RoadsideThoughts
A Gazetteer for the United States and Canada
Home >> State of Virginia >> Roanoke County >> Vinton >> Tidbits & TriviaIndex...

Outdoor Activities ...

As we travel, we like to pursue some of our interests (such as astronomy and bird watching).

When in Vinton, we use the following websites to find information relevant to Vinton and the surrounding area.

  • Astronomy & Satellites ...
    • Whether using binoculars, a small telescope or the naked-eye, the Heavens-Above website can help you to find your way around the night-time sky. In addition to detailed sky charts, their website will help you find planets, asteriods, comets, satellites and their tracks across the sky.
    • To give accurate results, Heavens-Above requires the latitude and longitude of your location. As a starting point, when we link to Heavens-Above, we pass this GPS location for Vinton:
    • 37.280942, -79.897308
    • Once you're on the Heavens-Above website, you can improve its accuracy by giving a more precise longitude and latitude as your actual position.
    • The Heavens-Above Website, centered on Vinton
  • Waymarking ...
    • Looking for somewhere out of the ordinary? Find a unique place and want to share it with others? Then it's time to visit Waymarking.com:
    • Waymark.com

Communities Also Named Vinton ...

We found thirteen communities that share the name Vinton.

Within Virginia, the name Vinton is unique.

Beyond Virginia, we know of another thirteen communities that are located throughout in the United States and Canada. Of these thirteen communities, twelve are located in the United States and one is in Canada.

  • Communities Elsewhere In North America ...
    • California
      • Plumas County
      • This Vinton is located in Plumas County and lies 2,163 miles [3,481 km]<1> to the west northwest of the Vinton that is located in Roanoke County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Plumas County community of Vinton.
    • Iowa
      • Benton County
      • This Vinton is located in Benton County and lies 726 miles [1,168.4 km]<1> to the west northwest of the Vinton that is located in Roanoke County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Benton County community of Vinton.
    • Kansas
      • Cowley County
      • This Vinton is located in Cowley County and lies 929 miles [1,495.1 km]<1> to the west of the Vinton that is located in Roanoke County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Cowley County community of Vinton.
      • Riley County
      • We found mention of this community, but have little information.<2> For the information that we do have, please visit our profile page for the Kansas community of Vinton [Riley County].
    • Louisiana
      • Calcasieu Parish
      • This Vinton is located in Calcasieu Parish and lies 924 miles [1,487 km]<1> to the west southwest of the Vinton that is located in Roanoke County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Calcasieu Parish community of Vinton.
    • Mississippi
      • Clay County
      • This Vinton is located in Clay County and lies 545 miles [877.1 km]<1> to the west southwest of the Vinton that is located in Roanoke County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Clay County community of Vinton.
    • Missouri
      • Bates County
      • This community is historic<3> and although located in Bates County, we don't know where within the county.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Bates County community of Vinton.
    • Nebraska
      • Valley County
      • This community is historic<3> and we have very little information. For the information that we do have, please visit our profile page for the Nebraska community of Vinton [Valley County].
    • Ohio
      • Gallia County
      • This Vinton is located in Gallia County and lies 176 miles [283.2 km]<1> to the northwest of the Vinton that is located in Roanoke County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Gallia County community of Vinton.
      • Vinton County
      • This Vinton is located in Vinton County and lies 193 miles [310.6 km] to the northwest of the Vinton that is located in Roanoke County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the Vinton County community of Vinton.
    • Quebec
      • This Vinton lies 610 miles [981.7 km]<1> to the north northeast of the Vinton that is located in Roanoke County.
    • Texas
      • El Paso County
      • This Vinton is located in El Paso County and lies 1,555 miles [2,502.5 km]<1> to the west of the Vinton that is located in Roanoke County.
      • For more information, please visit our profile page for the El Paso County community of Vinton.
    • West Virginia
      • Nicholas County
      • This community is historic<3> and we have very little information. For the information that we do have, please visit our profile page for the West Virginia community of Vinton [Nicholas County].

Curious and Interesting Names Near Vinton ...

As we travel, we always see a community with a name that gives pause. While there are names which are interesting or familiar, some catch our attention or strike our fancy. We always wonder about such a name. If time permits and the community is not too far, we'll usually try to make a side-trip.

