Explore Farmville
Farmville is the perfect place to start your exploration of our area's historic and cultural offerings. Whether you are a patron of the arts or a history buff, we have something for everyone!
History
The R. R. Moton Museum is a center for the study of civil rights in education. The museum honors the efforts of local students and citizens who paved the way for integrated public education. It was the site of the 1951 student walk-out to protest the separate but unequal conditions of the public schools and is the centerpiece of Virginia's Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail®. The museum is located at the intersection of Griffin Boulevard and South Main Street in Farmville.
Historic Downtown Farmville Walking Tour is a self-guided walking tour of the Farmville Historic District. Spend a leisurely afternoon experiencing Farmville's history and unique architecture. Map and narrative for the Farmville Historic Walking Tour, (PDF) including the Jackson House where General Robert E Lee came on the morning of April 7, for a meeting with the Confederate Secretary of War John Cabell Breckinridge, Quartermaster General A. R. Lawson, and Commissary General I. M. St. John.
The Farmville Blueway paddle trail (PDF) has stories to tell. Along this route, Native Americans maintained a seasonal hunting camp on a large dwelling mound, former slaves found freedom working the river in Bateaux, the Farmville and Powhatan narrow-gauge railroad attempted to replace the Appomattox River as a means of transport, and a dam was constructed to provide power for a local grain mill. Paddle this four-mile water trail down Buffalo Creek and the Appomattox River and imagine what it would have been like to hunt and fish the area as Native Americans, or imagine yourself poling long, narrow Bateaux loaded with farm products and store goods between the markets in Farmville and Petersburg. Brochures are available at the Farmville Town Office, the Barbara Rose Johns Farmville-Prince Edward Community Library, Virginia's Heartland Regional Visitor Center, and the Friends of the Appomattox website.
Lee's Retreat is a self-guided driving tour that follows the historic 100-mile trek General Robert E Lee and his army took while being pursued by Union forces. The tour begins in Petersburg and ends in Appomattox, where the final surrender was signed. Historic markers, maps, and interpretive radio broadcasts convey details of events leading to the surrender at Appomattox. Enjoy all of the tours or select certain sites of interest.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park marks the site of the original village of Appomattox Courthouse. Here, Generals Robert E Lee and Ulysses S Grant negotiated the terms of surrender which led to the end of the war between the states. The majority of the buildings are original to the site and have been maintained just as they were on April 9, 1865.
Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park is the site of the last major engagement of the Civil War. On April 6, 1865, Gen. Robert E Lee's Army of Northern Virginia lost 7,700 men, including eight generals, in the Battle of Sailor's Creek. This defeat was key to Lee's decision to surrender at Appomattox Court House 72 hours later, thus ending the war in Virginia. The Overton-Hillsman House, used as a field hospital during the battle, is open to visitors June through August and by request at other times. Contact the park at 434-315-0349 or email Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park to arrange a special tour.
Culture
The Commonwealth Chorale is a group of singers drawing from fourteen counties in Southside Virginia. The present group of over 130 members performs two major annual productions, which include classical choral music from Bach to modern compositions.
Longwood University's Department of Music presents a variety of musical groups, including the Camerata Singers, Wind Symphony, University Men's Choir, Jazz Ensemble, and the University Women's Choir. Performances are scheduled throughout the year.
Longwood Center for the Visual Arts invites you to come to explore visual art and its relevance to everyday life. The Galleries are open from 11 am to 5 pm. Monday through Saturday and 1 am - 5 pm on Sunday. Throughout the year they offer workshops, children's programs, and special events; in the heart of town on the corner of Main and Third streets; call 434-395-2206 for more information.
Recreation
High Bridge Trail State Park - 31 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Be sure to visit the historic and majestic High Bridge that played a pivotal role in the final days of the Civil War. High Bridge Education Specialist Bob Flippen is available to share Farmville history; call 434-315-0457.
Farmville Blueway Paddle Trail - adventure down the Appomattox River by canoe or kayak. The four-mile water trail starts at Wilck's Lake boat ramp and continues down the Appomattox to a take-out at Riverside Park. Brochures are available at the Farmville Town Office or Farmville's Regional Visitor Center.
The Manor Resort Golf Club - an 18-hole PGA sanctioned course five miles south of Farmville in Prince Edward County; for tee times, call 434-392-2244.
Wilck's Lake Park - relax by the lake near the children's play area, enjoy a picnic lunch, watch the action at the skateboard park, take a stroll on the Sarah Terry Trail or visit the Farmville-Prince Edward Community Library next door. A private island is available for parties, weddings, and other social events.
Dogwood Trail - take a short but scenic walk through a beautiful wooded area located off High Street. The paved half-mile walking trail ends at the parking area behind Centra Southside Community Hospital.
Adventure Park at Sandy River Retreat - glide through the treetops in this first-of-its-kind park in the state of Virginia on four courses from 12 to 36 feet off the ground. Located at 147 Monroe Church Road, Rice, it's a great outdoor activity with physical and mental challenges to "learn through play."
Sarah Terry Walking Trail - take the scenic route around Wilck's Lake on this walking trail that begins at the boat ramp parking lot near the Skateboard Park, continues onto the sidewalk on West Third Street at the Creative Learning Center of Farmville, and ends back at the boat ramp parking lot. The total length of the trail is 1.6 miles.
Wilck's Lake Skateboard Park - outdoor fun for observers and skateboarders alike. A free membership card is required; for more information contact Farmville Recreation at 434-392-3737.
Riverside Park - home of First Friday concerts (May through October) and the annual Farmville Wine Festival, Riverside Park is the perfect place to meet and have fun. The park can be rented for community events; for further information, contact the Town Manager's Office at 434-392-5686.
Grove Street Park - if you're looking for a shady spot to read or relax this is the place. It's located at the corner of Grove and Buffalo streets; there's playground equipment and picnic tables available for a snack or picnic.
Farmville Recreation Department - activities and programs including youth sports, martial arts, and cheerleading. Summer Day Camp for children 6 to 13 offers a different theme each week. Call Farmville Recreation at 434-392-3737.