Draper

Draper is a charming historic village nestled in Pulaski County's scenic Draper Valley, perfectly positioned along the New River in southwestern Virginia. Originally established as a railroad depot community in the late 1800s with the 1886 establishment of the Draper Depot on the Norfolk and Western Railway's Cripple Creek Extension, Draper carries a rich heritage dating back to the area's earliest settlers, the Draper family, who moved to the valley around 1765 after surviving the historic Shawnee capture and rescue story of Bettie Robertson Draper. Today, this picturesque 40-acre historic district is anchored by the beloved Draper Mercantile, a gleaming white-paneled building with a welcoming front porch that has served as the community's gathering place for over 150 years, now offering dining, specialty shopping, and bike rentals for the world-renowned New River Trail State Park. The village sits directly on this premier 57-mile rail-trail that parallels the ancient New River, providing residents and visitors with unparalleled access to hiking, biking, and horseback riding through stunning mountain scenery, while the surrounding area offers modern conveniences including proximity to Virginia Tech, Claytor Lake State Park, and the vibrant communities of Blacksburg and Christiansburg, making Draper an ideal location for those seeking a peaceful mountain lifestyle with both historic charm and outdoor recreation at their doorstep.