Early History

This Early Blacksburg History section is a collection of narratives of people living during early times, of historians who interpret primary sources from early times, and of archaeologist who examine the context of artifacts in relation to early times. Early recollections, review of primary source information, 1998 Blacksburg Bicentennial Collections, and the Virginia Tech Collections of Tamara Kennelly, retired VT archivist are included.

“The Erasure at Kentland Farms” site provides a quick view of the early history of the area (2023).

Early Recollections of Blacksburg

History of Blacksburg by Mrs. S. A. Wingard, 1939. Posted to Virginia Tech’s Special Collection in 1997. Because access to this document is difficult, it has been saved to a pdf version. Mrs. Wingard describes Blacksburg that she knew in the 1800’s with special attention to the roads, buildings and early residents.
Dr. John P. Hale provided an historic accounting of Blacksburg and vicinity. Many family names and the accounting of Mary Ingle’s capture and return to the area are mentioned. John Lybrook, Philip Barger, Margaret McKenzie, Benjamin Hall, Mr. John Floyd and Mrs. Preston Floyd, and more family names are mentioned. On page 246 Dr. Hale lists a Chronological Record of Events.
The Smithfield Review, Vol IX, 2005 published an article by Robert B. McNeil, Old Deeds Tell a New Story. This article explains in great detail about how the land deeds and plats, along with primary accounts of the Blacksburg roads give rise to early street names.
Facts About the Blacksburg Community, Compiled by Leland B. Tate, 1946. Because access to this document is difficult, it has been saved to a pdf version.
Blacksburg Was Established Back in 1798, When William Black Deeded Land to Town, by Mrs. W.D. Altman; Montgomery News Messenger, May 30, 1957; 181st Anniversary — Jamestown Festival Edition.
In Old Blacksburg, Dr. (W.B.) Conway Gives Some Very Interesting Reminiscences: Who Was Aho in the Old Days of the Village — Where and How They Lived, Virginia Appalachian Notes, October 1977.
Compilation of Mrs. William Armistead Porter (Nee Nannie Francisco), Researcher, Genealogist, and Heraldic Artist. Richmond, Virginia. A history of the John and William Black Family.