  • Bluestone
    (2 miles [3.2 km] to the northwest)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Bluestone have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Bluestone
    • Bluestone is located in Roanoke City
  • Cedar Bluff
    (2 miles [3.2 km] to the southwest)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Cedar Bluff have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Cedar Bluff
    • Cedar Bluff is located in Roanoke City
  • Colonial Trail
    (2 miles [3.2 km] to the north)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Colonial Trail have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Colonial Trail
    • Colonial Trail is located in Roanoke County
  • Dundee
    (2 miles [3.2 km] to the south)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Dundee have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Dundee
    • Dundee is located in Roanoke County
  • Eden Park
    (3 miles [4.8 km] to the northwest)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Eden Park have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Eden Park
    • Eden Park is located in Roanoke City
  • Falling Creek
    (2 miles [3.2 km] to the northeast)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Falling Creek have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Falling Creek
    • Falling Creek is located in Roanoke County
  • Foxfire
    (2 miles [3.2 km] to the southeast)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Foxfire have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Foxfire
    • Foxfire is located in Roanoke County
  • Garden City
    (3 miles [4.8 km] to the southwest)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Garden City have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Garden City
    • Garden City is located in Roanoke City
  • Heritage Acres
    (3 miles [4.8 km] to the west)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Heritage Acres have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Heritage Acres
    • Heritage Acres is located in Roanoke City
  • Hickory Woods
    (Less than 2 miles to the north)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Hickory Woods have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Hickory Woods
    • Hickory Woods is located in Roanoke City
  • Huntridge
    (3 miles [4.8 km] to the north)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Huntridge have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Huntridge
    • Huntridge is located in Roanoke County
  • Jamestown Place
    (2 miles [3.2 km] to the southwest)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Jamestown Place have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Jamestown Place
    • Jamestown Place is located in Roanoke City
  • Continue List   (21 more) ...
    • Janette Land
      (3 miles [4.8 km] to the southwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Janette Land have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Janette Land
      • Janette Land is located in Roanoke City
    • Liberty Land
      (2 miles [3.2 km] to the northwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Liberty Land have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Liberty Land
      • Liberty Land is located in Roanoke City
    • Lilly View
      (Less than 2 miles to the west)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Lilly View have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Lilly View
      • Lilly View is located in Roanoke City
    • Lincoln Court
      (2 miles [3.2 km] to the west)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Lincoln Court have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Lincoln Court
      • Lincoln Court is located in Roanoke City
    • Lynn Haven
      (Less than 2 miles to the east)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Lynn Haven have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Lynn Haven
      • Lynn Haven is located in Roanoke County
    • Mayflower Hills
      (3 miles [4.8 km] to the southeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Mayflower Hills have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Mayflower Hills
      • Mayflower Hills is located in Roanoke County
    • Meadowland
      (2 miles [3.2 km] to the west)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Meadowland have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Meadowland
      • Meadowland is located in Roanoke City
    • Meadowview
      (3 miles [4.8 km] to the northwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Meadowview have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Meadowview
      • Meadowview is located in Roanoke City
    • Mount Pleasant
      (3 miles [4.8 km] to the south)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Mount Pleasant have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Mount Pleasant
      • Mount Pleasant is located in Roanoke County
    • Mountain View
      (3 miles [4.8 km] to the west)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Mountain View have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Mountain View
      • Mountain View is located in Roanoke City
    • Muse
      (2 miles [3.2 km] to the east)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Muse have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Muse
      • Muse is located in Roanoke County
    • River Edge
      (Less than 2 miles to the southeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for River Edge have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for River Edge
      • River Edge is located in Roanoke County
    • Rockydale
      (2 miles [3.2 km] to the northwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Rockydale have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Rockydale
      • Rockydale is located in Roanoke City
    • Round Hill Park
      (3 miles [4.8 km] to the west)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Round Hill Park have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Round Hill Park
      • Round Hill Park is located in Roanoke City
    • Rugby
      (3 miles [4.8 km] to the west)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Rugby have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Rugby
      • Rugby is located in Roanoke City
    • Shadeland
      (2 miles [3.2 km] to the west)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Shadeland have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Shadeland
      • Shadeland is located in Roanoke City
    • Sleepy Hollow
      (3 miles [4.8 km] to the northwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Sleepy Hollow have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Sleepy Hollow
      • Sleepy Hollow is located in Roanoke City
    • Spring Grove
      (Less than 2 miles to the east)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Spring Grove have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Spring Grove
      • Spring Grove is located in Roanoke County
    • Springtree
      (Less than 2 miles to the north)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Springtree have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Springtree
      • Springtree is located in Roanoke City
    • Sunrise Heights
      (Less than 2 miles to the northwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Sunrise Heights have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Sunrise Heights
      • Sunrise Heights is located in Roanoke City
    • Vista Heights
      (3 miles [4.8 km] to the northwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Vista Heights have been provided by the GNIS.<4> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Vista Heights
      • Vista Heights is located in Roanoke County

How Far From Vinton to ...

