Heartbeats of Appalachia: Ewing Virginia history

Echoes of Ewing, Ewing Virgina History:

A Heartbeat in the Valley

Nestled near the Cumberland Gap in western Lee County, Virginia, Ewing is more than just a dot on the map—it's a town deeply rooted in Appalachian tradition. Join us to learn about Ewing, Virginia's history/

Just east of the Cumberland Gap—the famed gateway to the West—Ewing became both a waypoint and a home for those drawn to the rugged beauty and promise of the Appalachian frontier. Named after Civil War veteran and landowner William Ewing, the town grew in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a farming community and later as a vital point along U.S. Route 58. With the arrival of the railroad and the opening of Thomas Walker High School in 1940, Ewing became a hub for education, trade, and connection in the region.

Set against a backdrop of rugged cliffs, natural wonders, and winding mountain roads, Ewing sits in the shadow of the Cumberland Mountains and just east of the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. The town’s geography made it a significant passage for pioneers traveling west—and its spirit of perseverance has endured through generations.

As part of our Heartbeats of Appalachia project, we’ve worked to bring Ewing’s story to life through watercolor illustrations and the voices of those who remember it best. From church pews and high school ballgames to hikes across White Rocks and simple days spent at the post office, these stories are stitched into the fabric of Ewing’s identity.

🏞️ Sand Cave & White Rocks

Two of Ewing’s most treasured natural landmarks, Sand Cave and White Rocks, lie within the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Sand Cave, with its rust-colored stone overhang and soft, sandy floor, was carved over centuries and once served as shelter for early travelers and Native Americans. Reached by a scenic forest trail, it remains a quiet place of reflection and awe.

White Rocks sits high above the valley, a towering limestone outcrop visible for miles and once used by westward-bound pioneers to guide their journey. At more than 3,500 feet in elevation, the ridge offers sweeping views into three states. Our watercolor image captures the majesty and spiritual pull these landmarks still hold for those who visit—and those who simply remember.

⛪ Ewing Covenant Brethren Church

Originally founded as Ewing Church of the Brethren, the congregation has been a spiritual cornerstone in the community since the early 20th century. In 2021, it joined the Covenant Brethren denomination, a fellowship rooted in traditional Anabaptist values and biblical teaching. Generations of families have passed through its doors—worshiping, marrying, and remembering loved ones within its red brick walls.

The church has long been a place of comfort and connection in the heart of Ewing. From Easter Sundays in spring dresses to Vacation Bible School crafts and homecoming potlucks, it’s woven into the rhythm of mountain life. Our watercolor captures the steeple and brick façade beneath a canopy of summer trees, honoring the place where faith and community meet.

🎬 Ewing Theatre (Back in Its Heyday)

The Ewing Theatre opened in the early 1950s, quickly becoming a weekend destination for locals eager to catch the latest film or visit with friends. Located just off Dr. Thomas Walker Road, the theatre welcomed moviegoers with its glowing marquee and small-town charm.

Though it’s believed to have closed in the early 1980s, with some locals recalling visits as late as 1982, the building still stands quietly behind the Ewing Post Office—roofless, but not forgotten. We recreated the theatre in watercolor to reflect its lively past: the lighted sign, crowds on the sidewalk, and the warmth it brought to Ewing’s evenings.

From the glowing sign and bustling sidewalk outside, to the cozy concession stand and velvet-seated interior. This beloved spot wasn’t just for movies—it was where first dates happened, where kids begged for Milk Duds, and where the whole town laughed and cried together.

From behind the counter, friendly faces served up popcorn, colas, and Sugar Babies. Our artwork captures this mid-century slice of life—when a ticket cost pocket change, and the screen flickered with dreams. These images remind us that for many, this small-town theatre was their window to the world.

