Roanoke history

The history of Roanoke is a fascinating narrative of a small settlement transforming into a vital transport and commercial hub. The city, known today as the "Star of the South", has journeyed from humble beginnings to become a thriving centre in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Founding and Early Years

The first settlement on the site of modern-day Roanoke was established in 1852 and was initially named Big Lick. This name was derived from the abundance of salt licks in the area, which attracted wild animals such as deer. In 1874, the settlement received official town status, and in 1882 it was renamed Roanoke. This name comes from an Algonquian word meaning shells, which were used as currency. By 1884, Roanoke had received the status of an independent city.

Key Factors of Development

The primary catalyst for Roanoke's growth was the development of railways. The city occupied a strategic position in the Roanoke Valley, making it an ideal transport hub. A pivotal moment was the arrival of the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad in 1852. Later, in the 1880s, the city became the headquarters and a crucial interchange point for the Norfolk and Western Railway, transforming it from a small agricultural settlement into a major industrial and transport centre.

Economy and Culture at the Dawn of History

With the arrival of the railway, Roanoke's economy rapidly reoriented from agriculture to industry. The main sectors became coal transportation and the manufacturing of railway equipment. This robust growth attracted a multitude of workers and entrepreneurs to the city, contributing to a rapid increase in population. Even in those early years, the city market was founded; today, it is one of the oldest in the country and remains a lively centre of public life. Thanks to this, Roanoke quickly established itself not only as an economic hub but also as a cultural centre for the entire southwest region of Virginia.

Timeline of Key Events

• 1852 — A settlement named Big Lick is founded with the arrival of the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, marking the beginning of the region's development.
• 1874 — The settlement of Big Lick officially receives town status.
• 1881 — The city becomes the headquarters of the newly formed Norfolk and Western Railway (N&W).
• 1882 — Big Lick is renamed Roanoke, linked to an Algonquian word denoting shells used as currency.
• 1884 — Roanoke receives the status of an independent city.
• 1892 — The N&W Railway expands south to Winston-Salem, strengthening Roanoke's status as a transport hub.
• 1905 — The first passenger railway station is built, becoming an important gateway to the city.
• 1931 — Construction is completed on the Art Deco northern wing of the N&W main office, reflecting the company's prosperity.
• 1949 — On November 23, the famous "Roanoke Star" was lit for the first time on Mill Mountain, initially as a temporary seasonal decoration.
• 1959 — Norfolk and Western Railway merges with its long-time competitor, the Virginian Railway, significantly expanding its network.
• 1982 — A merger occurs between Norfolk and Western Railway and Southern Railway, resulting in the formation of the modern Norfolk Southern Corporation.

Key Milestones in Roanoke's History

Roanoke's development is a story of rapid transformation driven by its strategic location and key economic shifts. From the railway boom to becoming a centre of innovation, the city has passed through several important stages that have defined its modern appearance.

• The Railway Era (1880s). The transformation of the small town of Big Lick into Roanoke was entirely driven by the decision of the Norfolk and Western Railway (N&W) to locate its headquarters and main repair shops here. This caused an explosive growth in population and economy, earning the city the nickname "Magic City" for its rapid development.
• Establishment as an Industrial Centre (Early 20th Century). Thanks to the railway, Roanoke became a vital centre for transporting coal from the Appalachian Mountains. Heavy industry developed in parallel, including the production of locomotives and wagons in the N&W workshops, which defined the city's economic profile for decades.
• Appearance of the "Roanoke Star" (1949). The installation of a giant neon star atop Mill Mountain became a turning point in shaping the city's identity. Originally conceived as a temporary seasonal decoration, it quickly turned into a permanent symbol and major landmark, gifting Roanoke a new nickname — "Star City of the South".
• Economic Diversification (Mid-20th Century). As the coal industry declined and the role of passenger rail travel diminished, Roanoke faced the need to restructure its economy. The city began to actively develop other sectors, including manufacturing, trade, and services, to reduce dependency on the railway.
• Revitalisation of the City Centre (Late 20th – Early 21st Century). A large-scale programme was launched to renew the historic centre. A key element was the revival of the Historic City Market, which transformed into a vibrant district with restaurants, shops, and cultural events. This attracted new life and investment to the centre.
• Development of Medicine and Education. One of the most significant modern stages has been Roanoke's transformation into a major medical and research hub. The creation of an innovation corridor, including the Carilion Clinic, the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, and the Biomedical Research Institute, has become a new engine for the city's economy, shifting focus from industry to high technology and healthcare.

