On Saturday, June 10 the public can experience a unique learning opportunity about the history of the Town of Fincastle. An educational walking tour, with the added provision of transportation between sites for those requesting this option, is being offered through the partnership of Mountain Valley Preservation Alliance Inc. and Historic Fincastle Inc.
Some historians have described Fincastle as being one of the most significant historic towns in the Commonwealth as a last outpost that served as a supply station for settlers heading to the Western Frontier. The public is invited to step back in time and visit inside some of its early 18th century homes that were initially one room log cabins with lofts for sleeping; then, move into the 1800s to tour homes like the Godwin Cottage, a brick Federal structure thought to have been based on a design by Thomas Jefferson (before 1880); and then, into the 20th century to view the present day Botetourt Courthouse, this fourth rendition built in 1975 after destroyed by fire in 1970, but maintained much of the second structure’s design drawn by Thomas Jefferson and rebuilt in 1818.
This event will also expose you to facts you might not know such as: Fincastle’s name was once “Monroe;” the town was a haven for education in the 1800s with schools like The Fincastle Academy with students such as Billy Preston of Greenfield and best friend and brother-in-law of famed Expedition explorer, William Clark; and, in 1916, the Roanoke-Fincastle Automobile Passenger Co. began to provide transportation service between the two towns.
The cost per adult attendee is $ 25 for MVPA members and HFI members; $ 30 non-members; and $ 12 for children 12 and up. The fee includes a box lunch from Heritage Family Market in Fincastle. Registration forms with additional details can be downloaded from the following websites: www.hisfin.org; and http://mountainvalleypreservation.org. Complete the form and return with check to MVPA, P.O. Box 525, Lexington, 24450 by May 30 (the day after Memorial Day holiday).
Corporate sponsorship for this event is provided by Bank of Botetourt. For further information, contact either Sharon Horn, 540-430-0910, hi.meadows.farm@gmail.com; or Peggy Crosson, 540-354-9698, margaretcrosson@msn.com.
