About

Montgomery County – home to two of the state’s largest towns, Blacksburg and Christiansburg – is a high-tech community strategically located along the Interstate 81 corridor, with an anticipated passenger rail hub planned for the near future.

Established in 1776, Montgomery County was a revolutionary idea – being one of only three new Virginia counties that year. These counties had been a part of the recently dissolved Fincastle County, whose representatives had endorsed the Fincastle Resolutions. The Fincastle Resolutions document was a local effort of a growing political movement associated with the First Continental Congress. William Preston, one of the resolution’s 15 signatories, resided at Historic Smithfield. This home recently commemorated its 250th anniversary and is a prominent county historic landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Montgomery County was named after General Richard Montgomery, a hero of the American Revolution. Initial historic settlement of Montgomery County dates to the 1740s. Straddling the Eastern Continental Divide, sandwiched between the Blue Ridge and Alleghany County mountains with waters of the New, James, and Roanoke Rivers, early settlers were attracted to the area. Based on archaeological evidence, Native Americans have inhabited the area for over 16,000 years.

Draper’s Meadows, in present day Blacksburg, was attacked by Shawnee Indians during start of the French and Indian War in July 1755. Another early settlement was at Hans Meadow, which would become Christiansburg. The county seat, Christiansburg was incorporated in 1792 and named in honor of Colonel William Christian. This community was an important stop along the Great Road, which roughly corresponds to present-day U.S. Route 11.

Blacksburg was incorporated in 1871. The town originated on tracts of land donated by William Black – for whom it was named – and was established at the same site as the previous settlement of Draper’s Meadow. Blacksburg is home to Virginia Tech. Founded in 1872 as Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College, Virginia Tech is one of the nation’s leading educational institutions and research universities.

Since its founding, Montgomery County has woven a rich tapestry of history and experiences in agriculture, art, culture, manufacturing, and technology with ties to notable historical figures including George Washington, Booker T. Washington, Andrew Jackson, Davy Crockett, and Daniel Boone.

Montgomery County is steadfast in both preservation of its history and planning for its future. The community takes pride in the all-encompassing and diverse natural resources and cultural experiences available to citizens, businesses, and visitors throughout its community.

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