An Introduction to Christiansburg, VA

This article is presented by the child abuse attorneys in Christiansburg. Take a trip through the history of the town and learn about what it has to offer.

History of Christiansburg

Christiansburg is the county seat of Montgomery County, Virginia. Along with Blacksburg and the city of Radford, it is a principal municipality of the Blacksburg-Christiansburg Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town's history dates back to the 17th century. In 1671, early settlers of the area discovered one of the world's oldest rivers, the New River.

As they began moving into what is now Christiansburg, they realized it was inhabited by the Shawnee and other Native American tribes. In the early 1700s, the area was named Hans Meadows after Dutch priest Friar Hans who moved into the region in the late 1600s. On November 10, 1792, the 1.1-square mile town was established as the town of "Christiansburgh," through an act passed by the Virginia General Assembly. Named after Colonel William Christian, it was incorporated as the town of Christiansburg on January 7, 1833.

In the early 1800s, the town experienced significant growth. Several industrial complexes were built around the Gardner Zink Mill and Chrisman Mill. New streets were laid out, as well as the construction of a public well and pumps, a number of churches, a public privy and a courthouse. On May 9, 1808, the riffle duel between Thomas Lewis and John McHenry occurred in Downtown Christiansburg. In the late-1800s, many of the men living in the town served in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. A number of buildings in the area were also used by Confederate forces – the Lattimer Plantation being their headquarters.

After the war, the population of Christiansburg declined. However, in the first decade of the 1900s, the town experienced tremendous growth, going from 659 residents in 1900 to 1,568 residents in 1910. New homes were built between the town center and the Norfolk and Western Railroad's Christiansburg Depot. During the Great Depression, Chrsitainsburg's Post Office was one of the locations that received a Murral American Artwork through the Roosevelt's Works Project Administration. Finished in 1939 by John DeGroot, the mural of Christiansburg was entitled Great Road.

After World War II, the town of Christiansburg was rapidly industrialized. The Southern Dairies Plant, The Roberts' Hotel, and the Starlite Drive-In (one of the only drive-in theatres remaining in the U.S.) were opened. Virginia Tech also continued to expand, providing employment to citizens in the area. On December 31, 1965, the town of Cambria – the area around the Depot that was incorporated in 1906 – was consolidated with Christiansburg. The town has continued to grow since then. As of the 2010 census, it has a population of 21,041.

Notable early settlers to the area include the following:

• Daniel Boone
• Davy Crockett
• William Clark

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Attractions

Visitors and residents of Christiansburg and its surrounding areas have easy access to the many attractions the town offers. From museums to recreational parks, there's much to explore in the area. For those who want to learn about the history of the town, the Historic Cambria Depot and Scale Cabinetmaker Museum and the Montgomery Museum of Art and History are located near the Cambria Historic District. The New River Valley Mall on the corner of Peppers Ferry Rd. NW and N Franklin St. also feature Wonder Universe: A Children's Museum. For a more active pastime, the Harkrader Sports Complex, Interstate Overnight Park, Christiansburg Aquatic Center, Huckleberry Trailhead are good choices.

Our Local Office

Have you or a loved one been violated as a child? We can help you get the justice you deserve. Contact our Christiansburg child abuse lawyers to discuss the legal options you have available. Call now for more information.