One of the Buchanan’s best known pre Civil War structures is the Wilson Warehouse. Completed in 1839 for John S. Wilson as a combined store, warehouse and private residence. The John S. Wilson Company was the chief shipper and receiver of goods during “Canal Days” when Buchanan acted as the western terminus of the James River & Kanawha Canal.
The Wilson Warehouse remained in the family for almost a century. Ownership of the Wilson Warehouse passed from John S. Wilson to his son, Charles L. Wilson and daughter, Anna L. Allen, then passed to her children Anna L. and Edwin W. Edwin purchased the house outright and turned one room over to the Town Improvement Society in 1927. In 1936, Oscar Caperton Huffman, president of Continental Can Company purchased the Wilson Warehouse. After extensive renovations of the House under the direction of architect, Stanhope Johnson of Lynchburg, Mr. Huffman presented the building to the Town Improvement Society. On April 30, 1938 the Town Improvement Society and 300 guest gathered at the historic building for its dedication as the “Community House”. Since that time, the Community House has been an important historic landmark and social center of the community.
The massive structure features a center hall passage flanked by one large room on the west side and two equal sized rooms on the east side. The building has two front doors because the left side was used as the Wilson’s business and the other was used as the Wilson’s private residence. The top floor retains the original elevator system used to hoist cargo for storage. All of the rooms retain their original woodwork, floors, fireplaces and mantels. Of special note are the original carpenter locks and brass hardware on the doors throughout the house. In the front hall you can see the mechanics for the original doorbell as well as the free hanging staircase, all of these details exemplify the craftsmanship of the period.
Today the Wilson Warehouse/Community House is used for receptions, public meetings and tours. To find out about renting this historic home for your celebration contact the Buchanan Town Hall at (540) 254–1212.
