History happens everywhere.
A new poster exhibit at the Botetourt County Museum of History & Culture in Fincastle is shining a light on lesser-known local stories across Virginia, using historic maps to connect them along Bicycle Route 76. Centered on transportation as a unifying theme, each story takes place on or near the route, offering a fresh perspective on the region’s past.
Created in 1976 to celebrate the nation’s bicentennial, Bicycle Route 76 spans the continental United States, guiding cyclists from Yorktown, Va., to Astoria, Ore. This exhibit focuses specifically on the Virginia portion of the route.
Each map in the exhibit highlights the route in red, with individual story locations marked by a bicycle icon, making it easy for viewers to follow along geographically.
The exhibit is affiliated with the Bike76 VA Project. More information is available at https://bike76-va.vt.domains/home/. A related podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. In addition, the website features the Bike76 VA Blog, which includes weekly essays beginning in 2025 that explore historical themes connected to Route 76 in Virginia.
Episodes 18 and 19 highlight Buchanan’s and Troutville’s roles in the project.
In 1976, thousands of cyclists participated in the Bikecentennial, riding a 4,000-mile route from Yorktown, Va., to Astoria, Ore. This route– now known as the TransAmerica Bicycle Route 76– serves as the foundation for this innovative public history project. The initiative documents the historical locations, events, and individuals encountered along the route, with a particular focus on those traveling by bicycle across Virginia.
To learn more about the exhibit or explore the many stories preserved by the Botetourt County Museum of History & Culture, visitors are encouraged to stop by in person or reach out directly. The museum is located at 26 East Main Street in Fincastle, and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information about exhibits, programs, or group visits, call 540-473-0148 or visit the museum’s website to stay connected with upcoming events and local history initiatives.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
