Unleashing the Wolf

When the first explorers arrived in the New World, they were impressed not only by the abundance of land and the novelty of unencountered peoples but by the diversity of flora and fauna as well. The land that would become Southwest Virginia would eventually be settled and disputed by Europeans. In the course of becoming Americans they would develop a national narrative based not on ancient legends or noble bloodlines, but on folk-heroes and above all on Nature. It would be men and women who lived a life in harmony with or battling to tame the wild that would create our national mythos, and Abingdon bears its own local legend.

In 1750, an explorer, Dr. Thomas Walker, traveled from Albemarle County to survey the land west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Surveying 7000 acres of land where Abingdon would later be located, it is supposed that he encountered large numbers of wolves. When he entered his account in the Augusta County land register, he titled it: “Wolf Hills Tract – Survey”. While the name’s origins are traced here it would be a legend attached to Daniel Boone, who was hunting in the area 20 years later, that would form its lasting legacy.

According to the tale Boone, who was hunting in the area, set up a campsite with his dogs not too far from a cave. Unbeknownst to him, that cave was home to a pack of wolves. Unsettled by the sight of the hunting dogs, the wolves emerged from their lair and attacked the dogs. The story of the encounter, and its relation to one of America’s most famed frontiersmen would remain even as the town incorporated in 1778 and became officially known as Abingdon. Today, the wolf remains a symbol for the town and its connection to the pioneers and their encounters with the wilderness during the foundation and expansion of the United States.

As Virginia celebrates its 250th anniversary, William King Museum of Art is celebrating the town’s symbolic wolf. Under the title of “Unleashing the Wolf” WKMA will be holding a multi-day event with the unveiling of a long-term exhibition of contemporary outdoor sculptures– all themed after wolves!

Unleashing the Wolf takes place July 24th-26th, coinciding with the 77th Annual Virginia Highlands Festival. On July 24th, visitors can attend the official unveiling of the new sculptures and hear each artist speak about their work in a curator-moderated presentation. There will also be dance performances and family friendly activities during the three day celebration.