Matthews Cabin

A view inside historic life in Appalachia

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

MP 176

Significance:

Historic log cabin depicting life in late 19th century Appalachia.

Amenities

13 listed

Benches/Seating, Food/Drink - Restaurant/Table Service, Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Restroom - Accessible, Restroom - Seasonal, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Toilet - Flush, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles

Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Matthews, with the help of neighbors, constructed a home near Galax, VA in 1869. The two-story oak home housed the couple as well as their eight children, six of whom lived to adulthood. Log cabins were a common site in the mountains during that time.

The Matthews cabin provides visitors to Mabry Mill a chance to tour an historic home from the latter half of the 19th century. This cabin does contain a few nicer features, setting it apart from many other houses of the time: glass windows rather than shutters, a wood floor, an arched fireplace, and a complete second story upstairs. The cabin was donated by Mr. K.R. Matthews in 1956 and subsequently moved to its current site, which is the same general location where the home of Ed and Lizzie Mabry. That home was built out of chestnut and using the sawmill on site. It was dismantled soon after Mr. Mabry's passing in 1936. 

Inside, the cabin is staged with common household items of the time period and features an historic loom. The cabin is typically open to the public from late May through October, with rangers present.  On-site cultural demonstrations by rangers and volunteers include basketry, weaving, and spinning. 

Check the conditions of the area before you visit.