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Roanoke, Virginia

Located in Independent City, Virginia, Roanoke was established in 1852. Roanoke was originally called 'Big Lick' for a salt lick that attracted animals. The Roanoke Star on Mill Mountain is the world's largest freestanding man-made star.
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Founded 1852 | Population 100,000 | Peak 100,000 (2024) | County Independent City

Top 10 Most Important Events for Roanoke, Virginia

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1852Railroad Town: Norfolk & Western Railway hub.
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1882Big Lick to Roanoke: Renamed from Big Lick when railroad arrives.
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1902Economic Development: Roanoke grew through textile manufacturing.
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1907Hotel Roanoke: Tudor-style railroad hotel becomes landmark.
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1987Roanoke Star: World's largest freestanding man-made star on Mill Mountain.
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Latest News in Roanoke

Feb 20, 2026
Dad And Son Charged With 216 Counts Of Incest, Pay The Price
A father and son in West Virginia has been charged with over 216 counts of incest, sexual assault and sexual abuse that involved t…

Complete Historical Timeline

1852 Transport
Railroad Town
1882 Culture
Big Lick to Roanoke
1902 Industry
Economic Development
1907 Architecture
Hotel Roanoke
1987 Culture
Roanoke Star

Did You Know?

1
Roanoke was originally called 'Big Lick' for a salt lick that attracted animals.
2
The Roanoke Star on Mill Mountain is the world's largest freestanding man-made star.
3
Roanoke is the largest city on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
4
Roanoke is located in Independent City, Virginia.
5
Roanoke was founded in 1852.

Famous People from Roanoke, Virginia

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John C. Mather
Astronomer, Physicist · Born Aug 7, 1946 · Age 79
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Henrietta Lacks
Homemaker, Farmworker · Born Aug 1, 1920 · Died Oct 4, 1951 (age 31)
JP
John Payne
Screenwriter, Actor · Born May 23, 1912 · Died Dec 6, 1989 (age 77)
LB
Lynn Bari
Actor, Film Actor · Born Dec 18, 1913 · Died Nov 20, 1989 (age 75)
LJ
Louis A. Johnson
Lawyer, Politician · Born Jan 10, 1891 · Died Apr 24, 1966 (age 75)
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