Site of Mount Airy
In 1811, Martin Staley transferred land here to
his son Valentine. A year later, his son formed
the town of Mount (Mt.) Airy, sometimes referred
to as Staleytown. The tract was divided into about
72 lots, including Main Street, Cross Street, and a
public square. Following Valentine Staley's death
in 1817, his wife and children successfully petitioned
the General Assembly to sell more lots. With the
establishment of a nearby railroad center at what
became Rural Retreat and an attack on Mount
Airy by Federal troops during the Civil War,
Mount Airy ceased to exist about 1875.
Marker is on West Lee Highway (U.S. 11) just west of Kimberling Road (County Route 682).
Courtesy hmdb.org
