Martinsville WV | USA West Virginia

Martinsville, located in the southwestern corner of Virginia, is a small city with a rich industrial heritage and a close-knit community feel. Nestled along the Smith River and surrounded by the gentle ridges of the Piedmont region, it has long been known for its textile mills, furniture manufacturing, and racing culture, while offering a quiet, historic charm that reflects its Appalachian and Southern roots.

Geography and Setting

Martinsville sits at the edge of the Blue Ridge foothills, roughly 30 miles south of Roanoke and near the North Carolina border. The Smith River flows through the city, shaping its early industrial development. Rolling hills and wooded valleys surround the urban area, giving Martinsville a scenic backdrop uncommon for cities of its size. Its streets climb gradually from the river valley, offering occasional views of the distant ridgelines, especially striking during autumn when the hills turn amber and crimson.

Historical Background

The area around Martinsville was first settled in the mid-18th century, with early settlers drawn to the fertile river valley. The city itself was incorporated in 1928, but it had been a growing industrial town for decades prior. Its early economy was centered on textiles and furniture production, with mills lining the riverbanks to take advantage of water power. The city gained a reputation for craftsmanship, producing high-quality goods that were distributed regionally and nationally.

During the 20th century, Martinsville became known for automobile racing, with the construction of Martinsville Speedway in 1947. The short track NASCAR circuit is the oldest active track in the series and continues to attract racing fans, giving the city a distinct identity within motorsports culture.

Economy and Industry

Martinsville’s economy historically revolved around textile and furniture manufacturing, supporting a blue-collar workforce. Companies such as Bassett Furniture and other local mills dominated employment for much of the 20th century. In recent decades, deindustrialization has shifted the city’s economic focus toward service sectors, small manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism, especially centered around racing and heritage attractions.

Martinsville Speedway, as a major employer and cultural draw, contributes to the local economy through events, tourism, and related businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, and automotive services. Local craft shops and antiques markets continue the city’s tradition of artisanal products.

Culture and Community

Martinsville carries a strong Southern Appalachian identity. Downtown is marked by brick storefronts, small cafés, and historic churches, reflecting its industrial past and community-oriented lifestyle. Local events include racing-related festivals, holiday parades, and craft fairs that celebrate the area’s heritage.

Cultural landmarks include:

Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Center, preserving local history, including furniture, textiles, and early settlement artifacts.

Bassett Historical Center, documenting the city’s furniture manufacturing legacy.

Virginia Museum of Natural History, just outside the city, offering exhibits on regional geology, paleontology, and biology.

Local cuisine reflects Southern Appalachian traditions, with diners and cafés serving country-style breakfasts, barbecue, and classic Southern comfort food.

Outdoor and Recreational Spaces

The city and surrounding area provide a variety of outdoor activities:

Fairview Park, a community space with trails, sports fields, and picnic areas.

Smith River Greenway, a walking and cycling trail along the river connecting parks and neighborhoods.

Nearby Philpott Lake and Fairystone State Park offer boating, fishing, hiking, and camping amid wooded hills.

Racing enthusiasts often visit Martinsville for the NASCAR Cup Series, making track events both sporting and social highlights.

Neighborhoods and Character

Martinsville is compact and residentially varied:

Downtown – historic core with brick buildings, local shops, and civic centers.

East End and West End neighborhoods – primarily residential areas with older houses, small yards, and tree-lined streets.

Suburban outskirts – newer developments with modern amenities, connecting the city to surrounding rural and Piedmont landscapes.

The city embodies a slow, grounded pace of life, where neighbors know one another, local businesses are cherished, and community traditions endure.

Modern Martinsville

Today, Martinsville balances its industrial heritage with emerging tourism, healthcare, and service sectors. The city maintains its identity as a motorsports hub while offering scenic riverfronts, historic architecture, and small-town Southern charm. Evenings in Martinsville have a calm, almost reflective atmosphere: streetlights glinting off the Smith River, the hum of distant racing engines during events, and a lingering sense of continuity between past and present.

It is a city that carries the legacy of industry and craftsmanship, shaped by the rhythm of its river and the devotion of a community proud of its history.