Built in 1899, the W. N. Seay House occupies a prominent position atop a small ridge that is possibly the highest elevation in the city of Buena Vista. It is a handsome, large, Victorian house, with architectural features such as pointed shingles surrounding the house, a carved stair rail, and original stained glass in the entry door. W.N. Seay helped found the town of Buena Vista in Rockbridge County, where he established a planing mill in the late 1880s, and subsequently operated a funeral business and furniture store. Funerary records and account books survive, documenting his business activities between 1907 and 1915. Seay also served on the town council for 22 years following the town’s establishment, and belonged to several local fraternal orders. Upon his death in 1939, the Buena Vista News recognized him for 50 years of civic leadership. The house is now surrounded by the buildings of Southern Virginia University.