Town of Blackstone
Virginia
ABOUT THE TOWN
The Town of Blackstone is located in the heart of Southside Virginia, offering visitors a charming and vibrant experience. With an abundance of restaurants and a lively downtown district filled with unique shops, there is something for everyone to enjoy. We invite you to come explore and experience the very best Blackstone has to offer.
Conveniently situated, Blackstone is just 35 miles southwest of Petersburg and 50 miles south of Richmond. Lynchburg lies 80 miles to the west, while Washington, D.C. is only 150 miles to the north—making Blackstone an accessible and inviting destination for travelers from near and far.
HISTORY
The Village of Blacks and Whites traces its origins back to the Revolutionary War era, though its exact founding date remains unknown. The unique name is believed to have been derived from two rival tavern keepers, Mr. Schwartz and Mr. White. In German, “Schwartz” means “black,” and over time, the crossroads became known as Blacks and Whites.
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On April 7, 1829, a post office was established under the name Blacks and Whites. The name was later changed to Bellefonte on May 11, 1875, to match the Norfolk and Western Railroad station. However, the original name was restored on August 4, 1882.
At a meeting of local citizens, Dr. Jethro Meriwether Hurt proposed renaming the town Blackstone in honor of Sir William Blackstone (1723–1780), a renowned English jurist. The name change became official on February 23, 1886.
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Blackstone was formally incorporated as a town on February 23, 1888, marking the beginning of its continued growth and development.