Gilmer, Roanoke, Virginia facts for kids
Gilmer is a cool neighborhood located right in the middle of Roanoke, Virginia, in the USA. It's a place where people live, work, and play together. This area grew up in the 1920s, starting as an early "suburb" of Roanoke. A suburb is like a smaller town or area just outside a bigger city.
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Discovering Gilmer: A Roanoke Neighborhood
A neighborhood is a part of a town or city where people live close to each other. Gilmer is one of these special areas in central Roanoke. It has its own unique history and community spirit.
Where is Gilmer Located?
Gilmer is easy to find on a map of Roanoke. It sits right next to the Norfolk Southern rail yard. This is a big area where trains are stored and moved around. Gilmer shares its borders with other neighborhoods:
- To the north, you'll find Harrison.
- To the east, there's Gainsboro.
- To the west, you'll see Loudon-Melrose.
South of Gilmer are the West End and Hurt Park neighborhoods. You can get to these areas by crossing the 10th Street Bridge. This bridge goes over the "railroad gulch," which is a dip or valley where the train tracks run.
How Gilmer Began
Gilmer started to grow and develop in the 1920s. At that time, Roanoke was expanding, and people needed more places to live. Because it was close to the busy rail yard, it became a good spot for workers and their families. This made Gilmer one of the first "suburbs" of Roanoke.
The Importance of the Rail Yard
The rail yard played a big part in Gilmer's early growth. Train yards are important hubs for moving goods and people. Being close to such a busy area meant jobs and opportunities for many people. It helped the neighborhood become a lively place.
Community Support in Gilmer
The Gilmer neighborhood has a special group that helps it grow and improve. This group is called the Northwest Neighborhood Environmental Organization. It was started in 1980.
What is a Community Development Corporation?
The Northwest Neighborhood Environmental Organization is a type of group known as a community development corporation. These organizations work to make neighborhoods better places to live. They might help with things like:
- Improving homes and buildings.
- Creating new parks or community spaces.
- Supporting local businesses.
- Helping residents with different needs.
Their goal is to strengthen the community and improve the quality of life for everyone in Gilmer.
