The area that is now Montgomery County has been inhabited and shaped by Indigenous peoples, including the Yuchi and later the Tutelo tribes before the late 1600s, and the Monacan Indian Nation, whose presence dates to approximately A.D. 1000.

Traces of the Monacan Indian Nation’s presence can still be found through burial mounds in Southwest Virginia that indicate a strong economic and political structure. These mounds can exceed 8 feet in height and 40 feet in diameter, serving as resting places for hundreds of individuals.

According to Virginia Places, “There are 13 documented mound complexes in Virginia. Of that number, seven were made from just earth and six were made with a combination of earth and stones.”

Before relocating due to colonization in the early 1600s, the Monacan lived in thatched houses, relying on nearby rivers, mountains and land for essentials. They are often described as “agricultural people” who cultivated crops such as corn and squash and hunted deer.

Following the arrival of the Yuchi and Tutelo tribes, European settlements began developing in the area during the 1740s. From 1754 to 1763, the region was affected by the French and Indian War. In 1792, Christiansburg, Virginia, was officially established along the historic Great Road.

Today, the New River Valley honors its Indigenous heritage and showcases long-standing traditions, as well as the present-day community, through events such as the annual Virginia Tech Spring Powwow, hosted by Ati Wa: Oki Indigenous Community Center and Native At VT. The spring 2027 powwow will mark its 10th year.

As Montgomery County honors 250 years of history, recognizing the Indigenous peoples whose lives and legacies are woven into this land helps tell a more complete story of our past—and reminds us that understanding our roots is essential to shaping our future.
To learn more about the Native American history of Montgomery County, at  montva.com/mcva250.