About Blackstone
History of Blackstone, Virginia
Restoration and revitalization of Blackstone, located in Nottoway County, 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 the Blackstone Chamber of Commerce, local citizens, businesses, industries, municipal government and Downtown Blackstone, Inc. Blackstone has been designated a Virginia Main Street Community.
Historical architecturally significant homes and buildings are refurbished to their 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.
The town of Blackstone continues to show growth and progress today.
Visitors Center 201 S. Main Street- The Blackstone Chamber of Commerce
Our community enjoys a culture that includes traditions of the historical, rural south. Throughout the years a diverse community has evolved from families who have come to Blackstone and decided to settle here, start businesses and raise a family.
Blackstone is a town comprised of generations of many families making it a close knit town. While some family members leave for reasons of continuing education, military service, changes in jobs and other reasons, many do return to their hometown upon completion of college or their military service and start families and contribute to the business successes of Blackstone.
Those returning Blackstone natives bring back with them experience, knowledge and new ideas and a new perspective for the town. Changes come when these new perspectives/ ideas are put into the community through new businesses, volunteerism, serving on local governments, becoming members of civic groups and working with the youth of our town.
Recreational opportunities include everything from the youth sports programs to golf, swimming, tennis, bowling, excellent hunting and fishing, boating and hiking, heritage trails, or just picnicking in Seay Park and enjoying the surroundings. The untiring efforts of business and civic leaders as well as wise planning by local government have made this possible.
Local Attractions
Schwartz Tavern
A fully restored Revolutionary War Era Tavern located in downtown Blackstone. The original construction took place in several stages between 1790 and 1840. The Tavern stands at the site of Blackstone's 18th century crossroads. Appointments for tours, can be made by calling
Mr. Zachery Whitlow, Director of Downtown Blackstone, Inc. (434) 292-3041.
The Robert Thomas Carriage Museum
Blackstone's newest museum features fully restored buggies and carriages donated from a local collector. Appointments for tours, can be made by calling
Mr. Zachery Whitlow, Director of Downtown Blackstone, Inc. (434) 292-3041.
Historical Markers
Don't miss the many historical markers in town, describing noteworthy events in our community's past. There are 27 historical markers and war memorials throughout Blackstone, Virginia. They range from "108 North Main Street" which was built in the 1800's to the "Virginia Tech Fight Song" marker. The song was created by Mattie Walton Epes and Wilfred Preston Maddux in 1919. For a complete marker and memorial list with descriptions and maps visit The Historical Marker Database.
Lakeview Cemetery
Visit Lakeview Cemetery, Blackstone's oldest cemetery which has graves dating back over 100 years. In February of 1930 the cemetery was purchased by the Town of Blackstone from The Lakeview Cemetery Association, Inc. which was chartered as a private corporation in 1891. There are three famous memorials in Lakeview Cemetery. They are James Fletcher Epes and Sydney Parham Epes both U.S. Congressmen and Blair Niles, an American novelist and travel writer from the early 20th century. Visit Find A Grave to search the cemetery records.
Area & Regional Attractions:
Virginia's Crossroads
The Civil Rights in Education Trail© was established in 2004 and is owned and managed by Virginia's Crossroads, a tourism marketing consortium comprised of the localities of Amelia, Appomattox, Brunswick, Buckingham, Charlotte, Dinwiddie, Emporia/ Greensville, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, and Prince Edward. It also includes the City of Petersburg, Virginia State Parks and the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. Visit Virginia's Crossroads for information on the Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail ©, Civil War self-driving tours of Lee's Retreat and the Wilson-Kautz Raid, outdoor recreational activities, events, attractions and accommodations in South Central Virginia.