Fries
N 36° 42.801 W 080° 59.332
17S E 500994 N 4063074
This historic marker is located on Route 58 just west of Fries, Virginia
Waymark Code: WM988M
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 07/12/2010
Views: 14
Fries, Virginia has a total population of about 650 full time residents which live on the banks of the New River. Fries began as a textile mill town but when manufacturing ceased a few years ago Fries used the river to become a premier destination for vacationing and outdoor recreation. The slogan on the sign. "Where the Trail Begins," is in reference to the New River Trail which reaches its southern terminus in Fries. The New River Trail New River Trail is one of America's premier rail-trails and has been designated as an official National Recreation Trail by the US Department of the Interior. It is also a state park. The highlight and namesake of the trail is the 36-mile section running through Grayson, Carroll, Wythe, and Pulaski counties along the New River, the oldest river in the US. In 1986, the Norfolk and Southern Railroad donated this old railroad corridor. The entire New River Trail stretches for about 57-miles and is a prime destination for hikers, bikers and horseback riders.
The Text of the marker reads:
FRIES
"Fries is named for Colonel Francis H. Fries of North Carolina, founder of Washington Mill Company. By 1900, Fries and his associates had determined that the New River could power a textile mill. The town was incorporated in 1902, and by the following year a dam, a textile mill, and 300 houses had been built. The town of Fries is also known for its early influence on country music. Henry Whitter, a local employee at the textile mill, traveled to New York City in Dec. 1923 and recorded the “Wreck on the Southern Old 97” and “Lonesome Road Blues. Inspired by Whitter, local musicians Kelly Harrell and Ernest Stoneman also recorded the songs."
Marker Number: UE-2
Marker Title: Fries
Marker Location: Route 58, .2-mile west of Canal Street
County or Independent City: Grayson County
Web Site: [Web Link]
Marker Program Sponsor: Department of Historic Resources - 2000
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