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52-623: Minor league baseball began in Narrows, Virginia and neighboring Pearisburg, Virginia , when the New River Rebels joined the eight–team Appalachian League in 1946. The league expanded from a four–team league, adding four additional teams in 1946, including the New River Rebels. The New River ballclub was founded by player/owner Shannon Hardwick. "I was interested in being in professional baseball, so I went to Columbus, Ohio, after I got out of

104-579: A concentration of taverns and rest stops along the Great Wilderness Road (present-day U.S. Route 11), the original 1.1-square mile town was established on November 10, 1792, by an act passed by the Virginia General Assembly. The town of Christiansburg was later incorporated on January 7, 1833. George Washington was known to have visited Christiansburg during the early years of settlement. Frontiersman Daniel Boone resided in town for

156-608: A direct connection with the City of Radford, approximately 10 miles to the west. U.S. Routes 11 and 460 dually connect Christiansburg to Roanoke to the northeast. Christiansburg is one of two incorporated towns within Montgomery County and is a member of the New River Valley Planning District. This District encompasses Floyd, Giles, Montgomery and Pulaski Counties, as well as the City of Radford. Montgomery County has

208-487: A full-fledged public school. The Christiansburg Institute was the first black high school in southwestern Virginia and was also the first high school in Montgomery County to receive accreditation with the Virginia Public School System. It remained in operation as a segregated high school until 1966 when desegregation brought its closure. By the early 1900s, Christiansburg had taken on many of the functions of

260-621: A part of Sealtest) opened, and The Roberts' Motel – the first of its kind in Southwestern Virginia – also debuted after the war. Virginia Tech continued to expand, and by the mid-1950s, the school owned 2,000 acres in Montgomery County and employed more than 1,400 individuals. In 1953, the Starlite Drive-In opened and continues to operate as one of the few remaining drive-in theatres in the United States. The 1950s were most noted for

312-447: A post office was opened in 1873 and the town was incorporated in 1904. From 1946–1950, the New River Rebels were a minor league baseball team representing Narrows and Pearisburg, Virginia . The New River Rebels were a member of the Class D Appalachian League from 1946–1950. The Rebels captured Appalachian League Championships in 1946 and 1947. The New River Rebels were an affiliate of

364-638: A regional center, with a bank, newspaper, Temperance Hall and photographer. Telephone service was provided by the Montgomery Intelligence Company, which was incorporated in 1886. Agriculture played an important part in the local and regional economy, and livestock were regularly driven to market down Main Street or taken to the Christiansburg Depot. A fire following a temperance march in 1900 destroyed several buildings along West Main Street in

416-585: A time. Among records in the County Courthouse is a warrant dated 1774 for the arrest of Boone on a debt charge. The warrant was issued under King George's name but marked "Not executed – Gone to Kentucky." Boone later repaid the debt. Davy Crockett lived in Christiansburg and served as an apprentice to a local newspaper printer for a short time. Crockett also worked at John Snider's Hattery Shop, located on W. Main Street, for 18 months. William Clark , of

468-466: The 2000 census there were 2,111 people, 890 households, and 600 families in the town. The population density was 1,649.7 people per square mile (636.8/km ). There were 971 housing units at an average density of 758.8 per square mile (292.9/km ). The racial makeup of the town was 98.86% White, 0.24% African American, 0.05% Native American, 0.05% Asian, 0.28% from other races, and 0.52% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.43%. Of

520-626: The Chicago White Sox in 1946 and played at Ragsdale Field. On December 22, 1996, Airborne Express Flight 827 crashed in Narrows, killing all six people on board. The Narrows Commercial Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014. Christiansburg, Virginia Christiansburg (formerly Hans Meadows ) is a town and the county seat of Montgomery County, Virginia , United States. The population

