Near Salem in Roanoke County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Fort Lewis

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 22, 2022

1. Fort Lewis Marker

Inscription. Archaeological evidence indicates that Native Americans lived in this area for more than 10,000 years. James Campbell, one of the first Europeans to settle here, began acquiring land in 1742. During the Seven Years' War (1756-1763), the Virginia General Assembly authorized the construction of a line of forts to protect the frontier. Fort Lewis, named for Maj. Andrew Lewis, was built on Campbell’s property by 1757. The Virginia Regiment, led by Col. William Byrd III, used the fort as a staging ground for expeditions against the Cherokee in present-day Tennessee in 1760 and 1761. Campbell sold his land in 1760, and it became part of an estate known as Fort Lewis.

Erected 2018 by Virginia Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number K-74.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Forts and Castles • Indigenous Peoples and Communities. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1742.

Location. 37° 16.741′ N, 80° 7.295′ W. Marker is near Salem, Virginia, in Roanoke County. It is at the intersection of Lee Highway (U.S. 11/460) and Hawley Drive, on the right when traveling east on

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Lee Highway. There is a short pulloff in front of the marker. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3462 Lee Hwy, Salem VA 24153, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Mountain Region

and in Southwest Virginia.

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 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Fort Lewis (a few steps from this marker); Colonial Mansion Site (within shouting distance of this marker); 9-11-2001 Memorial (approx. 1.2 miles away); Roanoke College (approx. 1.6 miles away); Preston Place (approx. 1.8 miles away); Roanoke College Administration Building (approx. 3.8 miles away); Roanoke County Confederate Monument (approx. 3.8 miles away); Roanoke College Statement of Context (approx. 3.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salem.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Old Salem Inns (was approx. 1.6 miles away but has been permanently removed).

Regarding Fort Lewis. FortWiki entry about Fort Lewis:

(1756 - 1760's), used by the VA colonial militia, garrisoned by 30-50 men, it was 60 feet square with two bastions. Built by Major Andrew Lewis, located 2.5 miles west of downtown. Also known as James Campbell's Fort. Garrisoned by 200 men in 1761.

Also see . . . Around Town: Fort Lewis. In this episode

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 22, 2022

2. Fort Lewis Marker

It is by an older stone marker also about the fort.

of the Salem Museum and Historical Society's "Around Town" Facebook video series, Alex Burke discusses the colonial fort and the estate that the site later became a part of. The video also includes footage of the marker's unveiling. (Submitted on November 3, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on November 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 3, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,401 times since then and 117 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 3, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.