ROANOKE.
Roanoke was formed from Botetourt, in 1838. The name is
probably derived from the Indian word Roenoke, or Rawrenoke, signifying
the Indian shell-money. It is a small county, with a mean
length of about 20, and mean width of 18 miles. The Blue Ridge
forms its eastern boundary; the western parts are mountainous.
Much of the soil of the county, particularly on the Roanoke River
in the vicinity of Big Lick, is of almost unequalled fertility, and
productive in hemp, wheat, and tobacco. Pop. in 1840, whites
3,843, slaves 1,553, free colored 101; total, 5,499.
Salem, the county-seat, is in the valley of Virginia, on the west
bank of Roanoke River, 178 miles westerly from Richmond, 25
miles NE. of Christiansburg, and 23 from Fincastle. The navigation
of the Roanoke, from Weldon, N. C., to this place, 244 miles,
is completed by canals, sluices, &c. Salem is a neat village, and
contains 6 stores, 1 Presbyterian, 1 Baptist, and 1 Methodist church,
and a population of about 450. Big Lick, 7 miles E. of Salem, on
the main stage-road, contains a Baptist church and a few dwellings.
The skeleton of a mammoth was found a few years since
in this vicinity. Burlington contains a few dwellings.
The Botetourt Springs, in the northern part of the county, 12
miles from Fincastle, are quite popular, and the improvements are
sufficient to accommodate a large number of visitors. The spring
contains sulphur, magnesia, carbonic acid gas, &c.
