Roanoke in Denton County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Roanoke
Situated halfway between Fort Worth and Denton, Roanoke served as a shipping hub for ranching and agriculture. There were a number of large ranches in the area, and the railroad allowed ranchers to ship cattle profitably to markets in the north. Roanoke’s stock pens held the cattle before they were shipped. Area farmers, many of whom had previously practiced subsistence farming, also made use of the railroad. Wheat and cotton were the primary crops.
Roanoke grew steadily throughout the 1800s. By 1890, the town had four churches, a school, a cotton gin and several businesses. By the early 1900s, Roanoke’s economy diversified and the town boasted a newspaper, a bank , a grain elevator, and the Denton Oil and Gas Company. Early vital figures in the town included rancher Sam Reynolds, John (Bob) and Almedia Jones, whose property was used as a stop on the Underground Railroad, and Hugh W. Jenkins, storeowner and Roanoke’s first Mayor.
Transportation further developed when the Texas Highway Department completed the Northwest Highway in 1932. In 1939, the city received state and federal funds to construct U.S. Highway 377 along Front Street. Roanoke incorporated in 1933 and continued its steady growth throughout the 20th century. Today, Roanoke continues to be a community that treasures its rich historic heritage.
Erected 2008 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 14621.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.
Location. 32° 59.896′ N, 97° 13.757′ W. Marker is in Roanoke, Texas, in Denton County. Marker is at the intersection of South Oak Street and Main Street, on the left when traveling south on South Oak Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 104 S Oak St, Roanoke TX 76262, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Roanoke Water Tower (here, next to this marker); Silver Spur Saloon (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Roanoke Lodge No. 668, A.F. & A.M. (approx. 0.2 miles away); Roanoke I.O.O.F. Cemetery (approx. 1.1 miles away); Westlake and the Circle T Ranch (approx. 2.3 miles away); Pioneer Stone Burial Cairns (approx. 3.4 miles away); Mount Gilead Cemetery (approx. 3.4 miles away); Mount Gilead Baptist Church (approx. 3˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Roanoke.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 21, 2023, by Morgan Petermann of Irving, Texas. This page has been viewed 55 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 21, 2023, by Morgan Petermann of Irving, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.