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Roanoke is an independent city located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in southwest Virginia. With a population of 99,837 as of the 2020 census, it is the largest municipality in western Virginia and the ninth-largest city in the Commonwealth.

History

The history of Roanoke began in the 1740s when the site was first settled by Scotch-Irish and German immigrants. The town was originally named Big Lick after the salt marshes that attracted wildlife. In 1852, the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad was built through Big Lick, bringing more development to the area. The town was chartered in 1874 and renamed Roanoke after the Roanoke River that flows through it.

By 1882, Roanoke had grown into a city and became an important hub for the railroad industry. Due to its strategic location, Roanoke developed into a major railroad center and transportation hub for the Southeast. The world’s largest rail yard was constructed in Roanoke in the early 1900s. Many manufacturing businesses were also established, including textile mills and furniture factories. The population boomed, rising from 5,000 in 1880 to over 50,000 by 1910.

Roanoke continued to prosper as an industrial and rail center throughout the 20th century. However, manufacturing and rail activity declined in the latter decades of the century. In recent years, Roanoke has focused on urban revitalization, developing its medical and technology industries, and expanding economic opportunities. The city celebrates its unique history through attractions like the Virginia Museum of Transportation and the Historic City Market.

Attractions and Landmarks

Mill Mountain Star

One of Roanoke's most iconic landmarks is the Mill Mountain Star, located on Mill Mountain. This massive illuminated steel structure stands 88 feet tall and over 1,500 feet above the city. Visible throughout the Roanoke Valley, the star has been a beloved symbol of Roanoke since 1949.

Address: 2000 Orange Ave NE, Roanoke, VA 24012

GPS Coordinates: 37°20'33.0"N 79°57'59.0"W

Roanoke Star Trail

For spectacular views of Roanoke, hike up the Roanoke Star Trail on Mill Mountain to the iconic Mill Mountain Star. This moderate 1.7 mile loop trail ascends over 700 feet to the overlook at the illuminated star.

Trailhead Address: 65 Mountain View Road SW, Roanoke, VA 24014

GPS Coordinates: 37°20'50.9"N 79°55'54.5"W

Taubman Museum of Art

The Taubman Museum of Art is located in downtown Roanoke and houses a collection of over 2,600 works spanning the history of art. Designed by architect Randall Stout, the museum building itself is a modern architectural wonder with its curved exterior walls and glass peaks.

Address: 110 Salem Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24011

Phone: (540) 342-5760

GPS Coordinates: 37°16'21.2"N 79°56'45.1"W

Transportation

Roanoke offers various transportation options:

• Valley Metro provides bus service throughout the Roanoke area.
• Amtrak provides passenger rail service to Roanoke along the Northeast Regional route.
• The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport offers domestic flights on several airlines.
• Roanoke is located along Interstate 581 and near the intersection of Interstate 81 and U.S. Route 460.

Economy

Historically centered on the railroad industry, Roanoke's economy today features healthcare, education, technology, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Some of the major employers in Roanoke include:

• Carilion Clinic - Address: 1906 Belleview Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24014, Phone: (540) 981-7000
• Norfolk Southern - Address: 110 Franklin Rd SE, Roanoke, VA 24042, Phone: (855) 667-3655
• Roanoke College - Address: 221 College Ln, Salem, VA 24153, Phone: (540) 375-2500
• Kroger - Address: 4461 Starkey Rd SW, Roanoke, VA 24018, Phone: (540) 774-4455
• GE - Address: 3236 Ferncliff Ave NW, Roanoke, VA 24017, Phone: (540) 563-0336

Roanoke's economy continues to diversify with growth in sectors like biotechnology and renewable energy. The city is committed to supporting small businesses and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit in the community. Learn more about the Roanoke economy at the Roanoke Regional Partnership.

Education

Public education in Roanoke is provided by Roanoke City Public Schools. The school system operates four high schools, five middle schools, and 19 elementary schools. There are also a number of private schools located within the city. Institutions of higher learning in Roanoke include:

• Hollins University - Address: 7916 Williamson Rd, Roanoke, VA 24020, Phone: (540) 362-6000
• Virginia Tech Roanoke Center - Address: 108 N Jefferson St Suite 701, Roanoke, VA 24016, Phone: (540) 767-6100
• Virginia Western Community College - Address: 3094 Colonial Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24015, Phone: (540) 857-8922

Roanoke is part of the Roanoke City Public Schools district. Learn more on the RCPS website.

Local Resources

Here are some additional local resources in Roanoke:

• City of Roanoke government - Address: 215 Church Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24011, Phone: (540) 853-2000
• Visit Roanoke - Official tourism website
• City of Roanoke Facebook page
• Salem Red Sox - Local minor league baseball team
• Art Museum of Western Virginia - Address: One Market Square SE, Roanoke, VA 24011, Phone: (540) 342-5760
• Roanoke Public Libraries - Address: 706 S Jefferson St, Roanoke, VA 24016, Phone: (540) 853-2060
• Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport - Address: 5202 Aviation Dr NW, Roanoke, VA 24012, Phone: (540) 362-1999

County Information

Roanoke is an independent city and is not part of any county. However, it is surrounded by Roanoke County and is part of the Roanoke Metropolitan Statistical Area. Learn more about Roanoke County here:

• Roanoke County government website
• Address: 5204 Bernard Drive, Roanoke, VA 24018
• Phone: (540) 772-2000

Maps

Roanoke City Map

Downtown Roanoke Map

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