Online Sources

Online Sources to Search

Locating and accessing digitized documents, newspapers, images, maps, graves, genealogy, books etc. from your computer has become easier with time. We all have found our favorite resources and hope you will share. The search bar can be found at the bottom of all pages.

Large Collections – Free

FamilySearch.org has much of the same genealogical records, including local church. They are adding to their collection with time. The best part is you can access USA Census data for free. You do have to signup to use the site.
Library of Virginia (Sign up for a library card, Virginia Resident or not)
- Chancery Court Records for all Counties, including Montgomery County
Map Geeks
Newspaper University of Virginia Collection
Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness – Extensive list of helpful genealogy sources, such as census records, and various Montgomery County online information.
Roanoke Library Photo Collection
University of Virginia has a large digital collection that is easy to search.
Virginia Tech Special Collections and University Archives Online
Virginia Tech Historical Newspapers

Large Collections – Paid

Ancestry.com is a rich source of genealogical records and much more. The yearly fee is significant but the membership saves time and travel costs.
Newspapers.com is a paid subscription that may be worth the expense and discounted if you hold an ancestry.com subscription.

Surveys and Reports

Industrial Survey Montgomery County and City of Radford, Virginia, 1929. Humbert, R.L., R.B.H. Begg, T.W. Knote, R.J. Holden, M.L. Jeffries. Engineering Extension Division, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg, Va. Located in Virginia Tech Special Collections & University Archives, LD5655.A6552 1929a. This is not digitized, but contact us if you wish for more information.
Garnett, William Edward, 1885-1970. A Social Study of the Blacksburg Community. Blacksburg, Va.: Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, 1935.
Blacksburg (Virginia) weather from 1893 to 1944 Compiled by Ralph Minthorne Brown.
Montgomery County Reconnaissance Level Survey, 1986. This report that was written by Gibson Worsham, Dan Pezzoni, Charlotte Worsham, David Roenizer, and others. It addresses the following: “1) Overview of the County’s History, 2) A Comprehensive Inventory of significant structures and sites in the county … and 3) Maps delineating the location of said structures and sites.
Montgomery County National Register of Historic Places Application – 1989
The National Register of Historic Places Document for Blacksburg’s Historic District, 1990
Survey of Historic Architecture in Proposed East Radford Historic District, City of Radford , 1996. Included this document because of the economic and social overlap of the two towns.
Survey of Historic Architecture in Blacksburg Historic District, Montgomery County , Gibson Worsham, 1997
Survey Findings and Recommendations, Blacksburg Historic District Survey and Survey Update, Blacksburg ,May 2007
Town Historic District Document and Map with PDF Key
Pulaski County Reconnaissance Survey, created by Gibson Worsham, Dan Pezzoni, and many others, is such a valuable resource. It provides vital insights into African American history in Southwest Virginia and the greater Central Appalachian region, helping us better understand the interconnected stories that shaped our communities.

Early VPI Information

Early history of a college that grew into a state university by many names, VAMC, VPI & SU, Virginia Tech. This site is loaded with primary documents, photographs, maps, reports, and commentary.

Early VPI President’s Annual Reports Early glimpse into the workings the college and life in the town, including photographs, financials and data.