Talk:Galax, Virginia

Untitled
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Maps
The maps on this page are too large and are not consistent with the other dotmaps used on Wikipedia. Can we do something about this? Kelly Martin 16:37, July 14, 2005 (UTC)

Main Photo
The main photo of this page depicts someone's business. I see no other reason why it would be the photo chosen to represent the town of Galax. There are many city-sanctioned photos that would do a better job, such as: http://www.visitgalax.com/%5Cuploadimages%5Cweblinks%5C1248285%5Cgallery%5CIMG_5102.JPG. I would change it but I can't figure out how. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Balibones (talk • contribs) 21:51, 28 December 2009 (UTC)

Name
I'm interested in the origins of this city's name. The article mentions "processing of condensed milk" in the history section, so it seems likely that this is the reason for naming the city "Galax" (after the Greek word for milk, see also Galaxy), but it's not explicitly stated in the article. Maybe someone can find an appropriate source? Of course it would not be in order to add this as unsourced, though likely, speculation. Gestumblindi (talk) 18:37, 6 March 2010 (UTC)
 * Ah, I found something... sometimes I miss the most obvious - according to this Galax Time Line, the city was named "after the evergreen growing in the area", i.e. simply after Galax. Who would have thought that Galax was named after Galax! ;-) Gestumblindi (talk) 18:56, 6 March 2010 (UTC)

History
Galax was founded along the watercourse of Chesnut Creek which has provided an abundant water supply for the city as well as furnishing an early source of power. The Norfolk and Western Railway extended a spur into the village, then called Blairs, with the first train arriving in 1904. The town itself was incorporated in 1906. It was named after Galax, an evergreen plant growing in the area.[4] The railroad provided both freight and passenger transportation that facilitated the growth of industry and provided many of the necessities of life for the people. The manufacture of furniture, textiles, mirrors, garments, and hardwood flooring formed the economic backbone for the area. The processing of condensed milk also enabled many small farms to sell limited quantities of milk that were processed in Galax.

During the 1950s, Galax chose to separate from the two counties into whose territory it extended and became an independent city. That status fueled initial economic growth and provided a strong tax base for a number of years. While cooperating with both Grayson and Carroll Counties, Galax was able to chart an independent course to better respond to the needs of its citizens.

With the decline in economy, Galax has seen the closing of all but one of its furniture factories leaving much of the population unemployed.

Galax has been claimed as the 'World Capital of Old Time Mountain Music'

The building of an Open Access Network called "The Wired Road" began in 2007 by a consortium consisting of the City of Galax along with Carroll and Grayson counties. Consisting of both optical fiber and wireless broadband networks, it is projected to reach 80% of regional homes and businesses by 2012.[5]

The Old Grayson County Courthouse and Clerk's Office, Dr. Virgil Cox House, Gordon C. Felts House, Galax Commercial Historic District and A. G. Pless, Jr. House are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[6]

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