250+1 Years of Delight - Botetourt County Decorative Arts

2020 marked the 250th anniversary of the formation of Botetourt County, Virginia—a countythat continued west to the Mississippi River, and stretched northward into the Ohio River ValleyTerritory at its formation in 1770. Travelers along the Great Wagon Road, running south fromPhiladelphia, passed through Botetourt on their way westward. As a result, Botetourt became abustling commercial outpost, attracting a number of skilled craftsmen and artisans. Botetourt’sbackcountry style, as well as its imports of Philadelphia and Baltimore styles, can be seen in avariety of common household items, highlighting dual purposes of functionality and aesthetics.This exhibition showcased the county’s rich material culture, as well as began a more expansivestudy on Botetourt’s history through the decorative arts.