Montgomery County, Va. — Presales are now underway for a special commemorative license plate celebrating Montgomery County’s 250th anniversary. The plate features the phrase “Revolution to Revolutionary,” a nod to the county’s deep roots in the American Revolution and its modern distinction as the site of the first drone delivery in the United States.
The plate costs $10, with an additional $10 fee for personalization. Preorders may be submitted online or in person.
Online orders are processed through DocuSign, while in-person payments can be made at the Montgomery County Treasurer’s Office (755 Roanoke St., Suite 1B). Standard processing fees apply for card payments.
Celebrating 250 Years
The year 2026 marks both the 250th anniversary of the United States and of Montgomery County. As part of the statewide VA250 commemoration, the county will highlight events, programs, and historic sites that showcase its unique role in Virginia and American history.
A County With Revolutionary Beginnings
Established in 1776, Montgomery County was one of only three Virginia counties formed that year. It emerged from the former Fincastle County, whose leaders famously endorsed the Fincastle Resolutions—a bold early statement supporting colonial rights prior to the First Continental Congress.
William Preston, one of the document’s signers, lived at Historic Smithfield, a landmark that recently celebrated its own 250th anniversary.
The county takes its name from General Richard Montgomery, a hero of the American Revolution. But its story began long before then—archaeological evidence shows Native American presence in the area for more than 16,000 years.
Towns With Deep Roots
Montgomery County is home to Blacksburg and Christiansburg, two of Virginia’s largest towns:
- Christiansburg was incorporated in 1792 and grew along the historic Great Road (present-day U.S. Route 11).
- Blacksburg, incorporated in 1871, sits on land donated by William Black near the earlier Draper’s Meadow settlement.
Blacksburg is also home to Virginia Tech, founded in 1872 and now one of the nation’s leading research institutions.
A County That Honors Its Past While Shaping Its Future
From Revolutionary-era settlements to its role as a modern technology hub, Montgomery County’s history includes ties to George Washington, Booker T. Washington, Andrew Jackson, Davy Crockett, and Daniel Boone.
Today, the county continues to balance preservation with innovation, celebrating its natural beauty, culture, and diverse communities along the I-81 corridor.
About VA250
The Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) was established to help Virginians reflect on the state’s role in the nation’s founding, uplift diverse historical narratives, and encourage civic engagement as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
