Salem, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The John R. Turbyfill '53 Quadrangle

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 22, 2022

1. The John R. Turbyfill '53 Quadrangle Marker

Inscription. With heartfelt gratitude from the students, faculty and staff of Roanoke College, the lawn at the foot of the historical Administration Building was dedicated and so-named on October 23, 2008.

A member of the Roanoke College class of 1953, John R. Turbyfill was elected to the Roanoke College Board of Trustees in 1982 and served as chair from 1986 until his retirement in 2003. His tenure included oversight of a period of unprecedented growth and achievement culminating in the naming of his alma mater as one of the Best National Liberal Arts Colleges.

A native of Salem, Turbyfill graduated from Roanoke College as salutatorian with a Bachelor of Arts degree and went on to earn the L.L.B. degree from the University of Virginia Law School. Turbyfill had a long and distinguished career with the Norfolk & Western Railway and then with Norfolk Southern. He retired as Vice Chairman of Norfolk Southern Corporation. He has also been an active civic leader within the Roanoke Valley and Tidewater communities.

Erected by Roanoke College.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Parks & Recreational Areas

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• Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is October 23, 2008.

Location. 37° 17.717′ N, 80° 3.292′ W. Marker is in Salem, Virginia. It can be reached from High Street/Maxey Way north of East Clay Street, on the left when traveling north. Marker is in the quad, about midway between Trout and Morehead Halls. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Salem VA 24153, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Mountain Region,

in Southwest Virginia,

and in the Blue Ridge Highlands.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Kim Kyusik (within shouting distance of this marker); Roanoke College Administration Building

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 22, 2022

2. The John R. Turbyfill '53 Quadrangle Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); Roanoke College Statement of Context (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Roanoke County Confederate Monument (about 600 feet away); William Howard Thompson (approx. 0.2 miles away); East Hill Cemetery North (approx. ¼ mile away); Sgt. James Walton (approx. 0.3 miles away); Andrew Lewis’ Grave (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salem.

Also see . . . John R. Turbyfill '53. Additional biographical information about Turbyfill. (Roanoke College) (Submitted on November 3, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 3, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 584 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 3, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.