We spend a lot of time looking through Gazetteers & Almanacs that were published in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Many of the Gazetteers include the distance from a town such as Vinton to various places of note, such as the White House.

With a nod to our favorite Gazetteers, the straight-line distance beginning in Vinton and extending to:

  • Richmond, which is the State Capital of Virginia, lies 136 miles [218.9 km]<1> to the east (E). If you could drive a straight line from Vinton to Richmond, with an average speed<5>of 63 miles [101.4 km] per hour, it would take less than three hours to make the trip. A comfortable walk of 2.2 miles [3.5 km] per hour would take 8 days. A horse and buggy averaging 3.2 miles [5.1 km] per hour would take 6 days.
  • The White House (Washington, DC) is 191 miles [307.4 km] to the northeast (NE). Driving would take a little over three hours, a buggy would take 8 days and walking would take 11 days.
  • The shortest distance<6> to Jerusalem (specifically the Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock) is 6,089 miles [9,799.3 km] and it lies to the northeast (NE).<7>
  • The distance to the Great Mosque of Mecca (specifically the Ka'bah - or Kaaba ) is 6,794 miles [10,933.9 km] and it lies to the northeast (NE).<8>
  • The distance to Saint Peter's Basilica (The Vatican) is 4,671 miles [7,517.2 km] and it lies to the northeast (NE).<9>

Footnotes ...

<1>Our distances are not driving distances, but are calculated as a 'straight-line' distance. A straight line distance ignores things like rivers, canyons, lakes, et cetera - it's truly a line drawn from Point A (ie- Vinton) to Point B.Our distance measurements begin at a specific point in Vinton. The point we use is located at these GPS coordinates - Latitude: 37.2809, Longitude: -79.8973    
<2>If we encounter the name of what might be a community, our methodology is to add that name to our Gazetteer as a placeholder. As we find more information about that community, it will be added to our Gazetteer.

Just as a reminder: Our definition of a community is rather broad and includes those places (or areas) where several families lived and had a name which identified that place. For example, you might hear somebody say that they are going over to Bird Creek to see Pete ... Bird Creek is just a gas station and a couple of homes at the crossroads. While it might not be on the map, everybody in the area knows it by that name.

Places of interest include buildings at a crossroad, several families clustered in a hollow or maybe the location of a way station. It also includes places like mines, lumber camps, ferry crossings, etc. The community might still exist, is now gone or only existed for just a short period of time.

Also keep in mind that Vinton could have been on the original document by mistake, misspelled, the original/alternate name of a community that we've listed elsewhere or was placed in the wrong county. Sometimes a post office or train station would have a different name than the community where it's located, so two names might be referring to the same community - we're working to straighten it all out.
<3>We use the term 'Historic' broadly and it generally means that the community no longer exists. However, it can also mean that the community might still exist, but was significantly larger or had a more 'official' existence in the past than it does now. Unfortunately our sources of data have proven to be unreliable. If you can provide us with more specific information about Vinton, please let us know so that we can improve our accuracy.
<4>The location has been supplied by the Geographic Names Information System - which is maintained by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). While these values should be definitive, we found that accuracy can vary and you should double-check the location if accuracy is required.
<5>While we have tried to pick reasonable speeds, the rate of travel is very theoretical - obstacles like fences, hills, lakes, river crossings and rest stops have been ignored. When we say 'Days' of travel, we're assuming 8 hours of travel per day.
<6>The shortest line can be visualized by stretching a string on a Globe from Point A to Point B - this is known as a Great Circle Route. Where you might expect the shortest route from Vinton to the Middle East to be East and South, the Great Circle Route actually lies to the North and East.
<7>The calculated bearing (or angle) to Jerusalem is 309.646 degrees.
<8>The calculated bearing (or angle) to Mecca is 305.196 degrees.
<9>The calculated bearing (or angle) to the Vatican is 306.481 degrees.