572-443: The Chicago White Sox , playing under manager Jack Crosswhite. The Rebels completed the regular season with a record of 83–40, finishing ahead of league members Bluefield Blue-Grays (52–72), Bristol Twins (72–51), Elizabethton Betsy Cubs (68–57), Johnson City Cardinals (64–60), Kingsport Cherokees (55–70), Pulaski Counts (65–58) and Welch Miners (33–84). During their first season, on July 19, 1946, New River played against

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624-650: The Jefferson National Forest designated by the Wilderness Society as a "Mountain Treasure". According to the United States Census Bureau , the town has a total area of 1.3 square miles (3.5 km ), of which 1.3 square miles (3.3 km ) is land and 0.1 square mile (0.2 km ) (4.48%) is water. Detailed breakdowns of the 2010 census numbers are not yet available. At

676-409: The United States Census Bureau , the town has a total area of 14.3 square miles. The town is located at the crossroads of three major highways: Interstate 81, U.S. Route 460 and U.S. Route 11. I-81 forms the primary north–south thoroughfare from Maryland to Tennessee; U.S. Route 460 links Christiansburg with the town of Blacksburg, approximately a half mile to the north; and U.S. Route 11 provides

728-515: The 1830s through the 1850s, he often stayed in Christiansburg to depict town scenes. After the Civil War, Miller retired to Christiansburg and spent his last 20 years living with relatives and friends. The Montgomery Museum and Lewis Miller Regional Art Center, located at 300 Pepper Street SE, is named for him. During the Civil War, many men from the Christiansburg area served in the Confederate army in

780-539: The 1970s and 1980s, and two annexations added approximately 3,799 residents. A 1988 annexation incorporated Belmont Farms, the New River Valley Mall (which was under construction on the effective date), what had been the Virginia Tech Horticulture Farm (on the northern end of town) and the top of Christiansburg Mountain (on the eastern end of town). The town underwent two boundary adjustments in

832-713: The 1990s, which incorporated the Falling Branch Industrial Park and a portion of the Marketplace shopping center and the Christiansburg Industrial Park. In 2000, the Spradlin Farms area began development, providing an additional retail space to the town. In 2002, a large portion of both Blacksburg and Christiansburg, as well as a portion of Montgomery County, were designated as a part of an "urbanized area" based upon 2000 Census figures. In 2007,

884-512: The 890 households 27.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.1% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.5% were non-families. 29.6% of households were one person and 16.2% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.90. The age distribution was 22.9% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 23.3% from 45 to 64, and 18.4% 65 or older. The median age

936-682: The Christiansburg High School site, was used as a Confederate headquarters. The nearby Montgomery White Sulphur Springs resort in Ellett Valley was utilized as a hospital from 1861 to 1865. Near the end of the war, Union General George B. Stoneman and his men were in Christiansburg and had established headquarters in the Rice D. Montague home, which still stands at 109 E. Main Street. His men were stationed there when news came of Confederate General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox. Following

988-669: The Civil War, the population of Christiansburg experienced a decline that continued throughout the 19th century. In 1870, there were 864 people in the town, and by 1900, there were only 659. Captain Charles S. Schaeffer, an agent of the Freedmen's Bureau, founded the Christiansburg Normal Institute (renamed the Christiansburg Industrial Institute) in 1866. The school was formed as a private primary school for

1040-706: The Courthouse in 1826. Ten years later, a public privy was built near the public square, and a new courthouse was constructed in March 1836 in the east corner of the public square. The Christiansburg (Cambria) Depot in the community of Cambria was established on the Virginia Tennessee Railroad line in 1854. Downtown Christiansburg was the site of the Lewis-McHenry Duel on May 9, 1808. The rifle duel between Thomas Lewis and John McHenry, which killed both men, led to

1092-522: The Depot, and the Depot area community was eventually incorporated as the town of Cambria in 1906. The completion of U.S. Route 11 – the first interstate highway in America – was celebrated in Christiansburg when the last link passing through downtown was hard surfaced in 1926. By 1929, Virginia Polytechnic Institute was providing employment for the area's citizens through academic positions and mining jobs related to

