One of the more interesting artifacts found under the floor of the Western Hotel in Fincastle after the History Museum moved out was the discovery of this leather shoe. When the brick hotel was built in 1809 the culture of superstition was commonplace. It was believed that hiding a single shoe under the floor would bring protection from evil spirits and misfortune in early America and Europe. Examples of “concealed shoes,” as they were called, have been found in historic properties across Virginia. These offer a glance into the hopes and fears of past generations and those that came to Botetourt.
The Botetourt County Historical Society, Inc., has submitted this shoe to be included in the Northampton Museum in England’s “Concealed Shoe Index.” As of 2025 there are about 3,000 shoes listed from approximately 2,000 locations in their records.
Today, this old shoe is on exhibit at the Botetourt Museum of History & Culture on Main Street in Fincastle, along with other artifacts found under the floors of the Western Hotel.
~ Botetourt County Museum of History & Culture
