Category Archives: Series

German Settlement of Southwest Virginia

The German Middle Settlement—spanning present-day Pulaski, Giles, and Montgomery Counties—has a rich, well-documented history. This page gathers books and resources that highlight the families, traditions, and stories that shaped the community and its lasting impact on Southwest Virginia.

Leadership at Virginia Tech and Its Impact on Blacksburg’s History

The history of the Town of Blacksburg, Virginia, is deeply connected to the evolution of Virginia’s land-grant university. Founded as the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College (VAMC), the institution later became Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University—now known simply as Virginia Tech. A school of many abbreviations: VPI, VPI&SU and now VT). The university’s growth,Continue reading “Leadership at Virginia Tech and Its Impact on Blacksburg’s History”

Resource Series: Coinage & Currency

How did residents of Montgomery County, in Central Appalachia, Virginia, purchase essentials during the Colonial period and into the early years of the United States Republic? Colonial Virginia The British government restricted colonial Virginia from minting coins, printing paper currency, or establishing banks. Instead, silver and gold coins from England, Spain, Germany, and Portugal (knownContinue reading “Resource Series: Coinage & Currency”

Rev. Robert Burwell Nelson

The young daughter of Reverend and Mrs. Robert Burwell Nelson, of Virginia, was christened yesterday afternoon at St. Mary’s Protestant Episcopal Church, Roland Park, by the Rev. John G. Sadtler, rector of the church. She received the name of Rosalie Rutherfoord for her mother’s aunt, Mrs. Alexander Hawksley Rutherfoord. Mrs. Nelson was formerly Miss SallieContinue reading “Rev. Robert Burwell Nelson”