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1144-527: The Gardner Zink Mill west of town and the Chrisman Mill along Crab Creek (on what is now State Route 661/Chrisman Mill Road). These two mills were responsible for the centralization of a number of area milling operations in the late 1700s. New streets were laid out during the early 1800s, and additional construction included a number of churches and a public well and pumps, which were placed just north of

1196-575: The Navy in November of 1945," Hardwick, an area native, reflected in 1996. "The national baseball association was meeting there and I applied for the franchise and was successful in getting it for the New River Valley. A group of us incorporated, and I served as the business manager for the first three years." In their first season of play, the 1946 New River Rebels won the league championship as an affiliate of

1248-541: The New River Center was constructed just north of the New River Valley Mall , which added another large retail development to the town. Also in 2007, the town of Christiansburg and Montgomery County agreed to an adjustment, which brought 49.816 acres and approximately 66 persons into Town (with one single-family house and Wheatland Retirement Community accounting for the population). In a 2009 boundary adjustment,

1300-538: The Shenandoah Valley under General T.J. "Stonewall" Jackson . Christiansburg was invaded several times by Union Forces operating under W.W. Averell, and in 1864, the Union Army burned all of the Christiansburg Depot structures except the passenger station. Confederate forces were active within the Christiansburg area and occupied a number of buildings in and around the town. The Lattimer Plantation, which once stood on

1352-403: The average family size was 2.86. In the town, the population was spread out, with 23.8% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 33.3% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 12.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.0 males. The median income for a household in the town

1404-459: The downtown area. Despite this fire, Christiansburg experienced vigorous growth in the first decade of the 20th century, growing from 659 persons in 1900 to 1,568 in 1910. The success of the Norfolk and Western Railroad's Christiansburg Depot, which served as the main shipping point for much of Montgomery County, contributed to much of this growth. Several new houses were built between the town center and

1456-424: The education of black children and was located on Zion Hill, between the town and the old Christiansburg (Cambria) Depot. Booker T. Washington served as superintendent of the institute from 1896 until his death in 1915 and was instrumental in expanding the curriculum to include both classical instruction and practical instruction in industry and the trades. The school was relocated to Lattimer Plantation in 1898 and

1508-606: The famous Lewis and Clark Expedition , resided in Christiansburg. He lived in downtown Christiansburg in the existing house at 109 E. Main Street, which is commonly known as the Montague home. Meriwether Lewis also visited Christiansburg on occasion. Christiansburg experienced significant growth in the early 1800s, and by 1840, the population had grown to 400. Most residential growth was confined to Main Street and Cross Street (now Franklin Street). Several industrial complexes developed around

1560-668: The largest and most rapidly growing population within the Planning District. As of the census of 2000, there were 16,947 people, 7,093 households, and 4,766 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,217.0 people per square mile (470.1/km ). There were 7,430 housing units at an average density of 533.6 per square mile (206.1/km ). The racial makeup of the town was 93.13% White , 4.83% African American , 0.21% Native American , 0.41% Asian , 0.02% Pacific Islander , 0.48% from other races , and 0.91% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.99% of

1612-577: The league Finals, the New River Rebels defeated the Elizabethton Betsy Cubs 4 games to 2 and captured the 1946 Appalachian League Championship. In their initial season, the 1946 New River Rebels drew 39,037 fans, an average of 635 per home game. Owner Shannon Hardwick was also a pitcher, helping the 1946 Rebels with a 24–3 record and a 3.53 earned run average. His 1946 record also included a 19–game win streak. The 1947 New River Rebels defended their Appalachian League Championship. The Rebels finished

