Radford, Virginia
Encyclopedia
Radford is a city in Virginia
, United States
. The population was 16,408 in 2010. For statistical purposes, the Bureau of Economic Analysis
combines the city of Radford with neighboring Montgomery
County, including the towns of Blacksburg
and Christiansburg
, calling the combination the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford
Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Radford University
is located here. The Radford Arsenal
is nearby in Pulaski
and Montgomery
Counties. Radford City has four schools: McHarg Elementary, Belle Heth Elementary, Dalton Intermediate, and Radford High School.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 10.2 square miles (26.4 km²), of which, 9.8 square miles (25.4 km²) of it is land and 0.4 square miles (1.0 km²) of it (3.63%) is water. The New River runs along the southeastern edge of the city.
in the West Indies. The storm brought wind gusts of 44 mph to San Juan, Puerto Rico
as it moved northwestward. By August 6th it began a turn to the north while producing rough seas in the southeastern Bahamas. Four days later on August 10th the S.S. Maine off the southeast coast measured hurricane-force winds and the storm began movement again toward the northwest. The storm made landfall as a category 1 hurricane on August 11th at approximately 4 PM near Beaufort, South Carolina
(along the SC/GA border). Winds reached 73 mph in nearby Savannah, Georgia
.
As the Georgia-South Carolina hurricane of 1940
moved inland, record rainfall amounts were observed from South Carolina
north through the Smoky Mountains and into southwest and central Virginia
. The storm meandered along the Cumberland Plateau
region as rain began falling in Virginia
on August 13th. The mountainous terrain coupled with extremely slow movement from the now tropical depression produced tremendous amounts of rain. Copper Hill in Floyd County, Virginia
received the highest rainfall in the state: 17.03”.
The United States Geological Survey
(USGS) stream gauge across the New River (Kanawha River) from Bisset Park measured an all-time record height of 35 feet 11.5 inches which is nearly 22 feet above what is considered flood stage. Residents in low-lying areas were forced to evacuate their homes and both the former Burlington Mills and the Lynchburg Foundry manufacturing plants were shut down because of high water. The road leading from Radford into Pulaski County
towards Claytor Lake Dam was inundated and impassable. Thankfully, no deaths were reported across southwest Virginia
, but several million dollars worth of damage occurred (1940 USD).
On October 18, 2011 a sign recognizing the historic flooding was dedicated in Bisset Park near downtown Radford. The sign was donated by local resident Anthony Phillips, a hydrometeorologist from Snowville, Virginia
and installation was sponsored by the National Weather Service
and the United States Geological Survey
through the High Water Mark (HWM) Project . The project helps raise awareness of flood risk by installing high water mark signs in prominent locations within communities that have experienced severe flooding.
of 2000, there were 15,859 people, 5,809 households, and 2,643 families residing in the city. The population density
was 1,615.2 people per square mile (623.5/km²). There were 6,137 housing units at an average density of 625.0 per square mile (241.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 88.21% White, 8.10% African American, 0.25% Native American, 1.43% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.49% from other races
, and 1.51% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.16% of the population.
There were 5,809 households out of which 18.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 33.9% were married couples
living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 54.5% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.78.
The age distribution, which is strongly influenced by Radford University, is: 12.9% under the age of 18, 44.0% from 18 to 24, 19.6% from 25 to 44, 14.3% from 45 to 64, and 9.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 23 years. For every 100 females there were 83.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $24,654, and the median income for a family was $46,332. Males had a median income of $33,045 versus $22,298 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $14,289. About 6.9% of families and 31.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.8% of those under age 18 and 9.4% of those age 65 or over. However, traditional measures of poverty can be extremely misleading when applied to a community with a large proportion of university students, such as Radford.
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 16,408 in 2010. For statistical purposes, the Bureau of Economic Analysis
Bureau of Economic Analysis
The Bureau of Economic Analysis is an agency in the United States Department of Commerce that provides important economic statistics including the gross domestic product of the United States. Its stated mission is to "promote a better understanding of the U.S...
combines the city of Radford with neighboring Montgomery
Montgomery County, Virginia
As of the census of 2000, there were 83,629 people, 30,997 households, and 17,203 families residing in the county. The population density was 215 people per square mile . There were 32,527 housing units at an average density of 84 per square mile...
