by Debra Alderson McClane (Author)
Located at the southern end of the Shenandoah Valley, Botetourt County's history is closely tied to its role as a transportation crossroads. The area's 18th-century trails and wagon roads have long since transformed into today's US Route 11 and Interstate 81. Many traveled along these earlier routes and found lodging at some of Botetourt County's inns and taverns, such as "Hotel Sam" Obenshain's Blue Ridge Hall, or at roadside motels like the Royal and the Shenandoah. After the Civil War, the hardworking and industrious residents of Botetourt County returned to their respective communities to rebuild; they prospered in agricultural, industrial, and commercial pursuits. Botetourt has also produced talented artisans and craftsmen, such as furniture maker Charles Keeling and coppersmith Porter Caldwell. Through vintage images of the homes and farms of the Bolton family, the Stevens family, and others, Botetourt County Revisited remembers and celebrates the significant impact these individuals had on building the county's strong communities.