About Montgomery County
Montgomery County is located in the southwestern part of Virginia in the region known as the
New River Valley. This region takes its name from the New River, the nation's oldest and the w
orld's second oldest river, and includes the counties of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski,
and the City of Radford. The County has a land area of 393 square miles and lies in the broad
picturesque area between the Appalachian Plateau and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Topography varies
from gently rolling to steep mountainous terrain, with elevations varying from 1,300 to 3,700 feet
above sea level. The majority of the County is at an elevation of 2,000 feet.
(More topography)
This part of southwestern Virginia was first explored in 1671 when an expedition discovered the
New River. Pioneers from Pennsylvania and eastern Virginia began settling the region in the early
1700s. These early settlers were predominantly of German, French, Scotch-Irish, and English descent.
(More history)
Today the Towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg, the County seat, are the population centers
of the County and are located approximately 35 miles southwest of the City of Roanoke. Blacksburg
is home to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
(Virginia Tech). Founded in 1872 as a land-grant college, Virginia Tech is the largest university in
Virginia and one of the country's leading research institutions. Christiansburg is the retail center
of the New River Valley. In 2000 the County's estimated population was 83,629.
(More demographics)
The 1970s was a period of growth for Montgomery County. Government, manufacturing, trade and service
industries are strongly represented. In addition, tourism is directly related to the growth and success
of the service and trade sectors of the economy. In addition to County's natural beauty, cultural
attractions, and historic assets, the presence of Virginia Tech
and Radford University has made the County a desirable
destination for visitors.
The County enjoys a moderate climate as illustrated below:
| Average Winter temperature | mid 40s (day) / mid 20s (night) |
| Average Summer temperature | low 80s (day) / high 50s (night) |
| Average annual rainfall | 40 inches |
| Average annual snowfall | 28 inches (varies greatly) |
| Average growing season | 161 days |
| Average relative humidity | 66 percent (midafternoon) |
| Sunshine | 60 percent in Summer / 50 percent in Winter |
| Prevailing wind | west |
Additional information about Montgomery County
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