County, including the towns of Blacksburg
Blacksburg, Virginia
Blacksburg is an incorporated town located in Montgomery County, Virginia, United States, with a population of 42,620 at the 2010 census. Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Radford are the three principal jurisdictions of the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford Metropolitan Statistical Area which...
and Christiansburg
Christiansburg, Virginia
Christiansburg is a town in Montgomery County, Virginia, United States. The population was 21,041 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Montgomery County...
, calling the combination the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford
Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA MSA
The Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford Metropolitan Statistical Area is a Metropolitan Statistical Area as defined by the United States Office of Management and Budget located in the New River Valley of Southwest Virginia...
Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Radford University
Radford University
Radford University is one of Virginia's eight doctoral-degree granting public universities. Originally founded in 1910, Radford offers comprehensive curricula for undergraduates in more than 100 fields, and graduate programs including the M.F.A., M.B.A...
is located here. The Radford Arsenal
Radford Army Ammunition Plant
The primary mission of Radford Army Ammunition Plant is to manufacture propellants and explosives in support of field artillery, air defense, tank, missile, aircraft and Navy weapons systems...
is nearby in Pulaski
Pulaski County, Virginia
As of the census of 2000, there were 35,127 people, 14,643 households, and 10,147 families residing in the county. The population density was 110 people per square mile . There were 16,325 housing units at an average density of 51 per square mile...
and Montgomery
Montgomery County, Virginia
As of the census of 2000, there were 83,629 people, 30,997 households, and 17,203 families residing in the county. The population density was 215 people per square mile . There were 32,527 housing units at an average density of 84 per square mile...
Counties. Radford City has four schools: McHarg Elementary, Belle Heth Elementary, Dalton Intermediate, and Radford High School.
Local Attractions
Radford has many restaurants and municipal parks. Radford has four parks; Bisset, Sunset, Wildwood, and Riverview. Bisset Park and Sunset are family attraction parks with playgrounds, swings, baseball fields, beach volleyball, and picnic shelters for parties. Bisset is the larger of the two, located on the New River, it stretches 57 acres (23 ha).Bisset Park was named for David Bisset, a major contributor and overseer of parks and recreation in Radford. Bisset Park is located in the center of town across from Wildwood Park. Sunset Park is located in the center of the west end of Radford. Riverview is used mainly for soccer practices and like its name suggests is also located on the river and in the west end of Radford. Wildwood Park is a wildlife and plant reserve for the city. Radford also has a movie theater, the Radford Soccer Club, a farmer’s market, and tubing on the New River.Wildwood Park
Wildwood Park is located in the center of town. The park separates the West or Industrial side of Radford from the Eastern side where Radford University is located. The park contains extensive walking and biking paths. The park is used by Radford High School for biology classes. The Biology classes perform a great quantity of animal, plant, and stream test including a Tree Population and Species Observation, Clean Stream Testing for federal use, Monarch Butterfly Observation, Spring Wildflower Observation, and Observation of Exotic Species. Conelly’s Run flows through the park and provides great crayfish hunting for the passerby during the summer months. Wildwood Park is the only perfectly preserved place in Radford. With limited exotic species, no buildings or sports fields, and many walking and biking trails, the park represents the way Radford looked before the coming of the railroad. Wildwood Park is a very quiet place where many types of native animals like birds, raccoons, opossums, skunks, and groundhogs decide to make their homes. In the spring, people travel from all over the state and sometimes country to see the wide variety of wildflowers.City Council
| Position | Person |
|---|---|
| Mayor | Dr. Bruce Brown |
| Vice Mayor | Dr. Dick Harshburger |
| City Councilman | Keith Marshall |
| City Councilman | Tim Cox |
| City Councilman | Robert Nicholson |
| City Manager | David Ridpath |
Geography
Radford is located at 37°7′39"N 80°34′10"W (37.127585, -80.569523).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 10.2 square miles (26.4 km²), of which, 9.8 square miles (25.4 km²) of it is land and 0.4 square miles (1.0 km²) of it (3.63%) is water. The New River runs along the southeastern edge of the city.
