Danville Museum Of Fine Arts And History

This 1857 Italian Villa house is best known as the Last Capitol of the Confederacy, but now operates as an art and history museum.

The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History is located in the Sutherlin Mansion on Millionaires' Row in Danville, Virginia. The house has become well known as the temporary residence, April 3 - 10, 1865, of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. In this house, Davis authored his last official proclamation as president of the Confederacy. The government remained in Danville until receiving the news of Lee's surrender at Appomattox on April 10. Largely because of events documented in this house during the Confederacy's final week, Danville has become known as the "Last Capital of the Confederacy."

At the time of its construction, the Sutherlins' home was considered the grandest in Danville. It was situated on four acres of land with several outbuildings: a kitchen, servants' quarters, a carriage house, greenhouse and stable. By 1912, the acreage had been reduced to approximately one and the outbuildings had been removed. The house was used as the Danville Public Library from 1928 - 1972. Today, it has been established as a museum showcasing a wide variety of exhibitions, classes, workshops, camps, and educational programs.