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

Lynchburg and Salem Turnpike

Photographed by Kevin W., November 24, 2007

1. Lynchburg and Salem Turnpike Marker

Inscription. The Lynchburg and Salem Turnpike Co. was incorporated in 1818 to construct a turnpike from Lynchburg west to Salem "to establish a communication between Lynchburg [to Salem] and the western part of Virginia." It was funded by stock bought by the state as well as the public. The road reached Liberty (now Bedford) in 1828 and was completed to Salem in 1836. This turnpike, with five tollgates, served as the main thoroughfare in the region until the Virginia & Tennessee Railroad was built in the 1850s. In Sept. 1873, the commonwealth sold its shares of the turnpike stock at auction.

Erected 2001 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number K-79.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1873.

Location. 37° 17.563′ N, 80° 2.686′ W. Marker is in Salem, Virginia. It is on Lynchburg Salem Turnpike near Idaho Street, on the right when traveling east. 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: General Andrew Lewis (about 700 feet away,

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measured in a direct line); In Memory of These Confederate Soldiers Buried Herein (approx. 0.2 miles away); To honor our Confederate Soldiers (approx. 0.2 miles away); General Andrew Lewis Land Grant (approx. 0.2 miles away); Andrew Lewis’ Grave (approx. ¼ mile away); Sgt. James Walton (approx. ¼ mile away); East Hill Cemetery North (approx. 0.3 miles away); William Howard Thompson (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salem.

Photographed by Kevin W., November 24, 2007

2. Lynchburg and Salem Turnpike Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 1, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,822 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 1, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.