The Southwest Virginia Walk of Fame at the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park provides a showcase for the heritage of Southwest Virginia and a means to advance the knowledge, awareness, and appreciation of great Southwest Virginians—past and present—who have made significant contributions to our state, nation, and the world.
The inaugural group of inductees includes creative and performing artists, athletes and politicians, soldiers and scientists. Each of these individuals has not only made important advances in their respective fields, but has represented Southwest Virginia in a positive and meaningful way. They represent all that is wonderful about this region and serve as an inspiration to people around the world.
The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park
The Walk of Fame is part of the permanent outdoor exhibits of the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park. The walk was designed as a reflection of the strength and character of the over 100 year-old site. The mosaic tiles mimic both the intricate woodwork carvings found throughout the museum as well as the wonderful quilts on display from our pioneer heritage. The engraved tiles reflect the bold, natural colors found in the native sandstone and limestone of our beautiful Southwest Virginia mountains.
The park celebrates its 65th year in 2013. Each month from March until May, the park highlights current members of the Southwest Virginia Walk of Fame, culminating in a ceremony honoring new inductees on Saturday, May 25, 2013 during the “Gathering in the Gap” Music Festival.
Our featured Walk of Fame members for April are:
Wise County. He began his writing career at age 13 as a "mountain reporter" for small town newspapers and went on to become one of America's most beloved motivational authors. His book, Think and Grow Rich, is the all-time bestseller in the field.
Napoleon Hill
Big Stone Gap. He Served as Governor of Virginia from 1970 to 1974 and was the first Republican Governor of Virginia since Reconstruction. As governor, he increased employment of African-Americans and women in state government, founded the Virginia Governor's Schools Program in 1973, provided the first state funds for community mental health centers, and supported environmental efforts.
A Linwood Holton, Jr.
Detroit Tigers. He played on the 1968 World Champion team and in 2000, his jersey number 23 was retired by the Tigers.
Willie Horton
Cedar Bluff was Governor of Virginia from 1934-1938. As governor, he created unemployment insurance and, after the repeal of prohibition, he created Virginia's Alcoholic Beverage Control board.
George C Peery
Darrell “Shifty” Powers’ World War II Army unit was immortalized in the book Band of Brothers. The Clinchco native served Easy Company as a sharpshooter, earning two Bronze Stars, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Expert Rifleman Badge.
Darell "Shifty" Powers
Francis Gary Powers was born in Pound, Virginia. An Air Force pilot, he was recruited by the CIA and gained fame in 1960 when his U-2 was shot down by a missile over Sverdlovsk. Powers was convicted of espionage against the Soviet Union and sentenced to a total of 10 years in prison. However, on February 10, 1962, twenty-one months after his capture, he was exchanged in a spy swap for Soviet KGB Colonel Vilyam Fisher.
Francis Gary Powers
Emory & Henry College, scoring 2,013 points in 104 games for a per-game average of 19.4 points. His scoring total and per-game average was featured in Ripley’s "Believe It or Not" in 1936. Roberts was the first player to put the "jump shot" to practical use.
Glenn Roberts
Wise, Virginia. He is an award-winning actor, best known for his 1970 role as General George S. Patton in Patton. Mr. Scott won the Best Actor Academy Award for his work in the film, and many critics and film historians consider it to be one of the greatest performances in the history of cinema.
George C Scott
Make sure you visit the site again in May for the next featured Walk of Fame members!
For more information the park website.