Giles County Historical Society

04/07/2026

Our safe found a new home in the main museum. Don't miss all of the exciting things happening at the GCHS.

04/06/2026

Come out to the showing of Resolved to Live and Die at the museum today.

Explore Resolved to Live and Die: The Revolutionary Roots of Southwest Virginia, a PBS documentary uncovering the Fincastle Resolutions and Southwest Virginia’s vital role in America’s fight for independence.

04/03/2026

There are Civil War enthusiasts — and then there is Bob Tabor. For roughly two decades, Tabor has been the devoted steward of a remarkable piece of American military heritage: a full-sized, solid bronze reproduction of the Model 1841 12-pounder howitzer, the very type of cannon deployed by Confederate forces during the Civil War. He calls her Miss Melinda.
When people describe Giles Artillery as being “as seen on TV,” the phrase is not mere embellishment. The group has been regularly featured on the Smithsonian Channel in programs such as Aerial America: West Virginia, Aerial America: Roadside Attractions, and Aerial America: The South, bringing regional history and living-history traditions to a national audience.

There are Civil War enthusiasts — and then there is Bob Tabor. For roughly two decades, Tabor has been the devoted steward of a remarkable piece of American military heritage: a full-sized, solid bronze reproduction of the Model 1841 12-pounder howitzer, the very type of cannon deployed by Confede...

04/02/2026

Don't miss our Monday showing of Resolved to Live and Die.
VA250 - American Revolution 250 Commission Giles County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center

Explore Resolved to Live and Die: The Revolutionary Roots of Southwest Virginia, a PBS documentary uncovering the Fincastle Resolutions and Southwest Virginia’s vital role in America’s fight for independence.

03/30/2026

Come out to the screening of Resolved to Live and die.

02/25/2026

Resolved to Live and Die: The Revolutionary Roots of Southwest Virginia is a historical documentary produced by Blue Ridge PBS and PBS Appalachia Virginia that examines the often-overlooked role of Southwest Virginia in the early years of the American Revolution. The film focuses on the Fincastle Resolutions of 1775, a declaration by frontier leaders asserting their commitment to liberty and to resistance against British rule, issued more than a year before the Declaration of Independence, from which the film takes its title. Through on-location filming at regional historic sites, dramatic reenactments, and expert commentary, the documentary explores the political, military, and cultural contributions of frontier Virginians, including militia action, settler experiences, and the complex loyalties of the period. It aims to illuminate how this rugged region helped shape the broader struggle for independence and to contextualize Southwest Virginia’s pivotal — and frequently under-recognized — influence on the founding of the United States.

Explore Resolved to Live and Die: The Revolutionary Roots of Southwest Virginia, a PBS documentary uncovering the Fincastle Resolutions and Southwest Virginia’s vital role in America’s fight for independence.

01/22/2026

Best in show was Rebecca Farmer art student at Narrows.
Principal Brian Bowles, Melinda Tabor (GCHS), and art teacher Chris Helvey

12/24/2025

Merry Christmas to all...Please consider a small donation to the museum this holiday season: https://www.gilescountyvirginiahistory.com/donate

12/22/2025

See this years winners of the Christmas Art Show

Join us as we celebrate the incredible talent showcased at the Giles County Historical Society’s 2025 Christmas Art Show! This year’s event brought together ...

12/15/2025

Born circa 1726 in the lush, green landscapes of Fermanagh County, Ireland, David Johnston's life weaves a quintessential American story filled with resilience and pioneering spirit. At only ten years old, he embarked on a perilous transatlantic voyage, landing in the bustling port of Norfolk, Virginia. What began as a desperate struggle for survival gradually blossomed into a profound saga of influence, shaping Virginia’s rich historical tapestry.

As a young man eager for new opportunities, Johnston settled in the fertile lands of Culpeper County, Virginia. By 1751, he had married Nannie (or Annie) Abbott, the daughter of Richard Abbott, forging a union that would become the foundation of a powerful family lineage. Over the years, their descendants would weave their way into every vital aspect of public life across the New River Valley and beyond.

Patriot in the American Revolution
David Johnston's unwavering dedication to the burgeoning American cause is a testament to his character. The Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution honor his service during the tumultuous Revolutionary War. He served valiantly under Captain Hardy Hills in the forces commanded by Colonel George Rogers Clark, a legendary figure synonymous with the daring frontier campaigns of the time.

Historical records from September 1758 reveal that the Virginia House of Burgesses approved a payment to Johnston for providing food to friendly Native Americans, a subtle yet significant affirmation of his commitment to the colonial effort. During the Revolution, his active participation was further documented in Hening’s Virginia Statutes, illustrating that Johnston’s contributions extended beyond the battlefield into the political and social fabric of revolutionary Virginia.
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David Johnston wasn’t just a settler; he was a Revolutionary War patriot and the root of a family tree that stretched across generations of influential Virginians. From private in George Rogers Clark’s expedition to ancestor of governors, doctors, and judges, his legacy endures.

12/08/2025

Looking forward to new additions at the museum. Follow us for updates.