MONTGOMERY.
Montgomery was formed in 1776, from Fincastle county,[1]
and
named from Gen. Montgomery: it is about 23 miles long, and 22
broad. New River runs on its southwestern border, which, with
the head-waters of Roanoke River, drain the county. The face of
the county is broken and mountainous, though the streams are bordered
with excellent soil, which yield heavy crops of corn and
wheat. Pop. in 1840, whites 5,825, slaves 1,473, free colored 87;
total, 7,405.
Christiansburg, the county-seat, lies 203 miles southwesterly
from Richmond, 46 miles from Fincastle, and 47 from Wytheville,
on the main stage-road from Richmond to Nashville, Tenn. It was
established by law Oct. 10, 1792, and the following gentlemen appointed
trustees: Christian Snido, Byrd Smith, James Barnett,
Hugh Crockett, Samuel Eason, Joseph Cloyd, John Preston, James
Charlton, and James Craig. It contains 4 stores, 1 Presbyterian
and 1 Methodist church, and a population of about 400. Blacksburg,
9 miles north of the C. H., contains 1 Presbyterian and 1
Methodist church, and a population of about 250. Lafayette, in
the north part of the county, at the junction of the two forks of
the Roanoke, contains a Methodist church, and about 45 dwellings.
