Located just east of Roanoke, Vinton is a small yet vibrant town with a charming history and close-knit community. Founded around the 18th-century gristmill operated by the Gish family, Vinton began as a settlement known as Gish’s Mill. The arrival of the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Ohio Railroad in the late 19th century transformed the area into a bustling train depot. By 1884, thanks to the leadership of the Gish family, the town was officially incorporated as Vinton, marking its emergence as an important residential and transportation hub in the Roanoke Valley.

Vinton proper covers just over three square miles but offers varied topography, beautiful natural surroundings, and easy access to the amenities of the larger Roanoke metropolitan area. Though it shares much of its western border with Roanoke, Vinton retains a unique small-town charm. It serves as a bedroom community for the city, offering residents the benefits of suburban living with close proximity to urban conveniences.