Mecklenburg, VA
Welcome to Boydton, the historically rich County Seat of Mecklenburg County. Its historic district includes a Greek Revival courthouse Jefferson would have loved, a former tavern and stagecoach stopover turned visitor center, and other must-sees in this charming town. There are over 1,000 historical places to see in this one-square mile colonial town–you’ll no doubt stumble across a few more on this walking tour.
Medium Activity
1 day | 7 stops
Day 1
STOP 1: Mecklenburg County Courthouse
If you like your architecture in a style Thomas Jefferson would approve of, you’ll love the Mecklenburg County Courthouse. This Palladian courthouse in the heart of Boydton was constructed between 1838 and 1842 by William A. Howard and James Whitice, using Thomas Jefferson's architectural principles. It currently houses the 10th Judicial Circuit of Virginia, though it was constructed to replace the eighteenth-century courthouse and 1815 clerk's office.
1 HOURS
VIEW LISTING
STOP 2: Washington Tavern
Step inside the Washington Tavern, one of Boydton's oldest buildings, built in 1820. Though now it’s a parish house for the United Methodist Church, it was one of two buildings that made up the first chain store mercantile in the United States. The Federal-style tavern was originally located on Washington Street and was part of the Exchange Hotel complex. In the 1850s, it served as the office of the stagecoach line to Petersburg In the 1850s. In 1973 it was moved to its present location and became part of the church.
1 HOURS
VIEW LISTING
STOP 3: Boyd Tavern
The Boyd Tavern has been entertaining folks in Mecklenburg County since 1790. The historic inn and tavern predates Boydton, which was established in 1812. It’s been through several iterations in its long history, including a boarding house and apartments.
Now it’s open for tours and as an event venue. Walk down one of its two story porches and admire the interior mid-nineteenth century style courtesy of famed Virginia architect Jacob W. Holt.
Now it’s open for tours and as an event venue. Walk down one of its two story porches and admire the interior mid-nineteenth century style courtesy of famed Virginia architect Jacob W. Holt.
1 HOURS
VIEW LISTING
STOP 4: Boydton Town Hall
The historic Boydton Town Hall now houses the Model Train Club on the second floor (open Saturdays from 10 am to noon). Step inside and see model trains of all shapes and sizes. A friendly club member will happily run the trains for you and tell you stories of the real trains behind the scale model.
1 HOURS
VIEW LISTING
STOP 5: Rose’s Restaurant
Take a break from your trip through the past and grab a slice of pizza at Rose’s Restaurant. This family-owned eatery will provide plenty of sustenance in the form of subs, burgers, salads and more as you gear up for the next leg of your walking tour through Boydton.
1 HOURS
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STOP 6: Boydton United Methodist Church
Built in 1873 by builder and architect Jacob Holt, the United Episcopal Methodist Church has welcomed active congregation members for nearly 150 years. It’s known for its simple rectangular design, accentuated with fluted hexagonal columns and a large Italianate doorway. Inset stained glass windows and panels in the brick building. The small parish house next door is the original Washington Tavern.
1 HOURS
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STOP 7: Boydton Presbyterian Church
One of the oldest buildings in Boydton, the Presbyterian Meeting House was built around 1820 on founder Alexander Boyd’s land. In 1824, Boyd accepted one dollar from the church elders in exchange for the deed to the property. This simple red-roofed building has housed worshipers from multiple demonominations through the years including Methodists, Baptists, and Episcopalians.
1 HOURS
VIEW LISTING
