Mountain Art Works, LLC
Our Part of Earth!
Nestled in the mountains of Southwest Virginia
       Dickenson County (Virginia's Baby)
                    in the Heart of Appalachia, in God's Country.
Mountain Art Works (MAW's) is dedicated to the culture and history of the
Appalachian mountain region in and around Southwest Virginia, in the
Appalachian Mountains. Throughout Mountain Art Works you will find a
wide variety of items. Some for sale, and some a museum of our area and
culture. All a reflection of who we are.

Originally located in a building that has been a gathering place for old
friends and new since 1937.  Where people from our mountain region
mingle with neighbors from near and far....and where a world view can be
expressed in a friendly atmosphere of home.  Just like when you go home
to your MAW's.   
MAW's brick and morter buisness is closed for the
season
.

Step into our parlor, where art works from antiques to current creations are
on display.  Stroll around the gallery and enjoy the creative imagination of
artists and craftspeople from Dickenson County and places beyond with
works of art from modern expression to "old tyme".
Local History
Haysi, Virginia  On July 25, 1900 the first post office opened in the what
is now Haysi area at a store owned by Charles M. Hayter and Otis Sifers.
The store was located about 1 mile northwest of the mouth of the McClure
River and the area was known locally only as "The Mouth of the McClure."
But, the United States Post Office required that it have a real name before
the application could be completed and so Charles and Otis put their
heads, and their names, together and came up with Haysi. Nobody is quite
sure why Charles Hayter got first billing, especially since Otis Sifers got
there first, but then, Haysi does sound a lot better than Sifha.
Dickenson County was formed in 1880 from Russell, Wise and
Buchanan Counties.  In 1880, Delegate William J. Dickenson sponsored
a bill in the House of Delegates to establish Dickenson County as the one
hundredth county in Virginia.  Dickenson County has since become known
as "Virginia's Baby".
Early settlers migrated into the area almost 200 years ago.  The first
settlements in Dickenson County were Sandlick, Haysi, Holly Creek
(Clintwood) and Nora.  Most early settlers were farmers, living off the land,
prospering with the natural abundance of grassland, timber and wild
game.   Farms were maintained to fed the family and to peddle
vegetables and eggs to the town folks.
During the late 1800's representatives for coal companies came through
the area buying mineral rights on the lands owned by county residents.  In
1915, the first railroad was completed into the county.  With the
completion of the railroad, lumber and coal companies moved in and
began their operations to extract the natural resources  purchased years
before. Coal mining still continues today.  Many of the smaller mines have
been replaced with the development of new mining technology and heavy
earth moving equipment.  It is now possible to remove entire mountains to
access shallow seams of coal.
Local folklore has a different
twist......Back in the day
when there were no bridges
that crossed the river, a ferry
boat operator named Si
(Silas) would transport folks
across.  When you came
down to the river if he was on
the opposite side, it was
common to shout "Hey Si!"
to get his attention.  The
town became known as
"Haysi!
Things have changed a little since the early 1900's.
Haysi was still described as a laurel bed with logging, farming and
moonshine as the main industries as late as 1911.
As the gateway to the Breaks Interstate Park, Haysi's true beauty, the
charm that makes it such a special place, is the natural beauty that
surrounds it. Come here and look around, and you'll be in awe of the
rugged mountainous terrain,  native wildlife, mountain streams, white water
rafting,  bluegrass music and the peaceful setting.   
The Appalachian Mountains are rich with history and recreational
opportunities.  Home of the famous Hatfields and McCoys and the Swift
Silver Mine.  If you are an outdoor enthusiast do we have something here
for you!  There's boating, camping and fishing. Our beautiful scenic
mountain streams are stocked with trout and other popular breeds of fish.
Hiking and biking trails offer picturesque scenery and a mountain
challenge that  can range from beginner to expert.  Throughout the month
of October, water is released from the John Flannagan Reservoir raising
the river level which improves rafting and kayaking conditions.  The
Russell Fork River has become internationally known for its whitewater.     
King Cola Bottling Plant
Ratliff Hole on the Russell Fork

Appalachia
How do you pronounce it?

Best described by
Kate and Andrea from Illinois.
Apple-Atcha!

These mountains are rich
with history and recreational
opportunities.  If you're an
outdoors enthusiast there's
something here for you.
Hiking and biking trails offer
picturesque scenery and a
mountain challenge that can
range from beginner to
expert.

Pine Mountain Trail

You may even want to search
for the lost Swift Silver Mine!

Paddling the Russell Fork
is a popular local sport.  
Folks from around the world
come to visit
for a ride down the river!

Into Bluegrass Music?

The Ralph Stanley Museum

The Crooked Road

Mountain Folks live off the
land.  
We love the outdoors.

Local luthiers' custom build
banjos, fiddles, mandolins
and guitars.

Visit the Breaks Interstate
Park
The Grand Canyon of the
South

Dickenson County Chamber
of Commerce

Official Dickenson County
Site

Non-Official  Dickenson Co.
Site

Virginia Tourism Corporation

Reedy Railroad & Coal
Museum



Haysi - Clinchco
Lions Club
King Kola Bottling Plant
Mountain Art Works, LLC - All Rights Reserved
Natural Gas production and
the Coal Mining are
predominate throughout
Appalachia.  It is a part of
our history.  Coal companies
can remove an entire
mountaintop to access a
small seam of coal that lies
underneath.  

Watch out for the trucks!
Winding, curvy roads, drive
safe but the trip is worth it!