Weather and Climate History
The worst river flooding in Radford's recorded history occurred on August 14, 1940 with a slow-moving tropical depression. The 1940 hurricane season produced eight storms, four of which were hurricanes. Around August 5th of that year, a tropical storm was detected along the northern Leeward IslandsLeeward Islands
The Leeward Islands are a group of islands in the West Indies. They are the northern islands of the Lesser Antilles chain. As a group they start east of Puerto Rico and reach southward to Dominica. They are situated where the northeastern Caribbean Sea meets the western Atlantic Ocean...
in the West Indies. The storm brought wind gusts of 44 mph to San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan , officially Municipio de la Ciudad Capital San Juan Bautista , is the capital and most populous municipality in Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 395,326 making it the 46th-largest city under the jurisdiction of...
as it moved northwestward. By August 6th it began a turn to the north while producing rough seas in the southeastern Bahamas. Four days later on August 10th the S.S. Maine off the southeast coast measured hurricane-force winds and the storm began movement again toward the northwest. The storm made landfall as a category 1 hurricane on August 11th at approximately 4 PM near Beaufort, South Carolina
Beaufort, South Carolina
Beaufort is a city in and the county seat of Beaufort County, South Carolina, United States. Chartered in 1711, it is the second-oldest city in South Carolina, behind Charleston. The city's population was 12,361 in the 2010 census. It is located in the Hilton Head Island-Beaufort Micropolitan...
(along the SC/GA border). Winds reached 73 mph in nearby Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is the largest city and the county seat of Chatham County, in the U.S. state of Georgia. Established in 1733, the city of Savannah was the colonial capital of the Province of Georgia and later the first state capital of Georgia. Today Savannah is an industrial center and an important...
.
As the Georgia-South Carolina hurricane of 1940
Georgia-South Carolina Hurricane of 1940
The Georgia – South Carolina Hurricane was a strong Category 1 hurricane that struck the Georgia and South Carolina coast between August 11 and August 12, 1940. After forming north of the Leeward Islands, the storm moved west-northwest, moving east of the Bahamas before resuming a west-northwest...
moved inland, record rainfall amounts were observed from South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
north through the Smoky Mountains and into southwest and central Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
. The storm meandered along the Cumberland Plateau
Cumberland Plateau
The Cumberland Plateau is the southern part of the Appalachian Plateau. It includes much of eastern Kentucky and western West Virginia, part of Tennessee, and a small portion of northern Alabama and northwest Georgia . The terms "Allegheny Plateau" and the "Cumberland Plateau" both refer to the...
region as rain began falling in Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
on August 13th. The mountainous terrain coupled with extremely slow movement from the now tropical depression produced tremendous amounts of rain. Copper Hill in Floyd County, Virginia
Floyd County, Virginia
As of the census of 2000, there were 13,874 people, 5,791 households, and 4,157 families residing in the county. The population density was 36 people per square mile . There were 6,763 housing units at an average density of 18 per square mile...
received the highest rainfall in the state: 17.03”.
The United States Geological Survey
United States Geological Survey
The United States Geological Survey is a scientific agency of the United States government. The scientists of the USGS study the landscape of the United States, its natural resources, and the natural hazards that threaten it. The organization has four major science disciplines, concerning biology,...
(USGS) stream gauge across the New River (Kanawha River) from Bisset Park measured an all-time record height of 35 feet 11.5 inches which is nearly 22 feet above what is considered flood stage. Residents in low-lying areas were forced to evacuate their homes and both the former Burlington Mills and the Lynchburg Foundry manufacturing plants were shut down because of high water. The road leading from Radford into Pulaski County
Pulaski County
Pulaski County is the name of several counties in the United States:* Pulaski County, Arkansas* Pulaski County, Georgia* Pulaski County, Illinois* Pulaski County, Indiana* Pulaski County, Kentucky* Pulaski County, Missouri* Pulaski County, Virginia...
towards Claytor Lake Dam was inundated and impassable. Thankfully, no deaths were reported across southwest Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
, but several million dollars worth of damage occurred (1940 USD).
