B-burg History
@jbeed-burg.bsky.social
Gathering Blacksburg VA Public History
At Historic Smithfield’s spring, it’s hard not to think of the enslaved people once forced to carry water up to the Preston home. The old sycamore still stands witness. This quiet place holds a hard history, and we honor the resilience of those who shaped this land.
November 22, 2025 at 8:54 PM
At Historic Smithfield’s spring, it’s hard not to think of the enslaved people once forced to carry water up to the Preston home. The old sycamore still stands witness. This quiet place holds a hard history, and we honor the resilience of those who shaped this land.
Virginia Tech Campus Plan Rendering shown in the 1926-27 General Report. Can you spot what was built?
November 19, 2025 at 3:07 AM
Virginia Tech Campus Plan Rendering shown in the 1926-27 General Report. Can you spot what was built?
1958 Aerial of Blacksburg, north east view of the VPI campus
November 19, 2025 at 3:04 AM
1958 Aerial of Blacksburg, north east view of the VPI campus
This has to be a witness sycamore, standing guard over the spring that provided water for those who lived at Historic Smithfield.
November 17, 2025 at 4:32 AM
This has to be a witness sycamore, standing guard over the spring that provided water for those who lived at Historic Smithfield.
Stumbled upon a huge, time-worn osage orange tree on the Historic Smithfield grounds today with artifacts at its base.
November 17, 2025 at 4:29 AM
Stumbled upon a huge, time-worn osage orange tree on the Historic Smithfield grounds today with artifacts at its base.
The former VPI (Virginia Tech) Chapel—at one time repurposed as the campus library—burned in the mid-1950s. It stood on the site where the current library is located. Fortunately, all of the books had already been moved to another building.
November 16, 2025 at 2:01 PM
The former VPI (Virginia Tech) Chapel—at one time repurposed as the campus library—burned in the mid-1950s. It stood on the site where the current library is located. Fortunately, all of the books had already been moved to another building.
1930 aerial view of the VPI campus, looking northwest. Burruss Hall is not yet constructed, and the original McBryde Hall occupies the site of the modern building. Prices Fork Road can be seen along the top.
November 16, 2025 at 1:37 PM
1930 aerial view of the VPI campus, looking northwest. Burruss Hall is not yet constructed, and the original McBryde Hall occupies the site of the modern building. Prices Fork Road can be seen along the top.
Aerial view of Blacksburg taken between 1935 and 1937, with the town in the foreground and a northwest-facing perspective. War Memorial Gym is visible on the left and Burruss Hall on the right.
November 16, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Aerial view of Blacksburg taken between 1935 and 1937, with the town in the foreground and a northwest-facing perspective. War Memorial Gym is visible on the left and Burruss Hall on the right.
Fun day at Historic Smithfield at the Thanksgiving celebration. Over 400 people visited over two days. www.historicsmithfield.org/events/thank...
November 16, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Fun day at Historic Smithfield at the Thanksgiving celebration. Over 400 people visited over two days. www.historicsmithfield.org/events/thank...
Fabulous Virginia 250 traveling exhibit at Historic Smithfield today (Nov. 15, 2025). If you get the chance, make sure to spend at least an hour exploring it — absolutely worth the time.
November 16, 2025 at 3:26 AM
Fabulous Virginia 250 traveling exhibit at Historic Smithfield today (Nov. 15, 2025). If you get the chance, make sure to spend at least an hour exploring it — absolutely worth the time.
