John Steinbeck once wrote, “How will we know it’s us without our past?”

Steinbeck, in all likelihood, never paid a visit to Pamplin, Virginia, but his words speak directly to this town that is lost in time.

Once Pamplin City was a boomtown with hotels, banks and stores lining its Main Street. As the fortune of the railroads declined, Pamplin followed suit. Today, Main Street stands deserted, its stores shuttered and closed.

The good news is 10 historic buildings on Main Street are there — a testimony to the past that present generations can still see and touch.

All that is needed is a vision and resources to bring downtown Pamplin back.

With the approval of the extension of High Bridge Trail to the Pamplin Depot (a fine example of what a renovation can accomplish) financial opportunities have been added to the restoration equation. Situated at the Trail’s end, Pamplin could provide an inviting tourist stop for shopping or casual dining.

At the recent Celebrate Pamplin event, local resident Magda Liska said, “I see Pamplin as a real jewel in the raw.”

The opportunity to bring Pamplin and the early history of Prince Edward County back to life awaits.

The time has come, we believe, for this gem of local history to shine again.