While you are in the Blue Ridge
Visit Fincastle VA

By:  M. Callahan

If you are traveling along Route 81 from Northern Virginia to VA Tech, take a break and visit Fincastle just off the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Fincastle was founded in 1772 and named after Lord Fincastle, son of Lord Dunmore, Virginia's last royal governor. Antebellum churches, ancient tree-lined streets, 100 restored homes and a quaint village atmosphere make it a wonderful place to saunter. 

A virtual museum of architectural history dating from the late 1770s to the present day, Fincastle was the home of Julia Hancock who married Explorer William Clark in 1808, a year following his Voyage of Discovery.  The marriage took place at Santillane, a plantation also known as the Col. George Hancock Mansion.  Santillane (ca. 1795) is one of only three residences that are associated with either Clark or Lewis, according to the National Park Service.

The Botetourt County Court House, known to draw visitors from around the country is located in Fincastle and contains genealogical materials and original documents signed by Thomas Jefferson and other famous Virginia/U.S. politicians.

Both the County Courthouse and the Botetourt Historical Museum, housed in a late 18th century building, are filled with records of families who migrated through the Shenandoah Valley on their way south and west.  It also displays fascinating articles of use in daily living dating to 1770.  A tour of this charming village is available, through Historic Fincastle, Inc.  Pick-up the Town of Fincastle Tour Guide always available in a brochure rack outside of the Botetourt County Tourism Office at 16 East Main Street. Historic District Guided Tours: Tours are scheduled by appointment only: Monday - Sunday. Please call to schedule at least two weeks in advance.

Fun Events in Fincastle
Fall Heritage in September
Holiday Home Tour in December
www.botetourtva.gov/about-botetourt/history/

FINCASTLE ARTISAN & FURNITURE DESIGNER

Jacob Cress produces hand-crafted custom and reproduction furniture and antique restorations.  Several museums, including the Renwick, 1661 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20006 (Smithsonian) own Jake's "whimsical" pieces. His work has been written up in The Washington Post and Traditional Home magazine.

If you'd like a piece of this animated or traditional furniture, or a piece custom made, or an antique restored, Jacob will be happy to discuss prices, woods, finishes, and shipping with you.  (Shipping:  large items delivered free of charge within the Mid-Atlantic region)

Jake Cress & Son
110 S. Roanoke St., PO Box 76
Fincastle, VA   24090
questions@jakecress.com     .    
Tel: 1-540-473-2974

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Reproduction of this article or photographs requires the written permission of the author and The ENDEAVOR News Magazine.  Photographs are courtesy of the author with all right of use reserved.

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(Copyright © 2012 Annandale Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.  (Photographs & images, on this page, and on this website, are not available for use by other publications, blogs, individuals, websites, or social media sites.)

 

 

 

 

 

Fun Events in Fincastle
Fall Heritage in September
Holiday Home Tour in December
www.botetourtva.gov/about-botetourt/history

  

(Copyright © 2012 Annandale Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.  (Photographs & images, on this page, and on this website, are not available for use by other publications, blogs, individuals, websites, or social media sites.)  Photo Credit:  Historic Fincastle, Inc.