Roanoke College

Roanoke College is a liberal arts college in Salem, Virginia, spreading across a campus west of the town center. The buildings rise before a forested mountain range and connect through walkways and groomed lawns.

Two Lutheran pastors founded the institution in the 1840s, first as a preparatory school for boys in Augusta County. It later moved to Salem and developed there into a four-year college with a broader curriculum.

The college takes its name from the Roanoke River, which flows through the valley and has shaped the region for centuries. Students today use the historic campus, which groups itself around a central quadrangle lined with old brick buildings.

The campus lies several streets west of downtown Salem and can be reached on foot or by car. Visitors can walk through public areas of the grounds during open hours and view the architecture and green spaces.

The institution enrolled students from other continents already in the 19th century, recording entries from Mexico and Japan within a span of just a few years. During the Civil War, a cadet corps on campus became involved in military actions near the town.

Location: Salem

Inception: 1842

Industry: higher education

Address: 221 College Lane, Salem, VA, 24153-3794

Website: https://roanoke.edu

GPS coordinates: 37.29583,-80.05556

Latest update: December 13, 2025 18:31