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“The basic content of this tour was put together in 1998 by a group of local citizens for the bicentennial celebration of the Town of Blacksburg” said Blacksburg Museum Administrator Terry Nicholson. “Since then, it has typically been offered only on special occasions.”

According to Nicholson, a 2004 plan put together by the town set structure for a new Museum program. The walking tour was a resource that the museum wanted to make available for its citizens on a regular basis.

“Currently, the Blacksburg Museum is offering the tours in conjunction with the Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg's monthly 'Wonderful First Wednesdays,' on the first Wednesday of each month,” Nicholson said.

The tour is free and guided by volunteers. Groups are led through the historic downtown area of Blacksburg and instructed on the significance of certain buildings, streets and events.

“Participants will learn about how and why the town was laid out in a grid of 16 Squares,” Nicholson said. “They will see some of the earliest structures within the historic 16 Squares. They'll also learn about the role that water (natural springs) played in the town being located where it is and why that location pushed the edge of the frontier. Most people are surprised to learn that Blacksburg's history goes back well over 200 years.”

Groups are limited to around 15 to 20 people so everyone is able to hear the guide. The tour takes place over the course of approximately an hour and will cover around 12 blocks of ground.

“Our participants have typically been residents of the town who are trying to learn more about the history of the place they call home,” Nicholson said.

Tours begin at 4 p.m. and leave from the Old Town Hall at the intersection of Church Street and Jackson Street. Participants are encouraged to sign up for the tour by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone, (540) 558-0746, to allow museum operators an estimated count of tour-goers.

The next tour will take place today at 4 p.m. Call or e-mail the Blacksburg Museum now and take a tour of our hometown that you will never forget!

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