Talk: The Past, Present, And Future of Rail in Montgomery County
Venue: Alexander Black House & Cultural Center, Blacksburg
Directions: Google Map Link
Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Event Types: Speaking Engagements
Cost: Free
The Alexander Black House & Cultural Center presents the talk "The Past, Present, And Future of Rail in Montgomery County" on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
Join us for a presentation by Bruce Harper and Ray Smoot on railroad history in Blacksburg and the surrounding county. Bruce Harper will discuss how the rail served troops during the Civil War, helped with coal transport, connected remote communities to Virginia Tech, and how it was converted from rail to trail. In addition to our rich train history, we will get an update from Ray Smoot on the thirteen-year initiative to bring passenger rail service back to our community.
Bruce Harper retired from Virginia Tech after serving for 37 years in several departments. He was the Virginia Tech webmaster until he retired. He is a local historian and author, with articles published in Virginia Tech Magazine and The Arrow, the publication of the Norfolk & Western Historical Society.
Ray Smoot retired as CEO of the Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc. He is vice chair of the Commonwealth Transportation Board.
Admission is free and all are welcome.
The Alexander Black House & Cultural Center is located at 204 Draper Road in Blacksburg, VA.
To view the event flyer, visit: https://blacksburgmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Facebook-2.svg.
For more information, visit: https://blacksburgmuseum.org/event/the-past-present-and-future-of-rail-in-montgomery-county/ or https://www.facebook.com/blacksburgmuseum/ or https://www.facebook.com/events/909792138617162 or https://www.instagram.com/blacksburgmuseum/ or call 540-558-0746.
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