In the heart of Henry County, Virginia, a legacy was born in April 1924 when Thomas Bahnson Stanley (later appointed the 57th Governor of Virgina), a visionary with deep roots in the furniture industry, laid the foundation for what would become one of the most esteemed names in high-end furniture: Stanley Furniture. Drawing from the rich heritage and craftsmanship learned from his father-in-law, John D. Bassett of the renowned Bassett Furniture, Thomas Stanley embarked on a journey that would not only shape the skyline of his community but also the lives of countless individuals who would come to call Stanleytown their home.

From the very outset, Stanley Furniture was more than just a business; it was a community, a family. The establishment of Stanleytown, with its 100 homes and paved roadways, was a testament to Stanley's commitment to his employees and their families, offering them not just jobs but a way of life. The debut of its first furniture collection in 1925 marked the beginning of a tradition of excellence and innovation that would carry Stanley Furniture through decades of prosperity and challenge alike.