The History of Blacksburg,VA
In 1773, Samuel Black was traveling through the frontier settlement then known as "Draper's Meadow," and decided to purchase one lot of sixteen squares, on which he and his sons would later build the street grids that would be the beginning of this lively town. Blacksburg still pays great respect to the area known as the "Old Sixteen Sqaures," as most of the towns historic key buildings remain within them. After Samuel Black's death in 1792, his land was divided between his two sons, John and William. John's land would later become home to the majority of Virginia Tech's campus, and downtown occupies most of William's land."
Blacksburg was officially established in January of 1798, spreading over nearly 40 acres and named after its founding family. As the town grew it became home to many churches, schools, and even a post office to officially put them on the map. In 1871 Blacksburg inducted its first mayor, Thomas W. Jones. One year after that the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College opened and began to attract people from all around to this unique education oppertunity. Over the years the school expanded, changed its name to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and then coloquially shortened it to just Virginia Tech. Commercialization of Blacksburg began in the 1950's as Virginia's section of Interstate 81 was completed, bringing the outside world right to the heart, allowing for the transition into the Blacksburg that stands today.
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