Blacksburg

Blacksburg is a town in Montgomery County, Virginia, United States, located in the New River Valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is best known as the home of Virginia Tech, a large public research university whose main campus lies within the town. The university shapes much of the local economy, culture, and daily life, and the area is commonly regarded as the Blacksburg–Christiansburg–Radford metropolitan area.

Geography and climate: Blacksburg sits in the Appalachian region at the eastern edge of the Allegheny Mountains. The town experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters, and its landscape includes valleys, streams, and forested hills.

History: The area was settled in the 18th century and grew as an agricultural and railroad hub in the 19th century. Virginia Tech opened in 1872 as the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College, and Blacksburg developed around the campus. The name is commonly traced to an early settler family named Black.

Economy and culture: Beyond Virginia Tech, the local economy includes technology firms, healthcare, retail, and services that support the university community. The town hosts cultural venues, parks, and events that reflect a strong student influence while serving long-term residents.

Education and transportation: In addition to Virginia Tech, the area includes public services and community colleges. Transportation links include Interstate 81 and U.S. Route 460, with the Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport located nearby. Rail and local transit services connect Blacksburg to the region.