Roanoke County, with an area of 305 square miles, was formed in 1838 from Botetourt and Montgomery and was probably named for the Roanoke River. General Andrew Lewis lived here. The city of Roanoke is known as the Gate City of the South. Franklin County, with an area of 697 square miles, was formed in 1785 from Henry and Bedford and was later added to from Patrick. It was named for Benjamin Franklin. General Jubal A. Early lived in this county.