Noke News explores parts of Roanoke by foot, equipped with a camera and a notepad, in hopes of learning something new. Perhaps you will too.

In the midst and middle of development along Brandon Avenue, vast open land remains just that. In recent years, the stretch of Brandon Avenue between Mudlick and Deyerle Roads has seen a number of homes built and maintained by Brandon Oaks, and a pair of ice cream shops opened. In contrast, an area in the middle is filled with several acres of open, beautiful land of rolling hills with a modest pond and accompanying weeping willow trees.

Commercialism hasn’t set in here despite other nearby intrusions, and the land shows no signs of giving in anytime soon. Have you ever wondered when, or if, it might give in?

Open, Cattle-less Farmland Seen Along Brandon Avenue Throughout Much of the 3000 Block

There’s also a couple distinguishing markers along this stretch of Brandon Avenue that I never even knew existed.

Let’s explore:

When traveling west, towards Salem, along Brandon Avenue (shortly before the intersection with Peters Creek Road) and looking to the left it’s difficult to overlook the vast simplicity of open land. Acres upon acres of cattle-less farmland, seemingly unchanged since the early days of Roanoke.

Wooden Fence That Faces Brandon Avenue

A rugged wooden fence with 4 horizontal links borders the land facing the road, and continues the entire length save for one small section.

Along this section, the wooden fence is replaced by a cement wall which acts a guardrail.

It’s here, just off the road, beyond and over the sidewalk and rail, that a small pond is present. The pond is also given away by its perimeter array of weeping willow trees.

Peaceful Pond as Seen Veering Over the Siderail

As I approached and looked over the rail and down into the water, a small splash startled me. Then, I figured the origin of the splash was equally startled by my appearance. A few moments later, the head of a turtle popped up from beneath the murky water and peeked out.

Turtle Resting on a Cement Ledge

My eyes returned to the turtle’s previous location on dry land and another companion turtle was still there, perched upon a cement ledge. Motionless it stood and I gathered it had a short distance to travel, and all day to get there.

I smiled and continued on my way, there’s still a bit more to see before this adventure ends.

Lee Highway Marker on Brandon Avenue

Along the second half of the journey two distinct historical markers were revealed, both of which I never knew existed.

Shortly after walking by the intersection with Peters Creek Road Extension, I arrived at the first marker.

It was made of decorative stone, which was set above eye level on the bank and at the side of the road. The surrounding flowerbed had yet to bloom for the season.

Upon the stone is inscribed a message that reads:

LEE HIGHWAY
ERECTED IN HONOR OF ROBERT E. LEE
BY WILLIAMS WATTS CHAPTER ROANOKE VA.
SOUTHERN CROSS CHAPTER SALEM VA.
ROANOKE CHAPTER ROANOKE VA.
THE UNITED DAUGHTERS OF THE CONFEDERACY
1928

A short distance further is another marker of historical significance, I believe referring to a section of land which is now part of Brandon Oaks property.

Adjacent to this marker is a raised patch of clear ground, which I assume to be the original church’s foundation that the marker references.

This marker reads:

K 76
OLD LUTHERAN CHURCH
TRADITION HAS IT THAT THE CHURCH NEAR BY WAS BUILT WHERE MORAVIAN AND LUTHERAN MISSIONARIES PREACHED SOON AFTER THE REVOLUTION. HERE, IN 1796, LUTERHANS HELD SERVICES AND, A LITTLE LATER, ORGANIZED THEIR FIRST CONGREGATION IN THIS SECTION. IN 1828, THE LUTERHAN SYNOD OF NORTH CAROLINA MET HERE AND CONSECRATED THE CHURCH

I stood and stared for a minute at the marker before letting this journey come to an end. And as I walked back the way I came to the starting point, I looked over and the turtle was still in the same spot, enjoying the sunshine of an early April day.