Blackstone, Virginia

SOUTHSIDE VIRGINIA

Blackstone, Virginia

A historic small town where a walkable downtown, preserved architecture, local shops, and two distinctive museums make for an easygoing Southside stop.

Region
Virginia's Southside

Type
Historic small town

County
Nottoway County, Virginia

Known for
Historic downtown, Schwartz Tavern, carriage museum

Blackstone is a Southside town best explored at a relaxed pace: stroll its historic business district, browse local shops, and pause at Seay Park. The town’s visitor highlights include Schwartz Tavern and the Robert Thomas Carriage Museum, both of which offer a closer look at local history. The Virginia Tourism Corporation’s walking-tour listing also points visitors toward the town’s historic buildings, park, and independent businesses.

The atmosphere is grounded in Blackstone’s layered past: a crossroads community that grew around an early tavern, later developed as a railroad shipping point, and became a tobacco-market town. Today its historic commercial streets and residential architecture give visitors a compact way to encounter that history without turning the trip into a formal museum itinerary.

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Why visit Blackstone?

Blackstone suits travelers who enjoy small-town discovery more than a packed sightseeing schedule. Its historic district combines commercial facades, older homes, churches, and community landmarks; downtown organizations describe the area as a mix of shops, restaurants, museums, and seasonal events.

It is also a good place to pair a short architectural walk with a focused museum visit. Schwartz Tavern connects the town to its early tavern-era roots, while the carriage museum presents a collection of horse-drawn vehicles assembled by local educator and collector Robert B. Thomas Jr.

What to see and do

Historic downtown and walking tour

Walk among the historic commercial buildings and residential streets, look for interpretive plaques, and make time for Seay Park. The Virginia Tourism Corporation describes a route that also takes in Schwartz Tavern, the carriage museum, and local businesses.

Schwartz Tavern

This landmark tavern complex preserves early building fabric, including beaded weatherboarding and Federal-style interior details. The Virginia Department of Historic Resources identifies it as the late-18th-century landmark around which Blackstone grew. Tours should be arranged in advance; confirm availability before visiting.

Robert Thomas Carriage Museum

See restored horse-drawn vehicles collected by Robert B. Thomas Jr. The museum opened to the public in 2007; its visitor information lists appointments and operating hours that may change, so contact the museum to confirm current access before making a special trip.

Seay Park

A convenient pause during a downtown walk, Seay Park is included in the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s suggested historic Blackstone stroll. Check local information for current park details and any event-related changes.

Local shops and seasonal events

Downtown Blackstone’s business district brings together independent shops, restaurants, museums, and community events. For current happenings and business information, check with Downtown Blackstone before your visit.

History and character

The community began as a crossroads settlement associated with rival tavern keepers and was known as Blacks and Whites. The town adopted the name Blackstone when it was incorporated in 1888. Its growth accelerated after the arrival of the Norfolk and Western Railway system in the late 19th century, and the town became a shipping point and tobacco market.

The historic district reflects that development in its early-20th-century commercial facades and the range of homes in the neighborhoods south and west of downtown. The area also includes churches and the former Blackstone College for Girls. Many historic properties are private residences rather than visitor attractions; admire them from public streets and respect residents’ privacy.

Planning a visit

Start in the historic business district and allow time to browse downtown as well as visit one or both museums. The town’s official visitor pages ask visitors to schedule a Schwartz Tavern tour; the carriage museum also lists appointment-based access. Hours, tour arrangements, and openings can change, so confirm directly before traveling.

Downtown is the natural base for a walking visit, with the district’s shops, restaurants, historic buildings, and museums gathered in a compact area. If you are hoping to attend a festival, concert, or seasonal display, check local event listings for dates and details rather than assuming they run year-round.

Nearby places and attractions

• Farmville, Virginia — Continue west to another Southside town with a distinct downtown and regional attractions.
• High Bridge Trail State Park — A rail-trail destination in the Farmville area for a longer outdoor outing.
• Petersburg, Virginia — Head east for a larger city with important Civil War history and cultural attractions.
• Virginia's Southside — Explore the wider region’s small towns, historic sites, and countryside.

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References

External links

• Visit Blackstone
• Explore Blackstone
• Downtown Blackstone, Inc.
• Blackstone Historic District — Virginia Department of Historic Resources