Roanoke was originally known as Big Lick, due to the salt in the natural springs that attracted animals in the colonial era. Dr. Thomas Walker visited it in 1750, on the way to crossing Cumberland Gap:
March 15th. We went to the great Lick on A Branch of the Staunton and bought Corn of Michael Campbell for our horses. This Lick has been one of the best places for Game in these parts and would have been of much greater advantage to the Inhabitants than it has been if the Hunters had not killed the Buffaloes for diversion, and the Elks and Deer for their skins.1
City of Roanoke, from the overlook at Mill Mountain
