Michie Tavern is recognized as a Virginia Landmark for its leading role in the 1920's Preservation Movement. In continuing efforts toward preservation, this historic attraction has worked toward saving significant rural Virginia structures. The circa 1822 Sowell House creates a complementary blend of exhibit and retail space in a gallery-like setting and is the first of several period structures to highlight Early American trades in a setting called the Marketplace. Farther along the path, the tobacco barn, which for many years functioned as a wheelwright shop and was relocated here in the early 1990's, is also part of the Marketplace Shops. Like other historic structures, the Tobacco Barn offers educational exhibits, living history, and retail space as the site continues to preserve the past.