By Matt de Simone
As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026, Botetourt County organizations are inviting residents and visitors to explore the region’s history through a new series of community events known as the Botetourt County Spirit Trail 1776–2026.
The Spirit Trail will feature three public events this spring and early summer — April 11, May 9 and June 13 — designed to celebrate Botetourt County’s heritage while bringing people together around local history, agriculture and culture.
Organized by the county’s VA250 Committee and the Botetourt Preservation Partnership, the initiative is part of broader efforts across Virginia to commemorate the nation’s semi-quincentennial.
“We wanted to find a way to celebrate Botetourt County and its influence during the Revolutionary era,” said Patsy Dickerson, president of Historic Fincastle, Inc. “Even though there were no battles fought here, the county played an important role by providing leaders, iron works and citizens who supported the cause.”
Dickerson said the idea grew from discussions among local historical and civic groups about how to highlight the county’s contributions while also encouraging collaboration among organizations that preserve Botetourt’s heritage.
“Many of our groups were doing wonderful things, but they were often working separately,” she said. “One of the goals of the partnership has been to bring those organizations together so we can share information, support each other and create events the whole community can enjoy.”
Although Botetourt County was largely frontier territory during the 18th century, historians say it played an important role in the broader story of America’s founding.
The county served as a gateway along the Great Wagon Road, a major migration route carrying settlers south and west through the Appalachian Valley. Families who settled in Botetourt helped push the frontier forward while contributing soldiers, supplies and leadership to the Revolutionary cause.
Among the figures associated with the region were frontier leaders such as Andrew Lewis and members of prominent families including the Prestons and the Christians.
“Botetourt County appears frequently in archival records from the 1700s,” Dickerson said. “It was an important western outpost at the time and helped supply people and resources for the war effort.”
For members of the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, highlighting that history is central to their mission.
“Our goal is to make people aware of the history where we live,” said Betty Holt, regent of the Botetourt County DAR chapter. “So many important events and people came out of this region, but many residents today may not realize how significant the area was during the early years of the country.”
Holt said community projects like the Spirit Trail help connect residents with that legacy.
“It’s important that people understand the sacrifices and efforts of the people who lived here before us,” she said. “These events are a way to keep that history alive.”
The Spirit Trail events will take place at locations around the county and are designed to combine history with family-friendly activities and local culture.
Organizers say visitors can expect live music, food vendors and presentations highlighting aspects of Botetourt’s past, including agriculture, the James River and the county’s early settlements.
“We hope people come out, have fun, meet someone new and maybe learn something about Botetourt County that they didn’t know before,” Dickerson said.
The events are intended to appeal to a wide audience — local residents, visitors, families and history enthusiasts alike.
“They’re really for anyone who wants to enjoy the county and its heritage,” Dickerson said.
Looking ahead, the Spirit Trail is only one piece of a broader effort leading up to the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
Local organizations — including historic groups, libraries, genealogical societies and preservation groups — are working together to highlight different aspects of Botetourt’s history through programs, lectures and special projects.
Organizers hope the Spirit Trail will help build momentum for those efforts while strengthening connections within the community.
“Botetourt County has a long and fascinating history,” Holt said. “If these events encourage people to learn more about it and appreciate the place where they live, then we’ve accomplished something worthwhile.”
More details about the Spirit Trail events and other VA250 programs in Botetourt County will be announced in the coming weeks. Residents are encouraged to watch for updates as the first event approaches in April.
