Roanoke is the largest municipality in Southwest Virginia. The city is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the middle of the Roanoke Valley. Roanoke is the commercial and cultural hub of much of Southwest Virginia and portions of Southern West Virginia.
Saint Andrews Church is located downtown Roanoke, Tennessee. The church is a national and a state landmark.
Neon sign downtown Roanoke, Virginia.
Classic Dr. Pepper sign downtown Roanoke, Virginia.
The USS Wisconsin (BB-64) was launched in 1944. Nicknamed “Wisky” is an Iowa-class battleship. Wisconsin’s main battery consisted of nine 16 inch/50cal Mark 7 guns, which could hurl 2,700 lb. armor-piercing shells 20 mi. During World War II she served in the Pacific Theater. “64” was an important part of the Korean War. It was then decommissioned. Subsequently she was updated in 1986. In 1991 Wisky participated in Operation Desert Storm. Wisconsin was again decommissioned in September, 1991. During her service she earned 6 battlestars as well as a Navy Unit Commendation. Now she rests in Norfolk, Virginia and is part of the National Maritime Center.
Battleship Wisconsin Port Side
64 Battleship Wisconsin B+W
Battleship Wisconsin Bow
Battleship Wisconsin Guns
Wisconsin Guns
One of Richmond, Virginia’s most famous landmark is the Jefferson Hotel. It opened in 1895. The hotel is one of 27 hotels that has a Mobil and AAA Five Star Diamond rating. A tobacco baron by the name of Lewis Ginter built the hotel. Architects Carrere and Hasting designed this magnificent place. Famous patrons include Presidents McKinley, Wilson and both Roosevelt’s. Charles Lindbergh, Dolly Parton, The Rolling Stones, and Elvis have spent time here. An urban legend states that the Grand Staircase in the lobby was featured in the classic movie Gone with the Wind. According to the hotel’s manager, the author of the novel, Margaret Mitchell, stayed at the Jefferson during the time she was writing the book, thus the description and portrayal of the staircase in her novel is said to be inspired by the one in the hotel.
Jefferson Hotel
