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Suggested Itinerary Civil War Sites and Lewis & Clark

  • Address
    Main Street
    Fincastle, VA 24090
  • Phone
    540-473-1167 (Office of Tourism)
  • City
    Fincastle
    Locality
    Botetourt
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  • Visit Site

Step back in time and roam the streets of Fincastle, in Botetourt County, just as Meriwether Lewis and William Clark did. Established in 1770 and incorporated in 1772, today Fincastle is a virtual museum of American architecture from the late 1770's
through the 21st century. The courthouse square contains the Jeffersonian courthouse, a Victorian-style jail and the old Western Hotel. Three antebellum and two late 19th century churches still serve their congregations and the streets are lined with a variety of architectural styles.

Take a walking tour of this historic town and see numerous buildings and sites including the Botetourt County Courthouse where records date back to 1770 and are available for historical and genealogical research. View the marriage documents reflecting William Clark's marriage to Julia Hancock of Fincastle, a cousin, on January 5, 1808 following the completion of the expedition of the Louisiana Purchase. Learn about the visits of Lewis and Clark to Fincastle and their impact on the town.

Visit the Botetourt County Historic Museum located in what was once the law office of General James Breckinridge who fought in the American Revolutionary War and served as a brigadier-general during the War of 1812.

Just minutes away, enjoy lunch and a spot of tea at the White Oak Tea Tavern. This pub-style tearoom is located in
the historic Cloyd House, circa 1783. While you dine and relax by the fire, take a few moments to read about the fascinating history of the cabin.

After lunch, head north to Buchanan, Botetourt County's largest incorporated town. Take a historic walking tour and explore one of the lesser known sites of the War Between the States in downtown Buchanan. Discover how this tiny riverfront community nestled within the steep slopes of the Blue Ridge and Alleghany Mountains was thrust into the battle of Hunter's Raid and
about the burning of the bridge across the James River to delay Hunter's troops.

Walk across the swinging bridge and then enjoy a relaxing, scenic float on the Upper James River Water Trail either by kayak, canoe or raft. See the canals and locks on sites personally surveyed by George Washington. Fourteen miles of the river through Botetourt County have been designated as a Virginia Scenic River and the remains of locks built by immigrant stonemasons using rock quarried from the nearby mountains can still be seen today.

Take time before departing to enjoy a slice of "small town America". Buchanan's Main Street is home to general stores, specialty shops, furniture, antiques, art galleries, B&B's, Inns, restaurants, banks, a pharmacy and historic theatre.

Botetourt County...Start Exploring!

Region

Virginia Mountains

Last Updated: 04/08/2013

Related Listings

  • Botetourt County Courthouse
    Botetourt County Courthouse
    1 Main Street
    Fincastle, VA 24090
  • Buchanan Rail Car Inn
    Buchanan Rail Car Inn
    128 15th Street
    Buchanan, VA 24066
  • James River House
    James River House
    19837 Main Street
    Buchanan, VA 24066
  • The Buchanan Theatre
    The Buchanan Theatre
    Buchanan Theatre
    19778 Main Street
    Buchanan, VA 24066
  • Town of Buchanan
    Town of Buchanan
    Downtown Buchanan
    19753 Main Street
    Buchanan, VA 24066
  • Unique places to visit in Botetourt County
    Unique places to visit in Botetourt County
    16 East Main Street
    Box 4
    Fincastle, VA 24090
  • Upper James River Water Trail
    Upper James River Water Trail
    640 Lowe Street
    Buchanan, VA 24066
  • Wattstull Inn
    Wattstull Inn
    130 Arcadia Road
    Exit 168 off Interstate 81
    Buchanan, VA 24066

What's Nearby

  • Botetourt County Historical Museum
    Botetourt County Historical Museum
    1 West Main Street
    Fincastle, VA 24090
    0.01 MI
  • Botetourt County Courthouse
    Botetourt County Courthouse
    1 Main Street
    Fincastle, VA 24090
    0.02 MI
  • Art Images - Ed Bordett and Brett LaGue
    Art Images - Ed Bordett and Brett LaGue
    5 West Main Street
    Fincastle, VA 24090
    0.03 MI
  • Town of Fincastle
    Town of Fincastle
    25 Bank Square
    Fincastle, VA 24090
    0.03 MI
  • Jacob Cress, Furniture Maker
    Jacob Cress, Furniture Maker
    Box 76, 110 Roanoke Street
    Fincastle, VA 24090
    0.03 MI

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