Bluefield has grown from a population of 158 in 1884 to 5,363 in 1990 (time of last census). Physically the Town has expanded from a small tract of land in 1884 to its current size of 8.3 square miles in 1986. Although the buildings of the early downtown Graham area have been replaced almost entirely, the general arrangement of downtown has been preserved through the years. This similarity between yesteryear and today ends, however, as you move outward from the downtown area. On what was predominantly underdeveloped land through the World War II era, now stands complexes such as a modern industrial park (approximately 17 industries), three shopping centers, a library facility, various beautiful residential neighborhoods (some extending well up into East River Mountain), and two excellent golf courses. These are all post World War II additions to the Town. Twenty-three churches and four banks are available to service the needs of the residents. Various industries ranging from high technology to service related industries reside within the Town. Two modern hospitals are just minutes away in Bluefield, West Virginia. "Virginia's Tallest Town"; Bluefield has a name which is derived from a species of chicory that has a dark blue flower and bluegrass that grows in abundance in this area. The mean average temperature is 53.4 degrees Fahrenheit and an annual rainfall of 44 inches. The elevation varies from 2,380 feet (low) to over 3,800 feet (high) above sea level.
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