The architectural appearance of Roanoke is a vivid illustration of its history, inextricably linked to the rapid development of the railway. Transforming from a small settlement into a thriving "Magic City" in the late 19th century, Roanoke absorbed a multitude of architectural styles that reflect the eras of its growth and prosperity. Today, the city presents a harmonious blend of historic buildings and bold modern forms.

From the Victorian Era to Art Deco: The Flourishing of the "Magic City"

The late 19th and early 20th centuries were a period of booming construction for Roanoke. The Norfolk and Western Railway attracted capital and people to the city, which was reflected in the architecture. The historic residential district of Old Southwest still preserves the charm of that era, showcasing magnificent examples of Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and other Victorian architectural styles. The commercial heart of the city became the Historic City Market, where surrounding buildings are executed in the Victorian and Italianate styles characteristic of that time.

Key architectural styles and iconic buildings of this period include:

• Gothic Revival: The majestic Basilica of Saint Andrew, built in 1902, is a striking example of this style with its soaring spires and intricate stained glass.
• Tudor Revival: The legendary Hotel Roanoke, opened in 1882, became a symbol of hospitality and one of the city's most recognisable buildings thanks to its distinctive Tudor-style architecture.
• Art Deco and Neoclassicism: As wealth grew, more monumental structures appeared in the city. The former Norfolk & Western Railway headquarters and the Patrick Henry Hotel (1925) are fine examples of the Art Deco style, symbolising the commercial success and elegance of that era.

Modernism and Contemporary Revival

In the mid-20th century, the city's development shifted towards more functional modernist architecture and the expansion of suburban areas. However, Roanoke experienced a true renaissance in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, where the main emphasis was placed on preserving historical heritage and the adaptive reuse of old buildings. Many former warehouses and factories, for instance in the historic market district, were converted into lofts, offices, restaurants, and cultural spaces, such as Center in the Square, breathing new life into the city centre.

A true symbol of architectural renewal became the Taubman Museum of Art. Its futuristic building, designed by architect Randall Stout, with undulating forms of glass and steel, contrasts sharply with the historic surroundings and symbolises Roanoke's aspiration towards the future, without forgetting its rich past.

Notable People Associated with Roanoke

The city of Roanoke, known as the "Star City of the South", has been the birthplace or a significant stage in the lives of many talented and influential people who have left their mark on history, culture, and sport. From pioneers of education to Hollywood stars and sports legends — here are some of the most famous individuals whose biographies are inextricably linked to this city in Virginia.

Booker T. Washington

Role: Educator, orator, politician, and one of the most influential leaders of the African American community in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Historical Significance: Although Booker T. Washington was not born in Roanoke, he spent part of his childhood in slavery at the nearby salt and coal mines. This experience shaped his drive for education and the empowerment of African Americans. His legacy in Roanoke is immortalised in the name of a park (Booker T. Washington Park), which became the first park in the city for African American residents. His work had a tremendous impact on the entire country.

John Payne

Role: Actor and singer.
Historical Significance: A Roanoke native, John Payne was a bright star in Hollywood during the 1940s and 1950s. He became famous for roles in 20th Century Fox musicals, such as "Sun Valley Serenade", and is especially remembered by audiences as the male lead in the classic seasonal film "Miracle on 34th Street" (1947). Payne grew up in Roanoke and attended a local college before setting off to conquer Broadway and Hollywood.

Wayne Newton

Role: Singer and entertainer.
Historical Significance: Known as "Mr. Las Vegas", Wayne Newton spent his early years in Roanoke. It was here in Virginia that he began pursuing music, mastering the guitar and piano at the age of six, and performing at local shows. Although his family later moved due to his asthma, it was in Roanoke that the foundations were laid for his future phenomenal career, which made him one of the most recognisable and highly-paid artists in the world.

Tiki and Ronde Barber

Role: American football players (NFL).
Historical Significance: Twin brothers Tiki and Ronde Barber were born in Roanoke and graduated from Cave Spring High School here. Both had outstanding careers in the NFL. Tiki became a record-holder for the New York Giants as a running back, while Ronde became a legendary cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with whom he won the Super Bowl. They are considered some of the most successful brothers in the history of US professional sports and have brought national fame to their hometown.

Kermit Hunter

Role: Playwright.
Historical Significance: Although born in West Virginia, Kermit Hunter is closely linked to the cultural life of Roanoke. He is the author of over 40 outdoor historical dramas that have been staged across the country. One of his famous works is a play about "The Lost Colony of Roanoke", which symbolically connects his creative work with the city's name, albeit referring to the other historical Roanoke. His contribution to popularising American history through theatre has made him an important figure in the region's cultural heritage.