Virginia’s mountain communities are beautiful, close-knit, and resilient. Yet they’ve also faced struggle, particularly in the light of coal and railroad industries that have come and gone over the years. One prime example is a small community known as Ivanhoe, Virginia. Located in Wythe County, this Appalachian locale is also rumored to be cursed. In the late 19th century, a traveling preacher known as Robert Sheffey reportedly placed a curse on the town after the people there rejected his ministries and teachings. Since then, the town has faced a series of incredible hardships. Be it the curse or simply the changing of times, there’s no denying that Ivanhoe has seen struggle. Here’s a closer look at this tucked-away mining town in Virginia’s southwestern corner.
With a population of just around 500 residents, Ivanhoe is certainly a small town. It’s nestled along the New River in the rugged Appalachian Mountains.
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The town developed around both mining and railroad industries, both of which provided jobs and a relatively stable economy. Lead and zinc were mined from underground until the major companies, such as Union Carbide, were able to import from elsewhere for far cheaper.
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After that, it seemed as though Ivanhoe faced one tragedy after the next. When the companies moved elsewhere, there were no jobs to be found for the residents who had made their livelihood in the mines. Many began to point to the curse that had been placed on the town by a former resident and traveling priest, Robert Sayers Sheffey.
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According to residents, Sheffey was appalled by the gambling and drinking he witnessed. He then condemned the town altogether, asking that it “sink into the earth.”
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Eerily enough, the town has dealt with sinkholes, some of which have almost swallowed entire homes.
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Of course, with struggle comes great resilience, and the people of Ivanhoe know this firsthand. They have overcome many hardships — enough to warrant the notion of a “curse” — yet still have immense pride for their community.
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Have you ever visited Ivanhoe? What did you think of this small mining town in Virginia? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you. If you do find yourself in the area, be sure to check out the New River Trail State Park.
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Address: Ivanhoe, VA 24350, USA
