By Matt de Simone
The Botetourt County Historical Society (BCHS) and the Botetourt Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) hosted “Remembering the Botetourt Resolutions” last Friday evening at the Kyle House in Fincastle. This event coincided with a resolution passed by the Board of Supervisors, officially designating March 9 through 15 as “Botetourt Resolutions Week” to honor the historical resolutions of 1775.
The sold-out event featured a historical re-enactment of the events leading to the drafting of the Botetourt Resolutions and their significant impact in Richmond, Va. and Philadelphia, Pa. Brenda Noszek directed the re-enactment, which included the following cast members: Garrett Channel (Andrew Lewis), Jeff Briggs (John Bowyer), Tommy Moore (John May), Steve Aaron (Patrick Henry), Sam Winkler (Peyton Randolph), Kevin Bertholf (Stephen Trigg), Michael Beahm (Samuel McDowell), Danny Kyle (William Christian), and Tim Noszek (Richard Henry Lee).
Narrator Robin Reed provided context for the historical scenes, explaining how Virginia prepared to defend its freedom. James River student Kaeli Berry added to the atmosphere, performing patriotic songs on the fiddle throughout the evening.
BCHS President Ed Holt expressed gratitude to the performers and all those who helped make the event possible. “What we’re trying to do is connect what happened here in 1775 with what happened in Philadelphia in 1776,” Holt explained. “And there is a direct correlation.”
The Botetourt Resolutions were a series of declarations made by the people of Botetourt County in 1775 in response to rising tensions between the American colonies and Britain. These resolutions were part of the larger wave of Colonial resistance that ultimately led to the American Revolution.
Botetourt DAR Regent Betty Holt shared a powerful quote following the performance: “‘I am bound to their history. I cherish their lives. I will tell their story. I will remember them, for I am the result of the very love, struggle, sacrifice, and journey of thousands.’ That is so true.”
The resolutions were a formal expression of discontent with the British government, particularly the Intolerable Acts (also known as the Coercive Acts), which were punitive measures imposed on Massachusetts by the British in response to the Boston Tea Party. In their resolutions, the people of Botetourt County condemned these actions, expressed support for the colonies’ right to self-governance, and called for boycotts of British goods. They also pledged to support the colonies’ efforts to resist British oppression.
BCHS has a variety of events scheduled throughout the year to honor history, including a lecture on the History of Carvins Cove on March 25, a historic kayak tour of the James River on May 31, and the return of the “History After Dark” lecture series at 1772 Rooftop on Main from May through September.
The Botetourt DAR will also celebrate its 60th anniversary at the historic Wilson Warehouse in Buchanan on May 10. For more information about both organizations, visit bothistsoc.wordpress.com and DAR.org.
Photos by Matt de Simone
