Browse or Search the Scanned Image Index
273,940 digitized images available
The Historical Society of Washington County, Virginia maintains an extensive collection of digitized historical photographs, documents, licenses, certificates, obituaries, and other records. This searchable database provides access to over 273,940 scanned images with thumbnail previews, covering subjects from Southwest Virginia's rich history.
Each record represents a digitized historical document or photograph. Thumbnails displayed in search results provide a preview of the full scanned image. This collection is invaluable for genealogical research, local history studies, and discovering visual records of Washington County's past.
The image index includes:
- Historical Photographs – People, places, buildings, and events
- Documents – Legal papers, correspondence, and records
- Licenses & Certificates – Business, professional, and personal documents
- Tombstone Records – Cemetery and memorial inscriptions
- Obituaries – Death notices and biographical information
- News Articles – Historical newspaper clippings and articles
- Tax & Court Documents – Official government records
- And many other types of historical visual materials
Viewing Full-Size Images: Thumbnails are small previews only. Full-size, high-resolution scans are available to view and purchase at the Society during regular hours, can be ordered by mail-in form with check payment, or purchased online through our website.
How to Search Effectively
Our search engine supports advanced operators to refine your results. The search looks through names, subjects, categories, detailed descriptions, and image numbers.
"exact phrase"
Search for an exact phrase in quotation marks
Example: "Mitchell family"
+required
This word must appear in all results
Example: +Abingdon +photograph
-exclude
Exclude results containing this word
Example: tombstone -Smith
word*
Wildcard — matches any ending
Example: photo* → photo, photograph, photos…
Combine operators:
+"Mitchell family" +photograph
Photographs with the exact phrase "Mitchell family".
"Main Street" +Abingdon
Entries with "Main Street" that also mention Abingdon.
ceme* +1900
Cemetery-related records from around 1900.
Pro Tip: Use image numbers for exact matches. Start broad and add operators to narrow results.
Order Full-Size Scanned Images
Full-size, high-resolution scanned images are available to view and purchase through the Historical Society. You may visit our library in person during regular hours, mail a completed order form with a check, or purchase online through our secure image purchase page. Use the image number shown on each result card when placing your order.