On October 18, 2011 a sign recognizing the historic flooding was dedicated in Bisset Park near downtown Radford. The sign was donated by local resident Anthony Phillips, a hydrometeorologist from Snowville, Virginia
Snowville, Virginia
Snowville is a census-designated place in southeastern Pulaski County, Virginia, United States. The Greater Hiwassee-Snowville population was 1,865 at the 2000 census. The population of Snowville itself, as of the 2010 Census, was 149...
and installation was sponsored by the National Weather Service
National Weather Service
The National Weather Service , once known as the Weather Bureau, is one of the six scientific agencies that make up the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the United States government...
and the United States Geological Survey
United States Geological Survey
The United States Geological Survey is a scientific agency of the United States government. The scientists of the USGS study the landscape of the United States, its natural resources, and the natural hazards that threaten it. The organization has four major science disciplines, concerning biology,...
through the High Water Mark (HWM) Project . The project helps raise awareness of flood risk by installing high water mark signs in prominent locations within communities that have experienced severe flooding.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 15,859 people, 5,809 households, and 2,643 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,615.2 people per square mile (623.5/km²). There were 6,137 housing units at an average density of 625.0 per square mile (241.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 88.21% White, 8.10% African American, 0.25% Native American, 1.43% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.49% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.51% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.16% of the population.
There were 5,809 households out of which 18.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 33.9% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 54.5% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.78.
The age distribution, which is strongly influenced by Radford University, is: 12.9% under the age of 18, 44.0% from 18 to 24, 19.6% from 25 to 44, 14.3% from 45 to 64, and 9.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 23 years. For every 100 females there were 83.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $24,654, and the median income for a family was $46,332. Males had a median income of $33,045 versus $22,298 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $14,289. About 6.9% of families and 31.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.8% of those under age 18 and 9.4% of those age 65 or over. However, traditional measures of poverty can be extremely misleading when applied to a community with a large proportion of university students, such as Radford.
History of Radford
Radford was named for Dr. John B. Radford. Radford was originally a small village of people that gathered near the New River, which was a major draw to travelers for fresh water and food while traveling west. The town had a major population increase in 1854 when the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad came through. A large depot was placed at Lovely Mount because of its strategic positioning between the eastern and western parts of the state. The actual station was not on Lovely Mountain, located on the southwestern side of town, but Lovely Mount was a known mountain and naming the station this would help people to remember the location of the depot. The Railroad Depot caused the population of Radford to boom. It also caused a major increase in the amount of trade and business in the area. Radford became a railroad town. The original name for Radford was Lovely Mount because of the location of the depot; the name was changed in 1891 to Radford. From 1900-1930, many companies came to Radford, including an ice company, a creamery, milling companies, piping, and preserving plants. In 1913, Radford was selected to become home to State Normal School, a women’s college. The school would later, in 1924, become Radford College and then in 1979 would be renamed Radford University. The presence of a college brought even more attention to Radford, causing even more population growth. In 1940- 1941 the US Military decided to build a manufacturing plant for gunpowder and other ammunitions needed by the military. The Radford Army Ammunitions Plant or the “Arsenal” as it would come to be called created a huge influx in population. Many families moved to the area. Housing for the Arsenal was built in specific areas of town and these neighborhoods still exist today; Monroe Terrace, Radford Village, and Sunset Village. Today these are Radford’s main residential neighborhoods. The passenger railroad that ran through Radford was terminated in 1971. But, Radford no longer needed the railroad to survive.Glencoe Museum
Glencoe Museum is located in west downtown Radford overlooking the New River. The house was built in 1870 in the 19th century Victorian style and serves as a home for many artifacts concerning the beginnings of Radford. It is a very large house and originally had quite extensive grounds. The original house had a barn, chicken coop, smoke house, and an ice house. The name Glencoe is thought to be inspired by Anne Wharton’s ancestry. Her family was originally from Scotland. The house didn’t appear on Radford’s tax records until 1876, it took a very long time to build a house of its size and grandeur in the 1800s. The house was kept in the family till 1996 when, after being deserted for 30 years, the house was given to the city of Radford. The house and grounds were donated by the Kollmorgan Motion Technology Group. The house was converted into a museum to show off pieces of history found in Radford. There are many Native American artifacts in the museum that help us understand the New River’s importance to the Native American culture and way of life. In Glencoe, a person can find some of the original blueprints for the city and pictures of Radford from the past. There is also Local Sports History exhibit and an exhibit on how the river impacted life in Radford. The New River Exhibit also includes a lot of information on ferries, steamboats, and other modes of transportation used on the river. Glencoe Museum is a very popular attraction for school field trips and visitors who are trying to find out more about Radford.Local Sports Accomplishments
- In 1947, Radford had its first and only Professional Baseball team, The Radford Rockets.
