In the downtown area, on the side of Jefferson Street (and in front of the Roanoke City Public Library), you will find a historical marker.

There are of course other markers in the area, but this one is unique in that it gives a brief but succinct overview of Roanoke’s history.

Did you know that Roanoke was originally known as “Big Lick”?

Below is the inscription from the front and back of the marker. Photos of the actual marker are at the bottom of the post.

Roanoke

The first village here, at Pate’s Mill and Tavern on Evans’ Mill Creek, was called Big Lick for nearby salt marshes. In 1939 it was laid off as the town of Gainesborough. After the coming of the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad (later N. & W.) in 1852, another village sprang up about the old Stover House that was also named Big Lick. Gainesborough became known as Old Lick.

In June, 1884, General Hunter passed here retreating from Lynchburg. In 1874 Big Lick was incorporated. In 1881, with the junction of the New Shenandoah valley Railroad with the N. & W., rapid growth began. In 1882 the name was changed to Roanoke; in 1884 it was incorporated as a city. In 1909 the Virginian Railroad operated its first train. In recent years Roanoke became the third city of Virginia.