Historic Smithfield — Attraction in Blacksburg

Very important to local history. On the Continental Divide, bordering The Virginia Colony from New France, until the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo 1763. The Shawnee allies of France raided the Preston Home here during French and Indian War in 1757. Mary Draper Ingles was taken prisoner, but later escaped and trekked hundreds of miles back along the Ohio and New River. This is the Mississippi Watershed here. Big snappers here! Happy Mardi Gras! Long Live Napoleon! Be advised of old Dumb Waiter Blocking Back Gallery trick! E.A. Poe

Adjacent Duck Pond (dammed up Stroubles Creek, runs under DT Blacksburg, Mississippi watershed) Home to Snapping Turtles, some weighing about 40 pounds.

I saved the Dinosaur tail from a deceased 40 pound Snapping Turtle at this location.

Any large reptile, Alligator, Crocodile, Caiman, Monitor Lizard, Snapping Turtle can be dangerous at 03:00 AM, when there's no one to call if you're confronted by multiple reptiles.

Common sense, and a Word to the Wise are the Order of the...

My friend Sarah works at a historical society in Louisville, so when she came to visit me here in Blacksburg, she insisted that we visit Historic Smithfield. I had never been before, but after our tour, I was glad that she was so set on visiting! Or tour guide explained that they try to keep the tour to 1 hour, which is convenient for children with families, but due to both Sarah's and my interest in American history, he extended our tour based on our specific interests (even small interests, such as my love for tea--he showed specific items in the collection related to having tea in the colonies!). The tour was incredibly engaging overall, and encouraged me to come visit another time. I have since been back for tours several times and every time I have learned something new. I highly encourage everyone in Blacksburg or even just visiting who is interested in Revolutionary War or Civil War era history to check...

This is a small plantation with lots of history. 3 VA governors stayed at this home. There is little to see on the property but lots of informative signs all over. The back of the house has a trail with bee hives. The front of the house has a large corn field. At the parking lot, on the other side of the property map is a slice of wood from on old tree with a historic timeline based on the age, growth, of the tree, which I found interesting. The slavery period is the most interesting period for me. I can't believe how some slaves were badly treated. Everyone should be free, period! If I read it correctly. Some slaves feed to the property. Hopefully they found a safe haven, and was treated well when they got here. The restrooms are in the small white building to the right in the back if the house. There is an area where you can rent for event, to the right...