Bonsack, Virginia facts for kids

Bonsack is a small community in eastern Roanoke County, Virginia, United States. It's not a city or town with its own government, but a group of homes and businesses without official borders. You can find Bonsack near where two main roads, US 460 and US 220 Alternate, meet.

History of Bonsack

Bonsack is located along an old road called the "Trader's Path." This path was created around 1740. It helped settlers and traders travel from central Virginia into the Roanoke Valley. Today, part of this path is Highway 460.

After the American Revolutionary War, many German Baptists, also known as the "Church of the Brethren," settled here. The community had different names over time. It was finally named "Bonsack" after a family donated land for a train depot and tracks. This was for the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad, built in 1852.

During the American Civil War, Bonsack had two factories that made blankets. People say that one factory was burned by Union soldiers. The other factory was saved because its owner promised not to sell blankets to Confederate merchants. Jacob Bonsack (1819-1889) owned these woolen mills. By 1860, his mills employed 18 men and were worth a lot of money.

In June 1864, Union General David Hunter's troops raided Bonsack. They burned the woolen mill and the train depot. They also took food and destroyed personal items.

The town is also linked to James Albert Bonsack. He was a former resident who invented the first practical cigarette paper rolling machine in 1880. However, other stories say the name came earlier, in the 1850s. This was when the Bonsack family gave land for the railroad.

Bonsack also had a short mining boom in the 1880s. Zinc was discovered near the railroad depot. In 1888, about 11,878 tons of zinc ore were shipped out. But mining stopped by 1895.

In the 1920s, the Bonsack area was famous for its orchards. They grew many apples and peaches. The Roanoke area was a top producer of peaches and apples in Virginia. They also grew pears, grapes, raspberries, plums, and strawberries.

The local cemetery in Bonsack has a long history. It was first studied in 1936. Grave markers from the 1800s were found there. Some people believe the cemetery dates back to 1790.

Today, Bonsack has about 20 historic buildings. The community is working to protect its history.

Education in Bonsack

Students in Bonsack attend schools run by Roanoke County Public Schools.

• Younger students go to Bonsack Elementary School.
• Middle school students attend William Byrd Middle School.
• High school students go to William Byrd High School.

For higher education, colleges are located nearby in Hollins and Roanoke.

Community Services

Public Safety

The Roanoke County Police Department provides law enforcement for Bonsack.

Fire protection and emergency medical services (EMS) are provided by the Botetourt County Department of Fire and EMS and the Roanoke County Fire & Rescue Department.

Transportation

Air Travel

The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport is the closest airport. It offers commercial flights for the community.

Roads

Bonsack is served by several important roads:

• U.S. Route 220A (Challenger Avenue and Cloverdale Road)
• U.S. Route 221 (Challenger Avenue)
• U.S. Route 460 (Challenger Avenue)

Rail Travel

The Norfolk Southern Blue Ridge District train line runs through Bonsack. The closest place to catch a passenger train is at the Roanoke station.