Celebrate Virginia’s 250th: Explore Historic Blacksburg and Christiansburg

As Virginia celebrates its 250th birthday, Montgomery County proudly joins in marking the same milestone. Established in 1776, Blacksburg–Christiansburg–Montgomery County shines as a place where history and culture are woven into daily life. It was one of only three counties created that year from the former Fincastle County — a true product of the Revolutionary era. Named for General Richard Montgomery, a hero of the American Revolution, the county also traces its Revolutionary legacy to the Fincastle Resolutions, a local declaration aligned with the First Continental Congress.

In this guide, you’ll follow an itinerary that traces Montgomery County’s story from its Revolutionary beginnings to the vibrant legacy visitors can experience today, with museums, landmarks, and cultural spaces that honor the past while inspiring the future.

Historic Smithfield is one of Montgomery County’s most important heritage landmarks, offering an immersive look at 18th-century life. Built in 1774 as the home of Colonel William Preston — a Revolutionary patriot and regional leader — the estate recently celebrated its 250th anniversary and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can tour the preserved rooms, walk the grounds, and gain insight into the daily life and decisions that shaped Virginia during its formative years. Seasonal programs and living history events bring added depth, making Smithfield a cornerstone of Montgomery County’s story and Virginia’s Revolutionary legacy.

Blacksburg, founded in 1871 and home to Virginia Tech, pairs its historic foundations with a vibrant cultural scene. The Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation, housed in the historic Alexander Black House, preserves local history while celebrating the arts. Visitors can explore period rooms, rotating art exhibits, and cultural programming that connect 19th-century life with today’s creative community. Together with events like the annual Steppin’ Out festival, the foundation anchors downtown Blacksburg as both a historic district and a cultural hub.

Just a few blocks away, the Lyric Theatre has served as a cultural anchor for more than 80 years. Originally opened in 1930, the restored art deco theater recalls a golden age of American cinema with its glowing marquee and elegant interior. Today, it continues to host films, concerts, and live performances, blending nostalgia with contemporary creativity. Whether attending a local film festival or catching a touring band, visitors can feel the continuity of community life that has animated this venue for generations.

Between Blacksburg and Christiansburg, visitors can connect history with the outdoors at the Coal Mining Heritage Park and Loop Trail. This scenic path follows the route of a former rail line that once transported coal from area mines. Interpretive signs and artifacts along the way tell the story of the county’s industrial era — part of Montgomery’s evolving legacy after its Revolutionary beginnings. Today, the loop offers a peaceful, family-friendly route for walkers, runners, and cyclists. In autumn, it becomes especially colorful, blending heritage and natural beauty in a way that defines Montgomery County.

Christiansburg, the county seat since 1792, has long been a crossroads of history. One of its most important institutions is the Christiansburg Institute Museum, which tells the story of one of the South’s earliest schools for freed African Americans. Founded in 1866, the institute became a beacon of education and progress, and today its museum preserves that legacy through exhibits, oral histories, and community events.

In the heart of town, the Montgomery Museum of Art & History serves as a cultural cornerstone. Exhibits span everything from local crafts and fine art to historical milestones that shaped the region. Rotating galleries ensure fresh discoveries with each visit, while community programs make it a lively gathering space. Paired with downtown’s walkable streets, a craft brewery, antique shops, a pocket park, and historic buildings, the museum makes Christiansburg a place where the past and present come together.

Formed during the Revolutionary era, Blacksburg–Christiansburg–Montgomery County holds a special distinction in Virginia’s story. Its communities grew alongside the Commonwealth itself, shaping and reflecting centuries of change. That legacy is still visible in historic homes, cultural institutions, and traditions that remain vibrant today. For today’s travelers, exploring Montgomery’s history means more than looking back — it’s about experiencing how the past continues to inspire modern life.

Both Blacksburg and Christiansburg offer walkable downtowns with welcoming places to stay, plus easy access to shops and cafés where you can pause between stops. To dive deeper, browse curated itineraries and event listings at GoToMontVA.com. Whether you’re tracing Virginia’s 250 years of milestones or discovering local traditions that still thrive, go to town in Montgomery County, Virginia, and create memories rooted in history.