Business Recruitment Packet - Downtown Blackstone Inc.

www.downtownblackstone.org. In addition, our DBI project manager, Lafayette
Dickens, has a downtown office at 107 West Broad Street and would be happy to
offer his assistance. Please contact him at 434-292-3041 or by email
manager@downtownblackstone.org
Flavor of the Community
Blackstone dates back to the
Revolutionary War. It began as a
crossroads for two competing taverns
that slowly grew into a thriving
farming and commerce center. The
town of Blackstone was first
incorporated on February 23, 1888
and the Town Manager form of
The restored Schwartz Tavern dates back to the
late 18 th century. It now operates as a museum.
government was adopted on June 1, 1914. It became the thirteenth town in the
United States to choose this form of government, which consists of a Mayor and
seven councilmen elected every two years.
During World War II, the small town was transformed into a bustling economy
that supported thousands of troops stationed at the newly constructed Camp
Pickett. The military required many goods and services as well as housing for
uprooted families. The town was quick to respond. Businesses sprang up quickly
and the town became known as a hub
for local residents as well as for those in
neighboring counties. Unfortunately,
the economic boom was short-lived as
the camp was later closed. The boom
The current United Methodist
Assembly Center was built in 1892
as the Blackstone Female Institute.
and bust would happen again in the
1950’s during the Korean War.
2