History
Radford History Overview (3)
The rapid population growth (to 12,000 in 1943) necessitated change in city government as new and increased services were needed. New committees and boards sprung up, and other services such as a Community Hospital and the Chamber of Commerce established.
The post-war years saw a sharp decline in population followed once again by slow increase. In 1957, the city joined the New River Valley Industrial Commission to help attract new industries to the city. Since then several companies have chosen to locate in Radford, among them the Inland Motors Division of Kollmorgen Corporation (now Danaher Motion), Kenrose Manufacturing Company, Brad Ragan Rubber Company (originally the Graflo Rubber Company), and the RADVA Plastics Corporation. The growth of Radford College, given university status in 1979, has influenced the character and development of east Radford. The concern for education and juvenile after-hours behavior was the basis for Radford's achieving "All American City" status.
Main Street Radford today.
The railroad no longer dominates Radford. All passenger service was discontinued in 1971. The Radford section of Interstate 81, which was completed in 1965, bypassed the City and reduced US 11 to primarily local traffic. The hospital relocated from Radford to the neighboring county in 1999. Today Radford is a quaint small university town with a thriving business community made up primarily of specialty shops.
More Information
- A more detailed history of Radford called "Radford Then & Now" is available for download at the City of Radford's website.
- You can check out Radford University's history at this comprehensive documentation.