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1664-695: The league all–stars in the All–Star game, due to the Rebels being in 1st place in Appalachian League standings at the break. The New River Rebels defeated the Appalachian League All-Stars 9–8 in the game, hosted at Ragsdale Field. The Rebels would remain in first place at the conclusion of the 1946 regular season. In the 1946 playoffs, the New River Rebels defeated the Pulaski Counts 3 games to 2. In

1716-516: The number of devastating fires that occurred in town. In 1954, Roses' 5&10 and Cavalier Furniture were both destroyed. Catastrophe struck again in 1956, destroying most of the businesses on East Main Street. In a single fire, the town lost the City Market, Royal Cafe, Smith & Jones, Jennings Barber Shop and Interiors by Richard. Fires in 1957 claimed Simmons Shoe Shop, the Blue Moon Lunch and

1768-588: The passage of the Barbour Bill in 1810, outlawing dueling in Virginia. Former town resident Dr. John Floyd was the attending surgeon at the Lewis-McHenry duel and later governor of Virginia, as well as a member of Congress. He was also the father of John Buchanan Floyd, who served as governor of Virginia from 1849 to 1852. Pennsylvanian artist Lewis Miller was fascinated with Montgomery County's scenery, and throughout

1820-408: The population. There were 7,093 households, out of which 31.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.6% were married couples living together, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.8% were non-families. 27.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and

1872-518: The rebuilt Jennings Barber Shop. A major fire on Main Street (now Cambria Street, N.E.) in Cambria in 1959 destroyed many of the oldest and most historic buildings there. Having lost most of its taxpaying enterprises and faced with failing utilities, the town of Cambria proposed and was accepted for consolidation with the Town of Christiansburg on December 31, 1965. The town of Christiansburg continued to grow in

1924-502: The regular season with a record of 64–60, to place 3rd in the standings, continuing play under manager Jack Crosswhite. In the playoffs, the New River Rebels defeated the Bluefield Blue-Grays 3 games to 1. In the 1947 Finals, the New River Rebels defeated the Pulaski Counts 4 games to 2 to claim their second consecutive championship. The season attendance was 39,596. Playing under returning manager Jack Crosswhite in 1948 and 1949,

1976-450: The river, there were several Native American encampments, and conflicts were common between those tribes and the early settlers. As settlers began moving into present-day Christiansburg, they discovered that area was also inhabited by the Shawnee and other Native American tribes, who had discovered the river some years prior. In the late 1600s, Dutch priest Friar Hans arrived in the region; it

2028-522: The school's coal-operated power plant. The depression years were notable for Christiansburg for an unusual reason: Christiansburg's Post Office was one of approximately two dozen locations in Virginia to receive Mural American Artwork or sculptures, which were created through Roosevelt's Works Project Administration. Christiansburg's mural is entitled Great Road and was completed in 1938 by John DeGroot. Following World War II, Christiansburg rapidly industrialized. The Southern Dairies Plant (which later became

2080-597: The southern edge of Christiansburg. U.S. Route 11 runs east–west through the town. U.S. Route 460 goes north from Christiansburg to Blacksburg , the location of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University . Historically, several Norfolk and Western / Southern Railway trains a day, the Birmingham Special , the Pelican and the Tennessean , made stops at Christiansburg station . Today, Christiansburg serves

2132-432: The team finished with a 48–78 record to place 7th in 1948 and compiled a record of 52–69 to place 5th in 1949. The team missed the Appalachian League playoffs in both seasons. The 1950 season was the New River Rebels final season in the Appalachian League. New River finished their final season of play with a record of 31–95 to place 8th, last in the league. The managers were Floyd Brooks and Worlise Knowles. Their attendance

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2184-525: The town added the area of the Christiansburg Middle School, Harkrader Sports Complex and former Harkrader Farm, which brought in 170.318 acres and approximately six residents. A "friendly sign war" between local businesses in the community went viral in 2021. Christiansburg is located at 37°5′28″N 80°24′28″W  /  37.09111°N 80.40778°W  / 37.09111; -80.40778 (37.141164, −80.407700). According to

