Since its founding in 1776, Montgomery County’s economy has evolved, growing from a rural, agriculture-based community into a regional hub for innovation, education, and advanced industry.
This transformation reflects the county’s 250th anniversary theme: “Revolution to Revolutionary.”
In its earliest years, Montgomery County’s economy was rooted in farming, livestock, and small-scale mills. Through the late 1700s and much of the 1800s, agriculture served as the backbone of daily life and local commerce, supporting generations of residents. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-1800s marked a turning point, paving the way for the coal mining era and connecting Montgomery County to broader markets. Mining operations took place in McCoy and Merrimac, where the “Huckleberry” rail line transported coal and passengers between communities. By the early 1900s, the rail line not only supported industry but also became a defining part of local culture and connectivity.
As the 20th century progressed, Montgomery County’s economy diversified. Textile mills, manufacturing, and dairy farming expanded through the early and mid-1900s, with agriculture remaining a strong presence through World War II. Over time, shifts in transportation and industry led to the decline of rail service, with the final passenger train departing in 1958 and freight service ending in 1966.
In the latter half of the 20th century, Montgomery County entered a new era of growth driven by education and manufacturing. The expansion of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and the rise of advanced manufacturing industries reshaped the local economy, positioning the county for long-term innovation.
Today, Montgomery County is recognized as a center for technology, research, and advanced manufacturing. Anchored by Virginia Tech and the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, the region supports industries ranging from autonomous systems and aerospace technologies to specialized manufacturing and entrepreneurship. At the same time, resources like the Huckleberry Trail—following the path of the historic rail line—highlight the county’s ability to honor its past while embracing the future.
From farms and railroads to research labs and innovative technologies, Montgomery County’s story is one of continuous progress, demonstrating how a community founded during the American Revolution has become truly revolutionary in its local, regional, national and even global impact. For more information, visit montva.com/mcva250 and follow us @mcva250 on Facebook and Instagram.
Montgomery County
