Roanoke County is an independent city located at Virginia, USA. Its name was derived from an Indian term which means "shell money". It is situated near the Roanoke River in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The county was formed in 1898 and was named for the Roanoke River. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 650 square kilometers. It is divided into five Supervisory Districts: Catawba, Cave Spring, Hollins, Vinton, and Windsor Hills. The incorporated town of Vinton is the only incorporated town situated within the county. Since the areas of the county are rural and mountainous, most inhabitants reside in suburbs in the Roanoke Valley.

The county is known for its local festivals such as the Appalachian Folk Festival which is celebrated during the month of April. Another is celebrated every May, called the Festival in the Park. Moreover, there are several significant historic sites, especially museums found in the county such as the Virginia Museum of Transportation, Museums of Art, History and Science of Western Virginia, and the Harrison Museum of African-American Culture.