- John Dobbins was the 1st Black Football player for Virginia Tech.
Notable people from Radford
- Richard Harding PoffRichard Harding PoffRichard Harding Poff was an American politician and judge. He was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1952, representing Virginia's Sixth District...
, US Representative and Senior Justice of VA Supreme Court. Richard Nixon's choice for nomination to the supreme court, he withdrew his name before the nomination reached the senate. - The Gregory BrothersThe Gregory BrothersThe Gregory Brothers are an American musical group who characterize their music as "Country & Soul, Folk & Roll". Members include Michael Gregory on drums and vocals, Andrew Rose Gregory on guitar and vocals, Evan Gregory on keys and vocals, and Sarah Fullen Gregory on bass and vocals...
, musicians, comedians - John DaltonJohn N. DaltonJohn Nichols Dalton was the 63rd Governor of the U.S. state of Virginia from 1978 to 1982. Born in Emporia, Virginia, Dalton also served in both houses of the General Assembly and as Lieutenant Governor. He graduated from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, and the...
, former Virginia governor - Mike WilliamsMike Williams (baseball player)Michael Darren "Mike" Williams is a former Major League Baseball right-handed relief pitcher who had a 12 year career with the Philadelphia Phillies, Kansas City Royals, Houston Astros and the Pittsburgh Pirates from to .Williams was a two-time National League All-Star in and . In 2002, he...
, Major League Baseball relief pitcher - John RipleyJohn Ripley (USMC)John Walter Ripley was a United States Marine Corps officer who received the Navy Cross for his actions in combat during the Vietnam War. On Easter morning 1972, Captain Ripley, repeatedly exposed himself to intense enemy fire over a three hour period as he prepared to blow up an essential...
, United States Marine CorpsUnited States Marine CorpsThe United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
colonel - Kevin HartmanKevin HartmanKevin Hartman is an American soccer player who currently plays for FC Dallas in Major League Soccer-Youth and College:...
, Major League SoccerMajor League SoccerMajor League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
goalkeeper - Dorthea Hundley - aka: SekaSekaSeka is an American pornographic actress who appeared in many pornographic films during the late 1970s and the 1980s.-Career:...
, adult film star - Shayne GrahamShayne GrahamMichael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
, NFL kicker - Margaret SkeeteMargaret SkeeteMargaret Skeete née Seward was an American supercentenarian and the oldest living American from 1993 to 1994. Skeete is the oldest person ever from Texas. She was 115 years 192 days old at the time of her death, and is the 15th oldest person ever as of October 2008...
, oldest living American 1878-1994 - Gary ClarkGary ClarkGary C. Clark is a former professional American football wide receiver in the National Football League who played for the Washington Redskins , Phoenix Cardinals and Miami Dolphins .-Early life:...
, Pro Bowl wide receiver
See also
- National Register of Historic Places in Radford, Virginia
External links
- City of Radford
- The Roanoke Times regional section
- CRAM (The Roanoke Times college site, cobweb 2006 news in 2009)
- Radford News Journal -- newspaper site, poorly updated (December 2008 news in May 2009)
- News archive page at City's Web site, not updated since 2007
- New River Voice -- Nonprofit online newspaper
- Claytor Lake Online Website
- Radford University Website
- The Tartan -- RU student newspaper