Blackstone
Chamber of  Commerce
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P.O. Box 295
Blackstone, VA 23824

434-292-1677 chamber@blackstoneva.com

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Blackstone is located in the Southside region of Virginia, 35 miles southwest of Petersburg, 50 miles southwest of Richmond, and 80 miles east of Lynchburg. The town is 100 miles southwest of Williamsburg and 150 miles south of Washington D.C.

 

 

Our Community Blackstone

 Restoration and revitalization of B lackstone has seen awnings and period lampposts appear along tree-lined streets reminiscent of the Victorian Era during which Blackstone founded its beginnings. The restoration, preservation, and revitalization of Blackstone is a continuing priority of local citizens, businesses, indurstries, Downtown Blackstone Inc., and municipal government. Blackstone has recently been designated a Virginia Main Street Community. Historical architecturally significatn homes and buildings are being refurbished to ther original charm. These lovely old structures (over 400 of them ) reflect the warm invitation of Blackstone's people who share their pride in Blackstone.

Our community enjoys a culture that includes traditions of the rural south and has been enriched by the influx of families from around the world. Many returned families have located here, as well as those who lived in other parts of the country before discovering Blackstone. They all brought with them customs and traditions which make life here more interesting.

Recreational opportunities include everything from youth sports programs to golf, swimming, tennis, bowling excellent hunting adn fishing, boating and hiking, heritage trails, or just picnicking in Seay Park and enjoying the surroundings. The Town of Blackstone continues to show growth and progress today.

Fast Facts

Climate
A generally moderate climate prevails. Average temperatures: January, high of 46F and low 27F; July high of 88F low 67F. Average annual rainfall is 39 inches.

Education
Nottoway County's public school system includes two primary, one elementary, one intermediate, one middle, one high school, and two vocational schools which combined employ 200 classroom teachers for an overall student:teacher ratio of 15:1. During the 1996-97 school year, there were 1587 students enrolled on the elementary level and 902 on the secondary level. Kenston Forest School is a private school located in Blackstone. It has a student:teacher ratio of 9:1 and serves grades PreK-12. Over 95% of graduates continue their education.

Government
Blackstone has a seven-member Town Council headed by a mayor. A town manager oversees the daily operations of the town.

Labor Force
Blackstone and surrounding counties have an available work force of 32,022. The area's unemployment rate is 7.7% (May '97)

Library Facilities
Blackstone is home to the Louis Spencer Epes Memorial Library. Located between the Blackstone Baptist Church and scenic Seay Park on Main Street. It is open about 30 hours per week, even offering a fun Friday morning reading timefor pre-schoolers. The shelves are full, including an extensive "new" book shelf, an extensive research section, and evensome of the latest books on tape.

Medical
The Blackstone Family Practice Center is a large rural, residency training facility. Blackstone is also served by three dentists and two optometrists. Volunteer rescue squads provide around the clock emergency service which is supplemented by Southside Community Hospital (25 miles.) There are two nursing homes in Blackstone, Clay's Rest Home and Heritage Hall Nursing Home.

Military Operations
Adjacent to the town of Blackstone, and located in Nottoway County, is Ft. Pickett. Once a full-fledged Army base, it is now home to the Virginia Army National Guard. Many units from all branches of military service practice their skills here. They lend a helping hand to the community when needed, and the community always supports their activities. One of the groups that trains here is the Navy Seabees.

Population
Blackstone has a population of 3,867

Topography
The 308 square mile Nottoway County lies in the Piedmont physiographic province. Elevations range from 200 feet above sea level to 600 feet above sea level. Drainage is provided by the Nottoway and Little Nottoway Rivers, and the Deep, Flat and Namozine Creeks.