African-American History in Blacksburg

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St. Luke's & Odd Fellows Hall, also known as Tadmore Light Lodge, No. 6184, is a historic Grand United Order of Odd Fellows meeting hall in Blacksburg, Virginia. The two-story framed structure served as the social center of the African-American community throughout the early- to mid-20th Century. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places and designated a Virginia Historic Landmark in 2005. Today, the hall is a museum stewarded by the Blacksburg Museum and Cultural Foundation; it can also be rented as meeting and event space.

2. St. Paul AME Church (Stop R)

St. Paul AME has served its primarily African-American congregation in Blacksburg since the Civil War era. The congregation of mostly former slaves built their first church building in the late 1870s or early 1880s at the site of the current building. The current chapel was constructed in 1901 and is still in use today. During this era, African Americans were building churches throughout the nation. Despite the racial tensions that necessitated the creation of separate institutions, Black churches and schools served as foundations for African American communities following the Civil War.

3. First Baptist Church (Stop I)

The First Baptist Church was organized in the late 1800s. In 1874, the congregation purchased property in the center of an African-American community in town and built a church. This community included a nightclub called the Moonglow, several homes, and the Blacksburg Negro School, the latter of which was located across Clay Street on the site of the old Blacksburg Middle School. The First Baptist Church was later renovated in 1986. Today, the congregation remains an active part of the Blacksburg community.

4. Carol M. Newman Library

The Carol M. Newman Library (also simply called Newman Library) was established in 1872 with 500 books. Today, it administers over 2 million volumes between its three branches. The libraries provide educational resources intended to promote Virginia Tech's objectives in learning; discovery; and engagement, as well as study spaces and access to public computers. Additionally, Newman houses the VT University Library Special Collections, which include a wealth of materials that document American culture during the 19th and 20th Centuries.

5. Jamerson Athletic Center & Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame

The Jamerson Athletic Center houses administrative offices and facilities for Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University's athletic department. On the fourth floor, individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the university's prestigious sports program are recognized in the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame. Organized in 1982, it showcases the 187 athletes, coaches, and administrators who have been honored with an induction into the Hall of Fame. Visitors can view plaques engraved with the portrait and the primary sport of all members displayed there.

6. Historic Smithfield

This historic colonial home located in Blacksburg, a community that was previously known as the town of Smithfield, was designed in the Colonial style and was built in 1773 for Colonel William Preston (1729-1783). This was one of the first large plantations constructed west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The home is open for tours and is managed by the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities. This organization is working to study and share the story of the enslaved people who lived and labored at the plantation. For more information about this and other aspects of Smithfield, be sure to explore the resources listed at the bottom of this entry.

This Tour is a Walking Tour.

African-American History in Blacksburg

Created by Angelica Garcia on March 7th 2017, 10:00:10 pm.

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Description

This tour features locations of particular relevance to African-American history. Blacksburg, Virginia has had an African-American community since its early days. Many were originally brought in under slavery. Over time, however, African-American families established a vibrant community here. At Virginia Tech, black students worked actively to overcome the challenges of segregation, accounts which can be explored at within Newman Library's Special Collections. Church life has also been an important facet of the African-American experience in Blacksburg, and these houses of worship are included in the tour.

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African-American History in Blacksburg

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