Historic Smithfield provides a cultural anchor and bridge from the past to the future for the region, state, and beyond. We are a non-profit organization and we rely heavily on volunteer labor to accomplish our goals of preserving, protecting, and interpreting the history and culture of southwest Virginia.

Description:
“On the eve of the American Revolution, the Virginia backcountry was a place of colliding cultures, clashing ideals, and physical danger. Wolves howled at night, panthers roamed the forest. Europeans and native Shawnee and Cherokee vied for the same fertile farmlands, often erupting into murderous violence. It was here, at the eastern continental divide, the literal edge of European/American civilization, that the leader of westward expansion and Revolutionary War patriot William Preston established Smithfield Plantation. In a land of log cabins and physical hardship, Smithfield provided a haven of aristocratic elegance and became the social and political center of the county.” More than 225 years later, this home still stands as a cultural center to the surrounding community.

Historic Smithfield is administered by the Montgomery County Branch of the APVA (Assoc. for the Preservation of VA Antiquities). The Montgomery County Branch adopted the following Statement of Mission on July 28, 1995:

• To preserve and protect Smithfield, the region's most important historic site and property
• To interpret the heritage of the region through Smithfield

The Montgomery County Branch will:
• Provide a cultural anchor and bridge from the past to the future for the region, state and beyond.
• Preserve, restore, and/or reconstruct the sites and buildings of significance to the cultural heritage of Smithfield.
• Maintain and interpret the furnishings and artifacts of Smithfield.
• Maintain the restored rounds and gardens of Smithfield.
• Encourage the publication of research about the historical significance and analysis of the site and structures of Smithfield and the activities of the Preston and other historically related families who passed through Smithfield.
• Receive and preserve artifacts from, or historically related to the Preston and other families of the region.
• Provide opportunities for citizens to learn about the history and significance of Smithfield, through interpreted tours, seminars, publications, and electronic media.
• Provide students from elementary to university level these same opportunities through cooperative programs, educational materials, and special tours and activities.
• Cooperate with regional economic development organizations to promote tourism and quality of life in the region.
• Cooperate with regional historical organizations.
• Provide for strategic planning, fund raising, and promotions for Smithfield.

Contact person: Emily Bracken, Administrative Assistant, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (540) 231-3006

Address:

1000 Smithfield Plantation Road Blacksburg, VA 24060 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.smithfieldplantation.org

Directions:

Historic Smithfield is within walking distance of the Virginia Tech campus in the heart of Blacksburg, Virginia, 9 miles from Interstate 81. From I-81, take exit 118-B. Follow Route 460 Bypass towards Virginia Tech to Route 314 which. . . (more)