Nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the historic town of Abingdon, Virginia, was incorporated in 1778.
Since its inception Abingdon has been known not only for its breathtaking views, but also for a love of the arts. It was through a local actor’s love of theatre that Abingdon’s most well known attraction was born. The Barter Theatre originally opened in the 1930’s when Robert Porterfield, an unemployed actor and native of Southwest Virginia, brought a troupe of actors to Abingdon. The ticket price was 35 cents, but, as the country was in the grips of the Great Depression, not all patrons could afford the price. Porterfield’s desire to allow everyone the opportunity to attend the show gave rise to the theatre’s name. Porterfield would accept the equivalent of the ticket price in produce, and, thus, the playhouse became known as the “Barter Theater”. Today the Barter Theatre is honored as the State Theatre of Virginia. |
