Clarksburg, Virginia

Clarksburg, Virginia
Name	Clarksburg
Settlement type	Census-designated place
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Virginia
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Montgomery
Area total sq mi	1.52
Area land sq mi	1.52
Area water sq mi	0.00
Population as of	2020
Population total	1,356
Population density sq mi	auto
Timezone	Eastern (EST)
Utc offset	-5
Timezone DST	EDT
Utc offset DST	-4
Coordinates	37, 5, 46, N...
Postal code type	ZIP Code
Postal code	24091
Area code	540
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank info	51-17040
Blank1 name	GNIS feature ID
Blank1 info	1498475

Clarksburg, Virginia. Clarksburg is a census-designated place located in Montgomery County within the Commonwealth of Virginia. Situated in the New River Valley region, it is part of the larger Blacksburg–Christiansburg metropolitan area and lies just north of the major town of Christiansburg. The community is characterized by its rural setting, historical roots in agriculture, and proximity to major educational and research institutions.

History

The area around Clarksburg was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Tutelo and Moneton tribes, before European settlement. Its development was closely tied to the expansion of the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad in the mid-19th century, which facilitated agricultural trade. The community was officially established in the late 1800s and named for the Clarke family, early landowners in the region. Historically, the local economy was dominated by farming, particularly dairy farming and the production of tobacco, which shaped its growth prior to the American Civil War and through the early 20th century. The region saw increased connectivity and modest growth following improvements to U.S. Route 460 and its integration into the Virginia Tech corridor.

Geography

Clarksburg is positioned in the Ridge and Valley physiographic province of the Appalachian Mountains. According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 1.52 square miles, all of it land. The terrain is rolling, with Ellett Valley to the east and the New River watershed influencing the local hydrology. Major nearby geographic features include Brush Mountain to the north and the Eastern Continental Divide, which runs through the region. The community is traversed by Virginia State Route 114 and is approximately 5 miles from Interstate 81, providing connectivity to Roanoke and Blacksburg.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, Clarksburg had a population of 1,356. The population density was approximately 892 people per square mile. The racial makeup was predominantly Non-Hispanic White, with smaller percentages of African American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The median household income in Clarksburg has historically been slightly below the average for Montgomery County, reflecting its more rural character compared to neighboring Blacksburg. A significant portion of the workforce is employed in neighboring jurisdictions, including at Virginia Tech and in the Christiansburg retail and service sectors.

Economy

The local economy has transitioned from its agricultural base to a mix of residential, light commercial, and service-oriented businesses. Many residents commute to employment centers in the Blacksburg–Christiansburg metropolitan area, working in education, healthcare at the Carilion Clinic, and technology sectors associated with the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center. Remaining agricultural activity includes horse farms and Christmas tree cultivation. Commercial development is limited but includes local services along Virginia State Route 114. The economy is indirectly supported by the presence of Virginia Tech and Radford University, which drive demand for housing and services in the broader region.

Education

Public education for Clarksburg residents is provided by Montgomery County Public Schools. Students typically attend Auburn High School in Riner. The community is within close proximity to several major institutions of higher education, most notably Virginia Tech in Blacksburg and Radford University in Radford. These universities contribute significantly to the cultural and intellectual environment of the area. Additionally, the New River Community College in Dublin offers further educational and vocational training opportunities for residents of the New River Valley.

Notable people

* Homer Hickam, former NASA engineer and author of the memoir *Rocket Boys*, which was adapted into the film *October Sky*, spent part of his youth in the region and has connections to the area's coal mining history. * John W. Johnston, a 19th-century U.S. Senator from Virginia who was involved in post-Civil War politics, had familial and political ties to Montgomery County.

Category:Census-designated places in Virginia Category:Montgomery County, Virginia