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TOURISM FACILITIES
Suffolk Visitor Center & Pavilion
Overlooking the Nansemond River, the provincial Roman Revival style structure with its very tall Tuscan columns was an impressive site for early travelers arriving on the river. The former Nansemond County Courthouse (1840) is the third such structure on this site at the busy intersection of Main Street and Constance Road. Two previous courthouse buildings were destroyed by fires. During the Civil War, the courthouse was reportedly used as barracks for Union soldiers as the neighboring Mills Riddick home on its south side served as Union Army headquarters. The building remained in service as a courthouse until the completion of the Mills Godwin Courts Complex in 1998. Today, the building retains its commanding presence and historical significance as the Suffolk Visitor Center. The first floor provides an exhibit gallery highlighting the history of Suffolk and the Great Dismal Swamp, a greeting and information area, and a gift shop. The second floor houses municipal offices for the Department of Economic Development and Division of Tourism.
This restored Main Street Station, originally built in 1885, has remained basically unchanged over the years and displays a 2-room HO-scale model of Suffolk in 1907 that was built by the Tidewater Division of the National Model Railroad Association. The Queen Anne style building is reminiscent of the Victorian age and has an interesting tower with a beautiful, walnut, spiral staircase. Many original features were saved and restored such as the doors, windows, coffered ceiling, fireplace and porch. The museum contains a collection of items including bells from steam locomotives, a light from a steam locomotive tender, cast iron and concrete signs, railroad lanterns, railroad tools, as well as a unique collection of smaller items, including silver items used in dining cars, office items used in the agent’s offices, and advertising items. The museum features railroad memorabilia and changing exhibits.
