Botetourt County, Virginia

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Botetourt County, Virginia is a county located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 33,596. The county seat is Fincastle. Botetourt County is part of the Roanoke Metropolitan Statistical Area and is known for its rich history and scenic landscapes.

History

Botetourt County was established in 1770 from part of Augusta County. It was named for Norborne Berkeley, 4th Baron Botetourt, a popular royal governor of the Virginia Colony. The county originally extended all the way to the Mississippi River, but its boundaries were later reduced as new counties were formed.

Geography

Botetourt County is located in the western part of Virginia and is part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The county has a total area of 546 square miles, of which 541 square miles is land and 5.1 square miles is water. The James River flows through the county, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities.

Adjacent Counties

• Alleghany County (north)
• Rockbridge County (northeast)
• Bedford County (southeast)
• Roanoke County (south)
• Craig County (west)

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 33,596 people, 13,500 households, and 9,500 families residing in the county. The population density was 62 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White, with smaller percentages of African American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents.

Economy

The economy of Botetourt County is diverse, with key sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. The county is home to several industrial parks and has a growing number of small businesses. Agriculture remains an important part of the local economy, with many farms producing crops and livestock.

Education

Botetourt County Public Schools operates the public school system, which includes several elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. The county is also served by the Roanoke Valley Governor's School for Science and Technology and the Jackson River Governor's School.

Transportation

Major highways in Botetourt County include Interstate 81, U.S. Route 11, and U.S. Route 220. The county is also served by the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, which provides commercial air service to the region.

Communities

Towns

• Buchanan
• Fincastle
• Troutville

Unincorporated Communities

• Blue Ridge
• Daleville
• Eagle Rock

Notable People

• William Clark, explorer and co-leader of the Lewis and Clark Expedition
• John Breckinridge, U.S. Attorney General and Senator

See Also

• List of counties in Virginia
• History of Virginia
• Blue Ridge Mountains
• James River