Page 30 - A Narrative of the History of Roanoke Virginia

and built by William Nelson Page and Henry Huttleston Rogers. Following the
Roanoke River, the VGN was built through the City of Roanoke early in the
twentieth century. It merged with the N&W in 1959.

The opening of the coalfields made N&W prosperous and Pocahontas bituminous
coal world-famous. Transported by the N&W and neighboring Virginian Railway
(VGN), local coal fueled half the world's navies. Today it stokes steel mills and
power plants all over the globe.

When the team of Clark and company, its newly acquired multiple rail lines, and an
ambitious and effective executive, one Frederick J. Kimball, joined forces they
created a formidable partnership.

The N&W had just constructed its administrative offices in the city, bringing in over
a thousand railroad workers.

Background information and overview of the importance that Clark, Kimball and
the N&W viewed their business empire guides the firm as it moves into the future.
Aware of the impact they have, they are motivated by creating a legacy far beyond
just a company that provides a service to the population - but an entity that
transcends ordinary businesses.

Among the various factors which they believed contribute to the advertisement of a
city, and the favor with which it is regarded by the public generally, the advantages
possessed in the character of its hotel facilities is of high importance.

In this respect, the city of Roanoke can claim the distinction of having, in the Hotel
Roanoke, an institution which ranks among the best in the land, and which has
been identified with the progress of the city throughout its entire history. The
building of the Hotel, named The Roanoke, was a fulfillment of the N&W’s view of
its quality, character and importance in the grand scheme of things.

Having established the importance of Railroads (particularly the N&W) and
Roanoke, the next installment will chronicle the ideas, implementation and
overview of one of the finest hotels to be created as part of the New South…The
Hotel Roanoke.