Historic Tours!

Located at 36 Main Street
​circa 1889

The elaborate Victorian known as “Mansion on the Main” was built in 1889 for R. S. Thomas. It was the site of another home built for Mr. George Purdie at the top of Wharf Hill.  

Located at 130 Main Street
​circa 1892

The Chapman House was built in 1892 in typical Victorian style and was remodeled in the 1930’s to its present hipped roof Georgian style. It is best known by many locals as the “The Old Library” (1945-1989).

Located at 130 Main Street
circa 1750
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The 1750 Courthouse was the first structure built in the town of Smithfield. It was the seat of the county court system and county government for 50 years. The building was restored to its original appearance in 1961. This year, 2025, marks its 275th anniversary.

Located at 705 Cedar Street
​circa  1750s
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The home of Arthur Smith IV was built around 1725 on land that overlooks the Cypress Creek and the Pagan River.  Windsor Castle is a one and a half story, gable-roofed, stuccoed masonry dwelling with twin semi-exterior end chimneys on each gable end. It is an excellent example of a colonial Virginia farm dwelling later remodeled with Greek Revival features.

Located at 516 Main Street
​circa 1932
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The Schoolhouse Museum was built in1932 as an addition to the Christian Home School, circa 1924, a historic Rosenwald School. The school addition was moved to the historic district of Smithfield in 2005 and has all the original architectural features.

Located at 201 Main Street
​circa  1826
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The Smithfield Academy was a school for young men and was built in 1826. It was used as a public-school building after 1870. Eventually it became a Masonic Lodge from 1914 to 1953. The Ladies of Trinity United Methodist Church had it restored in 1966.

Located at 111 S Church St.
​circa  1832

The Christ Episcopal Church was built in 1832. It was remodeled and enlarged in 1893. A large addition was added in 1977. The church is located on Church Street and has beautiful stained-glass windows worth seeing.