Industry and Factories – The UncommonWealth

Archives

Black Lung Still Kills: Pneumoconiosis in the Commonwealth

When I clicked on a recent National Public Radio story about Black Lung disease in Appalachia, I expected the story to profile workers in West…

Vince BrooksSeptember 21, 2026

Newspapers

Reading on Company Time: Virginia Corporate Newspapers in Virginia Chronicle

Virginia Chronicle, the Library of Virginia’s freely-accessible digital newspaper database, has recently added something new to its archive—corporate newsletters. These newsletters are vital records about…

Kelley EwingJuly 20, 2026

Archives Manuscripts & Special Collections Public Libraries

Virginia’s Coal Towns

In his diary on July 18, 1709, William Byrd of Westover remarked, "Tom returned from Falling Creek and brought me word all was well there…

Vince BrooksJanuary 21, 2026

Digital Projects Newspapers

“Radford is Boomingest Town in Virginia”

In 1940, the U.S. government contracted the Hercules Powder Company to build a massive manufacturing plant in the New River Valley, just outside Radford, Virginia.…

Lauren CaravatiDecember 3, 2025

Archives

The Kepone Disaster at 50: Lessons and Legacies

Fifty years ago, on December 17, 1975, Virginia governor Mills E. Godwin stepped to the microphone in front of reporters. He announced an authorization from…

Guest ContributorDecember 1, 2025

Newspapers

Forged in Print: The Shenandoah Iron Works’ Riverside

"Who hath despised the day of small things?” read the motto of the Riverside, a company newspaper published in Shenandoah Iron Works (SIW), located in…

Kelley EwingJanuary 12, 2017

Newspapers

An Introduction to 19th Century American Newspapers

The University of Illinois has recently posted a couple videos that discuss the history and evolution of newspapers in the US. They are well done…

Silver PersingerAugust 22, 2013

Archives

Volumes Provide a Rare Glimpse Into the Life of Slaves at Furnaces

In July 1814, entrepreneur William Weaver made a chance investment in the Virginia iron industry along with his new partner, Thomas Mayberry. Weaver and Mayberry…

Bari HelmsApril 6, 2011

Archives

IRON, WHISKEY, RAILROADS, AND RACE ARE FINDS IN NEWLY PROCESSED CHANCERY COLLECTIONS

Editor’s Note: The Library of Virginia is pleased to announce that scanning has now been performed on the Craig County and Pulaski County chancery causes. The…

Bari HelmsJanuary 5, 2011