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Historical collections of Virginia

containing a collection of the most interesting facts, traditions, biographical sketches, anecdotes, &c., relating to its history and antiquities, together with geographical and statistical descriptions : to which is appended, an historical and descriptive sketch of the District of Columbia : illustrated by over 100 engravings, giving views of the principal towns, seats of eminent men, public buildings, relics of antiquity, historic localities, natural scenery, etc., etc.
  
  
  
  
  
  
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MONTGOMERY.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

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.

 
[1]

Fincastle county was formed in 1772 from Botetourt, and extinguished in 1776 by
the formation of Washington, Montgomery, and Kentucky counties from its territory.