National Register Listings in
Roanoke County, Virginia

American Viscose Plant Historic District Anderson-Doosing Farm Apartment Building on Windsor Avenue and Brunswick St. Belle Aire Belmont Historic District Belmont Methodist-Episcopal Church Black Horse Tavern-Bellvue Hotel and Office Boxley Building Boxley-Sprinkle House Buena Vista Burrell Memorial Hospital Byrd, William, High School Historic District Campbell Avenue Complex Carlin's Amoco Station City of Roanoke Fire Station No. 5 Colonial National Bank Cook, Roland E., Elementary School Crystal Spring Steam Pumping Station Fire Station No. 1 First National Bank Gainsboro Branch of the Roanoke City Public Library Gainsboro Historic District Grandin Road Commercial Historic District Harrison School Harshbarger House Henry Street Historic District Henry, Patrick, Hotel Hollins College Quadrangle Hotel Roanoke Huntingdon Johnsville Meetinghouse Lawson, H.L., & Son Warehouse Lone Oaks McVitty Home Melrose-Rugby Historic District Monterey Mount Moriah Baptist Church And Cemetery Mountain View Norfolk & Western Railway Freight Station Norfolk and Western Railway Company Historic District Old Roanoke County Courthouse Old Tombstone Pleasant Grove Riverland Historic District Roanoke Apartments Roanoke City Firehouse No. 6 Roanoke City Health Center Roanoke City Market Historic District Roanoke City Market Historic District (Boundary Increase) Roanoke Downtown Historic District Roanoke Downtown Historic District (Boundary Increase) Roanoke Downtown Historic District (Boundary Increase) Roanoke River and Railroad Historic District Roanoke Star Roanoke Warehouse Historic District Rogers, Tayloe, House Salem Avenue-Roanoke Automotive Commercial Historic District Salem Avenue-Roanoke Automotive Commercial Historic District (Boundary Increase II) Salem Avenue-Roanoke Automotive Commercial Historic District (Boundary Increase) Salvation Army Citadel Southwest Historic District St. Andrew's Roman Catholic Church St. John's Episcopal Church Starkey School The Coffee Pot Villa Heights Virginian Railway Passenger Station Wasena Historic District
Virginia was one of the original 13 colonies that declared independence from Great Britain in 1776.
Virginia random facts
Roanoke County, Virginia has a rich history that dates back to the time of Native American settlements. The region was initially inhabited by the Roanoke tribe, who called themselves the Wiyot. In the 16th century, European explorers, including the infamous Sir Walter Raleigh, began to set foot in the area. It was during one of Raleigh's expeditions that he established the first English colony on Roanoke Island, just off the coast of what is now North Carolina. However, this colony famously vanished, giving rise to the legend of the "Lost Colony."

In the 18th century, as European settlers expanded westward, the area that is now Roanoke County became an important crossroads for trade. The Great Wagon Road, stretching from Philadelphia to the southern colonies, passed through the county, bringing economic opportunities and a diverse population. The region's abundant natural resources, including timber and waterways, attracted industries such as milling and ironworks, further contributing to its growth.

The 19th century brought significant changes to Roanoke County. The arrival of the railroad in the 1850s was a game-changer, transforming the county into a major transportation hub. With easy access to markets, industries such as textiles and tobacco flourished. The county's population continued to grow, and in 1838, the town of Salem was incorporated within its borders.

In the 20th century, Roanoke County experienced further development and urbanization. The city of Roanoke, which became independent from the county in 1884, saw the rise of industries like railroad construction and manufacturing. The area became known for its railroad yards and textile mills. Today, Roanoke County is home to a diverse economy, encompassing sectors such as healthcare, technology, and education. It offers a blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and modern amenities, attracting visitors and residents alike.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Roanoke County, Virginia.

  • 1838: Roanoke County is established in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
  • 1872: The town of Salem is incorporated within Roanoke County.
  • 1881: The Shenandoah Valley Railroad is extended to Roanoke, sparking economic growth in the county.
  • 1884: Roanoke County's first public school, Cave Spring Academy, is established.
  • 1942: The United States Army Air Corps opens the Roanoke Army Air Base in the county.
  • 1950s: Roanoke County experiences suburbanization and population growth.
  • 1968: The town of Vinton is incorporated within Roanoke County.
  • 1984: Roanoke County Economic Development Authority is formed to promote business growth.
  • 2001: The town of Vinton becomes an independent city, separating from Roanoke County.
  • 2004: Roanoke County celebrates its 175th anniversary.