Blacksburg 1931/32 USGS Map found in the Montgomery Museum of Art & History Museum, Christiansburg, VA
November 12, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Blacksburg 1931/32 USGS Map found in the Montgomery Museum of Art & History Museum, Christiansburg, VA
PolyScientific 1959 ad founded by James J. Pandapas, a Massachusetts native who helped shape modern Blacksburg through industry and development. He launched Electro-Tec (1947) and PolyScientific (1953). developed Airport Acres (1942) and Highland Park (1945)
#BlacksburgHistory #VirginiaIndustry
#BlacksburgHistory #VirginiaIndustry
November 10, 2025 at 1:52 PM
PolyScientific 1959 ad founded by James J. Pandapas, a Massachusetts native who helped shape modern Blacksburg through industry and development. He launched Electro-Tec (1947) and PolyScientific (1953). developed Airport Acres (1942) and Highland Park (1945)
#BlacksburgHistory #VirginiaIndustry
#BlacksburgHistory #VirginiaIndustry
1906 Letter to Rev Lucien M. Robinson from Rev Robert A Chase
November 10, 2025 at 1:41 PM
1906 Letter to Rev Lucien M. Robinson from Rev Robert A Chase
VT War Memorial Chapel Pylons by Robert Turner, Jr
November 9, 2025 at 12:06 AM
VT War Memorial Chapel Pylons by Robert Turner, Jr
Blacksburg New School founded in 1971. Any graduates out there?
November 8, 2025 at 11:59 PM
Blacksburg New School founded in 1971. Any graduates out there?
Thomas-Connor House on Draper Road (courtesy of Montgomery Museum of Art & History)
November 8, 2025 at 11:56 PM
Thomas-Connor House on Draper Road (courtesy of Montgomery Museum of Art & History)
1937 Map of Merrimac Mine complex complied in 1996, including names of people living in company homes.
November 8, 2025 at 11:51 PM
1937 Map of Merrimac Mine complex complied in 1996, including names of people living in company homes.
Well, that ice storm was a challenge! Electrical service down for hours. Tree limbs cracking all night! The neighborhood is a mess.
February 14, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Well, that ice storm was a challenge! Electrical service down for hours. Tree limbs cracking all night! The neighborhood is a mess.
Clay is just left of the “M” in Main. Washington, the crossroads, is left of the “N” in North. Moving north: Lee, then Roanoke. Photo taken post-Baptist Church fire; the empty lot was at West Roanoke & Draper’s SE corner.
February 6, 2025 at 3:18 AM
Clay is just left of the “M” in Main. Washington, the crossroads, is left of the “N” in North. Moving north: Lee, then Roanoke. Photo taken post-Baptist Church fire; the empty lot was at West Roanoke & Draper’s SE corner.
It’s alarming that honoring Black History Month now requires “bravery.” This dangerous shift harms ALL! Contact your local and state leaders.
February 2, 2025 at 4:07 PM
It’s alarming that honoring Black History Month now requires “bravery.” This dangerous shift harms ALL! Contact your local and state leaders.
Cambria is soon to experience a revival with the new Rail Station! This bit of history told in 16 Nov 1980 Roanoke Time.
January 16, 2025 at 1:27 AM
Cambria is soon to experience a revival with the new Rail Station! This bit of history told in 16 Nov 1980 Roanoke Time.
Super excited that our Kentland and Wake Forest tour is posted on the VA Association of Museum’s March 2025 conference, Blacksburg. www.vamuseums.org/events/2025c... Presented by Vicky Ferguson, Howard Eaves and Lee Daniels
January 9, 2025 at 3:28 AM
Super excited that our Kentland and Wake Forest tour is posted on the VA Association of Museum’s March 2025 conference, Blacksburg. www.vamuseums.org/events/2025c... Presented by Vicky Ferguson, Howard Eaves and Lee Daniels
Compiling list of Blacksburg Beauty Salons or Shops over the years & request your help. Marguerite’s Beauty Rama, Gables Shopping Center as noted in 1974 phone directory. Your memories & stories are bring history to life, so drop your info or stories in the comments!
January 4, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Compiling list of Blacksburg Beauty Salons or Shops over the years & request your help. Marguerite’s Beauty Rama, Gables Shopping Center as noted in 1974 phone directory. Your memories & stories are bring history to life, so drop your info or stories in the comments!
Blacksburg, Virginia - Public Community History: Henderson Lawn Art Show in 1970s
December 4, 2024 at 2:41 AM
Blacksburg, Virginia - Public Community History: Henderson Lawn Art Show in 1970s