Located in the 1875 home of Gen. Gabriel C. and Nannie Radford Wharton, Glencoe explores the history of Radford, the New River Valley and beyond. The museum provides a 3-in-one experience with the Historic Residence, History Exhibits and the Art Gallery. The museum highlights the contributions of all those who left their influence and built the area, including Native Americans, African Americans and settlers like Mary Draper Ingles and her family. The exhibits explore the role of the New River in the development of transportation and industry and many other topics. The Art Gallery provides visitors with great local art in addition to a well- stocked Gift Shop.

600 Unruh Dr., Radford, VA 24141

Nestled on the grounds of Glencoe Mansion is this pocket park that has been declared a Virginia Treasure. The park is the home to the stunning bronze sculpture by artist Matt Langford depicting the frontier heroine. Also at the site is the New River Train Observatory, which was designed and built by graduate students from Virginia Tech’s School of Architecture + Design. The park is under development to become a haven of native species of plants and wildlife.

Open dawn to dusk.

600 Unruh Dr., Radford, VA 24141

Built in 1774, Smithfield was the home of Revolutionary War patriot William Preston. The home, designed in the Tidewater plantation style, provided a haven of aristocratic elegance and became the social and political center of this frontier region. The site features costumed interpreters, heirloom gardens, special events and a museum store.

1000 Smithfield Plantation Blvd., Blacksburg, VA 24060

The Homestead of William and Mary Ingles is still a working farm today. Features a replica of Mary’s cabin and views of the New River where the family ran a ferry that allowed settlers to continue their journeys during the Great Westward Migration. The site is a private residence and is not currently open to the public.

9 Wilderness Rd., Radford, VA 24141

The Wilderness Road Regional Museum, located about a mile from Interstate 81 in Newbern, Virginia, has been owned and operated by the New River Historical Society since 1980. The oldest room in the museum was built sometime between 1806 and 1812 by Newbern's founder, Henry Hance.

Originally, the museum building had belonged to the Hance-Alexander family, and these two homes served dual purposes as residences and businesses for several years. Some of these business establishments included a tavern, general store, and the first Newbern post office. The museum features letters, documents, paintings, furniture, photos, business records, and objects relevant to life in southwest Virginia.

A detached kitchen building, granary, loom house, and barn on the museum grounds offer more glimpses into the lives of those along the main migration route west. The museum’s namesake is the Wilderness Road, a branch of the Great Wagon Road. Several towns along these roads, including Newbern, prospered due to businesses that catered to these travelers, such as inns and taverns.

Visitors are welcome during the museum’s hours of operation to witness first-hand the Wilderness Road Regional Museum’s display of local historical pride.