This 1800s photograph is of the Godwin House in Fincastle. It was where “Nannie” Ann Godwin Figgat grew up and wrote some of her letters, diary and recipes. Thomas G. and Martha Mary Godwin were her parents and their letters also told of life during the Civil War in this home. Gail McMillan and Jean C. Robbins used these documents to write their book “Dear Nannie…Yours Devotedly, Charlie” which tells about mid 19th century life in Southwest Virginia. Inside the book’s cover is a 1880 “Gray’s New Map of Fincastle” showing the location of this house on the corner of Church and Main Streets. “The Figgats’ Fincastle Life in Botetourt in the 1800s” is on exhibit with this photograph on the first floor of the Botetourt History Museum. It has more information and is on display until the end of September.
~ Botetourt County Museum of History & Culture
