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Martin Luther King, Jr., stature silhouetted against a blue sky in Roanoke, VA.

Gainsboro

Located just north of the bustling downtown, the neighborhood of Gainsboro provides a link to Roanoke’s past.

Cultural Hub

Take in a show at the Dumas Center, admire the architecture of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, browse the Gainsboro Library and Archives, or stroll along the Historic Walk.

Exterior shot of the Gainsboro Library in Roanoke, VA. There is a historical placard in front of the building
Mural depicting the Black history of the Gainsboro neighborhood in Roanoke, VA. The Wells Fargo building peeks over the top of the mural in the background.

Walking Distance to Downtown

Gainsboro is just minutes from the dining, shopping, hotels, and culture of downtown Roanoke.

Greenway Access

Cruise along the designated bike lanes or take a walk along the protected greenways.

Paved greenway path weaves through the trees and is lined by green grass on a sunny day.

About Gainsboro

Gainsboro is a mix of business, churches, public spaces, and residential areas. It boasts numerous landmarks that preserve the rich cultural heritage of Roanoke, and was also home to many African Americans whose achievements had an impact on our nation.The historic Henry Street, once Gainsboro’s village center, was formerly a major economic hub for the region’s African-American community. This neighborhood is conveniently located, offering access to downtown Roanoke and other areas of the bustling city.

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Life in Gainsboro

  • Exterior photo of Saint Andrew's Catholic Church in Roanoke, VA. It is yellow in color with two large spires reaching into the blue sky.
    Visit historic landmarks
  • Stone wall with long metal sign that reads "Historic Gainsboro."
  • Exterior shot of the Gainsboro Library in Roanoke, VA. There is a historical placard in front of the building
  • Martin Luther King, Jr., stature silhouetted against a blue sky in Roanoke, VA.
    Visit the MLK Bridge and statue linking downtown to the neighborhood.
  • Historical placard for Oscar Micheaux outside the culinary school for the Roanoke Higher Ed Center.
  • Mural depicting the Black history of the Gainsboro neighborhood in Roanoke, VA. The Wells Fargo building peeks over the top of the mural in the background.
  • Train at Roanoke train station and passengers milling about on the platform.
  • Metal sculpture at the entrance to the Gainsboro neighborhood.
  • Exterior shot of the historic Hotel Roanoke in Roanoke, VA.

Explore More Neighborhoods

  • Colorful public art in the Melrose-Rugby Neighborhood in Roanoke, VA. Neighborhood

    Melrose-Rugby

    Propelled by the expansion of the streetcar into the area, Melrose-Rugby is the heart of Roanoke’s Northwest quadrant.

  • The Alexander Gish House in the Old Southwest neighborhood of Roanoke, VA Neighborhood

    Old Southwest

    Known for a strong community of diverse residents who lovingly care for its array of unique, turn-of-the-century homes.

  • View of downtown Roanoke on a sunny summer day with the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background. Neighborhood

    Downtown Roanoke

    The central hub of Roanoke is home to 2,500 residents, major employers, a multitude of locally-owned businesses, and more than 70 restaurants.

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