Tracing History Near Smith Mountain Lake: Moneta and Beyond

If you’re a history lover, the area surrounding Moneta and Smith Mountain Lake offers more than scenic views and outdoor adventure. This region of Virginia is steeped in stories, from the early days of settlement to the Civil War and into the life of one of America’s most important educators. Whether you’re looking for monuments, historic homes, or museums, there are plenty of sites to explore during your stay.

Booker T. Washington National Monument – Hardy, VA

Just minutes from Moneta, this 239-acre site preserves the birthplace of Booker T. Washington, born into slavery here in 1856. The National Park Service maintains a living-history farm, reconstructed buildings, walking trails, and museum exhibits that highlight Washington’s legacy as an educator and leader.

Historic Downtown Moneta

Though Moneta today is best known as a gateway to Smith Mountain Lake, its historic district still carries traces of its railroad past. The old Moneta Depot, though no longer operational, is remembered as a hub that brought commerce and connection to this rural part of Virginia. Nearby local markers and community efforts highlight Moneta’s transformation from a farm town to a lakeside community after the creation of Smith Mountain Lake in the 1960s.

Jubal Early Homeplace – Boones Mill, VA

A short drive north takes you to the Jubal A. Early Homeplace, birthplace of the Confederate general. The modest farmhouse, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offers insight into Early’s life and the role of Franklin County during the Civil War.

Franklin County Historical Society & Heritage Center – Rocky Mount, VA

Located in the county seat, the Heritage Center tells the broader story of Franklin County—famous for its role in the 1930s “Moonshine Capital of the World” era, as well as earlier colonial settlement and Civil War history. Exhibits and walking tours bring the past to life.

Blue Ridge Institute & Museum – Ferrum, VA

For those interested in culture as much as events, the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum is Virginia’s state center for Appalachian folklore. Visitors can tour historic buildings, view exhibits, and attend the annual Blue Ridge Folklife Festival to experience mountain traditions first-hand.

Further Afield: Roanoke’s Historic Highlights

If you’re willing to venture about 45 minutes west, Roanoke offers several key historic stops:

• O. Winston Link Museum – Celebrating the golden age of steam railroads through stunning photography.

• Virginia Museum of Transportation – With preserved locomotives, cars, and aviation history.

• Historic Roanoke City Market – Established in 1882, it remains one of the oldest continuously operating open-air markets in Virginia.

Why Visit

From the quiet birthplace of Booker T. Washington to the bustling streets of historic Roanoke, the Smith Mountain Lake area provides history buffs with a wide spectrum of experiences. You can walk through farmsteads, tour museums, and stand at the crossroads of events that shaped not just Virginia, but the nation. It’s the perfect way to blend a lakeside getaway with a journey through time.