“Giollachrist: This World Below” is a haunting fictional story that takes place in Botetourt County. It was written by local author Rachel Nicole Edwards and is the winner of the Melanie Hook Rice Award In The Novel. Rachel has given the Botetourt Museum of History & Culture permission to use her cover picture and do this article.
Her book is available in the museum bookstore and tells the story of an Irish family. When they arrive in America their Irish heritage and culture are not always welcomed.
With the Civil War looming, they come to live and work for the Catawba Coal and Iron Company. At the time mining and the manufacture of pig iron was not only profitable, but dangerous.
The original Botetourt County Catawba Furnace was built in 1830 and was located on 10,000 acres. Today, it is listed on the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and is located in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest.
The word “Giollachist” means servant of God in the Irish Gaelic-English Dictionary. For more information, read this fascinating book. Rachel’s Instagram handle is @rachel.nicole.edwards.author.
~ Botetourt County Museum of History & Culture
