
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, October 7, 1993                   TAG: 9310070512
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: W-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Charles Stebbins
DATELINE: NEW CASTLE                                LENGTH: Short

CRAIG THINKS NEW ROAD DESIGNATION MIGHT HELP TOURISM

Craig County, a rural Virginia community with strong Southern sentiments, may make an effort to commemorate the memory of a Union Army officer.

But it would be in the interest of tourism.

Bruce Lee, a Craig resident, suggested Monday that the Board of Supervisors seek to have Virginia 311 designated in memory of Gen. David Hunter.

He said the highway should be designated "Hunter's Retreat Route" in the interest of tourism.

The supervisors expressed interest and asked Lee to get the historical facts.

Hunter was a Union Army general who met some success in battles in Georgia, South Carolina, Florida and West Virginia, according to history books. But when he attempted to storm Lynchburg on June 18, 1864, he was repulsed by the forces of Confederate Gen. Jubal Early. Hunter retreated to Hanging Rock in Roanoke County and then along a route that is now Virginia 311.

Lee said the county could publicize the route to attract tourists.

by CNB