2236-501: Was $ 40,851, and the median income for a family was $ 47,428. Males had a median income of $ 35,139 versus $ 23,398 for females. The per capita income for the town was $ 19,579. About 6.4% of families and 8.5% of the population were below the poverty line , including 12.2% of those under age 18 and 6.9% of those age 65 or over. The population for 2004 was 17,926 which is an increase of 979 from the 2000 census. Of this 8,151 (48.1%) are male and 8,796 (51.9%) are female. New River Valley Mall

2288-517: Was 2,029 at the 2010 census , a decline of 3.9% from the 2000 count of 2,111. It is part of the Blacksburg – Christiansburg Metropolitan Statistical Area . Narrows is located at 37°19′55″N 80°48′31″W  /  37.33194°N 80.80861°W  / 37.33194; -80.80861 (37.331818, −80.808477). The town is just north of the Mill Creek (conservation area) , an area in

2340-589: Was 23,348 at the 2020 census , up from 21,041 at the 2010 census. Christiansburg, Blacksburg and the city of Radford are the three principal municipalities of the Blacksburg–Christiansburg Metropolitan Statistical Area , which encompasses those municipalities, all of Montgomery County, and three other counties. In 1671, the New River was discovered by early settlers of German, French, Scot-Irish and English descent. Along

2392-433: Was 24,000 for the season, an average of 381. As attendance and sponsorship had both declined, the franchise folded. The New River Rebels folded after the 1950 season, the cities have not hosted another minor league team. "Even though it didn't last too long there are some great memories," reflected team owner/player Shannon Hardwick. The New Rivers Rebels teams played minor league home games at Ragsdale Field . The ballpark

2444-501: Was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.0 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 81.5 males. The median household income was $ 31,875 and the median family income was $ 42,610. Males had a median income of $ 31,806 versus $ 22,222 for females. The per capita income for the town was $ 17,933. About 5.4% of families and 8.7% of the population were below the poverty line , including 11.4% of those under age 18 and 11.9% of those age 65 or over. Settled as early as 1778,

2496-554: Was located at 125 Woodland Avenue in Narrows, Virginia, where the Narrows High School football stadium stands today. It was noted that the baseball home plate was located where the stadium scoreboard currently stands. New River Rebels players Narrows, Virginia Narrows , named for the narrowing of the New River that flows through the town, is a town in Giles County , Virginia , United States. The population

2548-417: Was named Hans Meadow after him in the early 1700s. In the 18th century, the region was settled by pioneers from Pennsylvania and eastern Virginia. In 1776, Montgomery County was formed from part of Fincastle County. The City of Radford, as well as parts of Floyd, Giles and Pulaski counties, were all subsequently formed from Montgomery County land. The town of "Christiansburgh" – as it was originally spelled –

2600-517: Was named in honor of Colonel William Christian , who was an early settler in the region. He was one of the first justices of Fincastle County, a member of the Virginia Legislature, and brother-in-law of Patrick Henry . Theodore Roosevelt , in his history The Winning of the West, later wrote that Colonel Christian was a "noted Indian fighter" and a "very gallant and honorable man." Developing from

2652-595: Was renamed Uptown Christiansburg in 2020. A branch of the New River Community College is located there. There are two movie theaters in Christiansburg, including Starlite Drive-In, a drive-in theater . Christiansburg maintains public parks, an aquatic center, a recreation center, and the Huckleberry Trail . The recreation center offers bike rentals, basketball courts, a track, racquetball courts, and multi-purpose rooms. Interstate 81 runs along

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2704-604: Was significantly expanded in the following years, growing to 14 buildings and 185 acres. George Washington Carver and other members of the Tuskegee University staff visited CII, and prominent industrial engineer John Wines Lester lived on the CII campus. The Institute came under lease by the Montgomery County School System in 1935. The property was transferred to Montgomery County Schools in 1947, establishing it as

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