Abingdon

Abingdon is a town in Washington County, Virginia, centered around a 20-block historic district with brick sidewalks and buildings spanning two centuries. The elevated location creates a compact urban layout with varied architectural periods.

The settlement began as Black's Fort in 1774 and was renamed Abingdon in 1778 after the English town of Abingdon-on-Thames. This name change reflected its transformation from a fort into an established community.

The Barter Theatre, founded in 1933 during the Great Depression, serves as Virginia's State Theatre and draws thousands of visitors each year. It shapes the cultural identity of the town to this day.

The Virginia Creeper Trail starts here and travels through scenic terrain for about 34 miles toward the Virginia-North Carolina border. The route works well for both cyclists and hikers with varying fitness levels.

In the early days of the Barter Theatre, visitors could pay admission with food and farm products instead of cash. This system allowed artists and the community to support each other during economically difficult times.

Location: Washington County

Inception: 1776

Elevation above the sea: 636 m

Website: http://abingdon-va.gov

GPS coordinates: 36.70972,-81.97556

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:12