National Register Listing

Blacksburg Historic District

a.k.a. DHR File No. 150-108

Roughly, area N of jct. of Main and Jackson Sts. including sections out along Lee and Progress Sts., Blacksburg, VA
Local significance of the district:
Commerce; Historic - Non-aboriginal; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Virginia was the birthplace of eight United States presidents, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison.
Virginia random facts
Montgomery County, located in Virginia, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Tutelo, Monacan, and Saponi. European settlers first arrived in the 1700s, and the county was officially formed in 1777. It was named in honor of General Richard Montgomery, a hero of the American Revolutionary War.

In the early years, Montgomery County primarily relied on agriculture, with residents farming crops such as tobacco, wheat, and corn. The creation of the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad in the mid-19th century brought new opportunities, stimulating economic growth and population expansion. The county's proximity to the railroad line allowed for the development of small towns and industries.

Education has always played a crucial role in Montgomery County's history. In 1872, Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College, now known as Virginia Tech, opened its doors in the town of Blacksburg. The institution became a catalyst for the county's transformation, attracting students and faculty members from different parts of the country. Virginia Tech's growth, along with the expansion of Radford University and New River Community College, has shaped Montgomery County into a center for education and innovation.

Today, Montgomery County is a vibrant and diverse community that blends its rich history with modern progress. It is home to stunning natural landscapes, including the Blue Ridge Mountains and the New River. The county continues to thrive economically through various industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and education. With its historical significance, natural beauty, and thriving community, Montgomery County remains an important part of Virginia's heritage.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Montgomery County, Virginia.

  • 1776 - Montgomery County was established as part of Virginia.
  • 1790 - The county's population was around 7,000 people.
  • 1799 - The town of Christiansburg was founded.
  • 1834 - The Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College (now Virginia Tech) was established.
  • 1872 - The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Immigration was founded at Blacksburg.
  • 1940 - Population of Montgomery County reached over 23,000.
  • 1964 - The College of William and Mary established a branch in Blacksburg.
  • 1970 - The population of Montgomery County exceeded 50,000.
  • 2007 - Population reached over 90,000.