History LOVE in Virginia

Historical LOVE Signs You Can Visit

Driving through Virginia, you can quickly see that we love LOVE. Virginia is for lovers – beach lovers, mountain lovers, hiking lovers, wine lovers, oyster lovers, and yes, history lovers. Virginia is the home to many historical sites and museums that are accompanied by the iconic LOVE signs. With over 300 LOVEwork markers in the commonwealth, it’s not hard to find one of these photo opportunities while visiting one of the state’s historical treasures.

Abingdon Main Street

This LOVE sign in Abingdon is inspired by Daniel Boone, a militia officer during the American Revolution and future member of the Virginia House of Delegates, who nicknamed the area “Wolf Hills.” This wolf-themed photo op can be found across the street from Barter Theatre, the State Theatre of Virginia and the longest running professional theatre in the nation.

Halifax County

The “Crossing of the Dan” was a pivotal moment during the Revolutionary War in Halifax County. American General Nathaniel Greene raced his troops to cross the Dan River before British General Cornwallis and his army could. By crossing the river first, they were able to avoid certain defeat and hold off the British. This moment is represented by the Revolutionary War soldier in the “L” of the Halifax County LOVE sign and it can be found at the South Boston Halifax County Visitors Center.

James Madison’s Montpelier

This LOVEwork is located at James Madison’s Montpelier, the fourth U.S. president’s lifelong home that now serves as a monument to him and the enslaved community. It was designed by the staff of Montpelier and it shows with the U.S. Constitution’s famous opening line captured right on the letters.

Natural Bridge State Park

A 215-foot-long land bridge, the Natural Bridge has been revered by both the Monocan tribe and American colonists. A young George Washington surveyed it in 1750 and in 1774, Thomas Jefferson purchased it from King George III. Now a state park, its LOVE letters depicts the bridge itself, Cedar Creek, and the nature that surrounds it.

Northern Neck Farm Museum

Covering five counties, the Northern Neck Farm Museum tells the story of agriculture in the Northern Neck of Virginia: from the early Tribal Nations to the modern-day farmer. This sign was created by a local student of the area and sculpted from iron.

Seven Bends State Park

Built from and built on the exact location of an 1800s barn, this sign showcases the Seven Bends State Park’s deep history in agriculture. Hand-crafted details of the original barn’s beams are still intact as a part of this LOVE sign.

Virginia Museum of the Civil War

The only state-owned Civil War museum, and administered by the Virginia Military Institution, this sign is constructed out of pieces of the Civil War. The L and O are made from cannons. The V is made from Signal Corps flags and the E is fashioned from the same lumber found on the museum’s bank barn.

Yorktown Waterfront

Just look at that view! From the York River to the Coleman Bridge and the waterfront, this sign makes for a perfect photo opportunity in Yorktown. But it’s not just a pretty face. Less than a mile from this sign sits the location where the American patriots won a decisive victory over the British and where the nation won its independence.

These are but a fraction of the LOVE you can find in Virginia. With history being everywhere in Virginia, more of these signs can be found near places of historical significance or are themed after a city or county’s history. From visitor centers and local neighborhoods to theme parks and major attractions, there’s plenty more to see. Click here to see the full listing of Virginia’s LOVEworks signs.

Are there any missing from the list above that you think should be included? Let us know by reaching out to Trevor Grimm at tgrimm@va250.virginia.gov.