From its earliest days as the site of a historically important stagecoach inn, Chilhowie has always been known as a community in which travelers are welcome and visitors are made to feel at home. Today the small town (pop.1,827) boasts the same inviting atmosphere; perhaps, this is why the town has become much more than just a stop along the way, but rather an exciting destination.
The Town of Chilhowie is a small but complex business center and residential community located along both modern and historic routes of travel in southwest Virginia.Chilhowie serves as a hub for western Smyth County. The town is located on the Middle Fork of the Holston River, just off I-81 at Exit 35. Chilhowie (Chil·´how·ee), a Cherokee word meaning “valley of many deer,” was adopted as the town’s name when the town incorporated in 1913. During its stagecoach days the community was known simply as Town House. After the railroad was built in 1856 the town was referred to as Greever’s Switch, a reference to the name of the first Station Master and to the mechanical switch that allowed freight cares to be moved to a side track for loading and unloading of freight.
The greatest turmoil, destruction and distress of the Civil War in Smyth County were caused by Stoneman’s Raid in December 1864. The purpose of this raid was to destroy lead mines, the salt works, and the railroad. The railroad was being used to supply the Confederate troops in Georgia. The raid in Chilhowie was to destroy the bridge at the far end of what is now the Town Recreation Park.
The railroad brought a lot of commerce and travelers to Chilhowie, but in 1909 a fire destroyed all the original buildings facing the rail line. The town’s historic district is composed of the buildings that replaced that row of storefronts.
The first industry in Chilhowie is credited to Minter Jackson. In 1879 he built the Pottery Shop. His business was the forerunner to the Virginia Paving and Sewer Pipe Company, built by George Palmer in 1890. These small businesses paved the way for various manufacturing and agricultural enterprises which have contributed to the town’s growth over the years. Pottery, brick, lumber, textile, fertilizer, equipment and furniture manufacturing companies have all operated successfully in Chilhowie.
The clay used in Chilhowie Brick, a brand of kin-fired brick, was popular nearly one hundred years ago. The removal of the clay lowered and flattened the slope of the land immediately south of Old Stage Road. The bricks were extremely popular and they have even been found lining the streets of Paris, France.
Cattle and Dairy farms are a mainstay of the region’s agricultural economy. From 1912 to 1989 Bonham Brothers grew and distributed apples and apple products so successfully that Chilhowie became the center of apple production in southwest Virginia. Apple orchards have been a huge part of the history of Chilhowie due to this success. The orchards are located south of town and continue to provide community residents and visitors with fresh fruit during the fall. Chilhowie celebrates its apple heritage the last weekend of each September with an Apple Festival, a fun-filled weekend of festivities, contests and entertainment.