⛽ H.T. & Virginia Brooks Service Station

Once a cornerstone of daily life in Ewing, the H.T. & Virginia Brooks Service Station served more than just gas—it served stories. Located on the main stretch through town, this Gulf-branded station was owned and operated by H.T. Brooks and his wife Virginia, who became beloved community figures. The station was known for its friendly service, dependable work, and a few well-worn rocking chairs just outside where neighbors could swap news and laughs while tires were patched or windshields cleaned.

Built during a time when service stations were gathering places, the Brooks station represents an era when every stop was personal. The vintage pumps and simple structure still stand today, whispering of a time when kids ran barefoot to buy a cold soda and everyone knew your name. We illustrated the station in its current form—weathered but proud, a symbol of small-town grit and grace.

Historic Texaco Station

Just down the road sits the Texaco station, another piece of Ewing’s past. Built in the mid-20th century, the station served as both a fueling stop and a social space where neighbors exchanged news while their tanks filled. Though it eventually closed, the building remained standing—weathered but familiar to all who passed by.

In recent years, the property was purchased by a new owner committed to restoring it to its former glory. With fresh paint, signage, and care, the Texaco is once again a visual landmark in Ewing, honoring its legacy while welcoming a new generation of travelers. We gave it its own watercolor image—nostalgic and timeless. These old stations are more than buildings—they’re storytellers, whispering memories of road trips, flat tires, and that one cousin who always forgot to check the oil.

📬 Ewing Post Office

The heartbeat of any Appalachian town is its post office, and Ewing’s is no different. Established in the late 1800s, the Ewing Post Office has long served as a central connection point for the community—where bills were paid, letters were sent, and neighbors ran into each other by the mail slots. Generations of residents remember the familiar creak of the old wooden door and the scent of paper and ink that seemed to settle into the walls.

We created an image that peeks through the front window—mailboxes lining the wall, and a wooden counter worn by time and hands. The post office isn’t just where mail travels in and out—it’s where stories begin, relationships are kept alive, and the rhythm of Ewing continues through handwritten notes, care packages, and the daily ritual of checking the box.

🏫 Thomas Walker High School

Built in 1939–1940, Thomas Walker High opened its doors to 269 students under Principal Cale Gibson, honoring the 18th-century explorer Dr. Thomas Walker, who helped pioneer the Cumberland Gap region. The original red-brick building was thoughtfully designed by Beeson & Beeson, later expanded in 1959 and 1971—adding a large gym and modern classrooms. Today, it still serves as the educational heart of Ewing, welcoming grades 8–12 as the home of the Pioneers.

On the field and court, the Pioneers have cheered plenty of victories. In 1940, Thomas Walker claimed the Lee County baseball championship—marking the school's first team sports title. The baseball team continues to compete, with notable recent games like a big 22–11 win over Pineville in May 2025. Over in the fall, varsity football has held a steady competitive presence in the Cumberland District, including a 7–4 season in 2024–25.

Cowan Mill

Cowan Mill once served as a vital part of Ewing’s agricultural and economic landscape. As a gristmill, it supported local farmers who brought in their corn and grain for processing, often traveling by wagon or horseback from miles around. For decades, the hum of grinding stones and the smell of fresh-milled flour were familiar signs of daily life.

Though time has weathered its boards and quieted its wheels, Cowan Mill still stands—worn but full of character. Soft brushstrokes and golden light capture its rustic charm. Today it stands as a reminder of the hardworking families who built this town and the traditions they left behind.

LMU College of Veterinary Medicine

Ewing is also home to a bright light for the future—the LMU College of Veterinary Medicine. Founded in 2014, the school became fully accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association in 2019. It operates out of the DeBusk Veterinary Teaching Center, a 700-acre facility that trains future veterinarians with hands-on experience in both small and large animal care. This stunning building rises from the valley, framed by the mountains, offering hope and opportunity. We’ll be adding a watercolor landscape image soon to honor this bridge between Ewing’s past and its promising tomorrow.

Each one of these images was made with care—not just as artwork, but as a tribute to the spirit of Ewing. If you have a story, a photo, or a memory tied to one of these places, we want to hear it. Add your heartbeat to the chorus that’s still echoing in these hills.