Christiansburg, Virginia: Small Town America at Its Finest

Author – Roy W. Kanode

 

Christiansburg is rich in history – from the early pioneers who struggled against great hardships to make this town a better place – to our community leaders just a few years ago. These men and women worked together in harmony and developed close relationships with friends and family. We will always be proud of their accomplishments, and the power of their stories is compelling. This large coffee table style book (8.5 x 11 inches) contains 350 pages, over 400 photographs and more than 70 old newspaper clippings. Early maps date back to 1826.  

 

We cannot let their labors for a better way go unnoticed. Let’s take a trip down memory lane to understand and appreciate our heritage. One will discover little known facts about Christiansburg:

 

Churches – Two churches built in the 19th century are still standing today

Private Schools – Early schools are identified; also included is a photo of a 1820s  instructor

Montgomery Female Academy – A first hand account of the interior of Montgomery Hall

Christiansburg Institute – The influence of Booker T. Washington and the Friends Freedmen’s Association

National Leaders – Our leaders as secretary of war and congressmen

State Leaders – Our leaders as governors, justices, delegates, and senators

Town Leaders – A photo of a town trustee in 1856, and a description of Virginia’s first female mayor, one of our own

Attorneys –  A 19th century quote, “Montgomery County had more able lawyers and smart men than any county in the state”

Cambria – A history of the depot community

Maps – Town streets and property owners in 1826, 1878, and 1924

Slavery – Town slavery statistics are compared with the county and state

Civil War – Battles, casualties, and what our soldiers accomplished during and after the war

Railroad – An eye witness account of the arrival of the first train at the depot

Telephone Service – The first telephone directory

Automobile – The first automobile and its demise

Bank – The first bank and its short history

Mosby & Johnston Store – A description of this and other 19th and 20th century retail businesses

Masonic Hall – Discover 19th century plays and lectures given in this historic old building

       Lists – A list of many businesses, craftsmen, family genealogies, and cemeteries

       And much, much more

 

To purchase a copy, contact the author by email at [email protected]. The book is priced at $47.50 plus sales tax and shipping and handling.


More about this book:

Roy Kanode