appropriated funds for this project through the efforts of Giles County government and Delegate Jason Ballard. Special thanks to County Administrator Chris McKlarney and Special Projects Manager John Hale for overseeing the funding, and to A-1 Heating and Air for bringing these improvements to life.

We look forward to welcoming visitors in greater comfort as we continue sharing Giles County’s remarkable history.

08/27/2026

Come visit us. https://dailywise.com/state/virginia/this-virginia-town-near-the-appalachian-trail-is-full-of-charm-views-and-friendly-faces/?utm_source=virginia&utm_medium=YM&utm_campaign=fb&utm_content=641284219057842&utm_term=small-town-feature&fbclid=Iwc3NjcAT9iaVwZG9mBWZkaWQWUNS6Z72BL9Zogms0DUStq2SvBPbA22V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR5oiXER_Xja0-JMjeB02yoJheZmMmEXu2lfTtaBxTU8RvCOYITNwRpreEIG-A_aem_82FeeA-x79c0OuE9BlrEqQ

This Virginia Town Near the Appalachian Trail Is Full of Charm, Views, and Friendly Faces September 23, 2025 Credit: Google Maps If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to slow down without being bored, there’s a small town in the Blue Ridge that might surprise you. It’s got mountain views,...

08/14/2026

We are so grateful being granted the funding request.

Pleased to announce that my funding request of $295,000 for repairs to the Andrew Johnston House will soon be fulfilled!

The Andrew Johnston House is one of Giles County’s preeminent historical locations, and it has fallen into a state of disrepair in recent years. Grant funds will be used to help replace a leaky roof and other much-needed upgrades. This will ensure that the building will be able to receive tourists well into the future!

To learn more about the Andrew Johnston House, click here: https://www.gilescountyvirginiahistory.com/

07/03/2026

What a great event for our newest exhibit to celebrate VA250 - American Revolution 250 Commission Support the museum by joining our membership to get the latest notifications on our latest exhibits, events and news: https://www.gilescountyvirginiahistory.com/shop/p/membership

06/27/2026

Come out for our new exhibit reveal. Cannon is set to fire at noon today.

06/24/2026

Come to our event this Saturday for the opening of our new exhibit for VA250 - American Revolution 250 Commission

04/07/2026

Our safe found a new home in the main museum. Don't miss all of the exciting things happening at the GCHS.

04/06/2026

Come out to the showing of Resolved to Live and Die at the museum today.

Explore Resolved to Live and Die: The Revolutionary Roots of Southwest Virginia, a PBS documentary uncovering the Fincastle Resolutions and Southwest Virginia’s vital role in America’s fight for independence.

04/03/2026

There are Civil War enthusiasts — and then there is Bob Tabor. For roughly two decades, Tabor has been the devoted steward of a remarkable piece of American military heritage: a full-sized, solid bronze reproduction of the Model 1841 12-pounder howitzer, the very type of cannon deployed by Confederate forces during the Civil War. He calls her Miss Melinda.
When people describe Giles Artillery as being “as seen on TV,” the phrase is not mere embellishment. The group has been regularly featured on the Smithsonian Channel in programs such as Aerial America: West Virginia, Aerial America: Roadside Attractions, and Aerial America: The South, bringing regional history and living-history traditions to a national audience.

There are Civil War enthusiasts — and then there is Bob Tabor. For roughly two decades, Tabor has been the devoted steward of a remarkable piece of American military heritage: a full-sized, solid bronze reproduction of the Model 1841 12-pounder howitzer, the very type of cannon deployed by Confede...