Location: Chatham
Top Things to do in Chatham
5 Things to Do in Chatham That You Shouldn't Miss
Chatham is a town in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, United States. It is the county seat of Pittsylvania County. Chatham's population was 1,338 at the 2000 census. It is included in the Danville, Virginia Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town was originally called Competition, but the name was changed to Chatham by the Virginia General Assembly on May 1, 1852.
Restaurants in Chatham
1. Tomahawk Mill Vineyard and Winery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By mike b - Chesterfield, Virginia
We've visited about 25 different wineries now, and unfortunately, these wines are at the bottom of our list. They have a large variety, and the staff was friendly. We just didn't like the wine....very bland. Everyone has different tastes, so I'm sure there are those who like it. To offset though, I will say that their prices are the lowest of any of the 25 places we've visited.....by far. $6 for their Concord grape wine! Even if you don't like the wine, it is kind of a neat place to see, just for the grist mill. Very old and historic. And it makes for some cool pictures.
2. Callands Clerk's Office
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Varina105 - North Carolina
Virginia Highway 969
Callands, Virginia
The rural countryside off Virginia Highway 969 offers visitors a tranquil park to reflect on days gone by and enjoy the enduring beauty of this peaceful setting. View the autumn leaves of the nearby mountains with a picnic at this serene park.
At the southern end of Sago Road (Virginia Highway 969) near Virginia Highway 57, one will discover a quiet pastoral park. The smaller building on the west side of the road is the historical Office of the Clerk of Court. This building was first used as the Debtor’s Prison from 1767 until 1771. It was ordered by the court to be built by James Roberts in 1767 but was not completed until about 1771. It was used as the Office of the Clerk of Court from 1771 until 1777. The brick corbel cornice at the edge of the roof matches that of the Courthouse across the road.
On the East side of the road, one will find the First Pittsylvania County Courthouse. This building is believed to have been built by James Roberts in 1772. In 1777, the western section of Pittsylvania County was used to form Henry County and the Court proceedings were moved to Competition, Virginia which was more centrally located in the newly aligned county.
To the west of Highway 969, one can view Turkeycock Mountain. Samuel Calland’s family home was situated at the foot of this mountain. Turkeycock Mountain is a summit which rises 1,657 feet out of the eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains located in Pittsylvania County and Henry County, Virginia.
In recent years, Veterans in this community have built a War Memorial to the fallen of World War II, Korean and the Vietnam War. Each year a Memorial Service is held to remember the fallen.
This rural area continues to provide an undisturbed area to visit. It is a delight to drive northwest along Sago Road and Truevine Road towards Rocky Mount, Virginia to view the natural forests and, of course, Turkeycock Mountain.
Enjoy this rural park with a picnic sandwich from Heritage Hill Country Market at 5844 Callands Road which is Highway 57 between Callands and Chatham, Virginia. Viewing the mountain in the autumn is very peaceful and tranquil. There are no crowds here to disturb you “leaf viewing”! Enjoy the beauty!!
One can walk the site and view the buildings at any time. The staff at the Pittsylvania Historical Society in Chatham can provide a private tour or information about this park for you and your family.
For the History Buff: This area was first organized as an English speaking settlement in the mid 1770’s. Colonel William Byrd was selected by the governors of North Carolina and Virginia in 1728 to survey this area to determine the state lines. Settlers began to establish tobacco plantations and farms. Evidence of these early farms is still visible today.
In 1767, the western section of Halifax County was used to form Pittsylvania County. The park area was selected as the County Seat for the newly created Pittsylvania County.
Before the American Revolution, Callands was also the seat of the Antrim Parish, which later became the Camden Parish of the Virginia colony's established church, the Church of England. The parish priest lived here and traveled to other churches of the parish in rotation, including the Old Chapel Church in Penhook, Virginia.
By 1777, the County Court had been moved to present day Chatham, Virginia.
A town named Competition was established in 1769 on land owned by James Roberts. The town was originally called Competition, but the name was changed to Chatham by the Virginia General Assembly on May 1, 1852.
In 1788, the two buildings were owned by James Smith and Samuel Calland. The documents of 1792 show that Samuel Calland was the lone owner of these buildings. He later opened a general store in the Courthouse building which became a popular fixture of the community. In 1803, the building became a Post Office. Callands is an unincorporated community in Pittsylvania County in the state of Virginia. The area around the store served as the county seat of Pittsylvania County until the end of 1776.
Personal Preference: Stay off Virginia Highway 40! It is a dull straight road! If you happen to find yourself on this road just turn off onto a side road! This area is the perfect place to get lost and enjoy the scenery! Just be sure to have a full tank of gas!
Directions: Find the Callands Fire Department building on Virginia Highway 57 between Martinsville and Chatham, Virginia.
Turn onto Sago Road (Virginia Highway 969) drive about 1/2 mile north until you see the Old Courthouse building.
Enjoy your visit!
3. Danville's Riverwalk Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 127 reviews
Reviewed By John_A_NC - Buffalo Junction, Virginia
I have walked the trail twice and rode my bike on it once. During the week it is very quiet, weekend not so much. The trail actually starts up by the Danville airport and if you so desire you and ride into the mountain bike park, I have not done this. I opted for starting next ti the river and taking it easy. On bike it is an easy six mile ride one way.
VERY nice trail good place to walk ride or take your dog.
4. Smith Mountain Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 257 reviews
Reviewed By soccerkingdom - Montvale, New Jersey
If you want relaxation and a peaceful setting then Smith Mountain Lake is the place! We have been coming for years and enjoyed the boating, food, wineries and people! We love it so much we have relocated here and have a home on the lake. Just the most beautiful area where you can relax and enjoy life! People are so pleasant and kind too! Plan your trip!
5. Tank Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 156 reviews
Journey thru Military History at the most extensive collection of International Tank and Cavalry artifacts found anywhere in the world. Prepare yourself for an awesome adventure for both young and old alike. 119 Tanks and Artillery, plus uniforms, headgear and much much more dating from 1509 to present.
Reviewed By draygnol - NC USA
It's hard to keep my grandchildren interested in things for very long, but we spent three hours here and they were engaged the whole time. LOTS of exhibits and a good number of hands-on activities for children. A remarkable collection of weapons, uniforms, rare militaria, and, of course, the tanks. I also like that this is a private museum run by local volunteers.
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