Botetourt 250th Celebration Facts: Arcadia in NE Botetourt
Arcadia 250th Celebration facts
Arcadia is a community North of Buchanan located east of 1-81, at Exit 168
Three Creeks: Jennings, Middle and North Creeks and the James River are part of this beautiful community situated at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The three creeks are trout streams of some renown.
There is river access for fishing, canoeing and kayaking and camping along the James River for recreation.
In the 19th Century there were some mining camps in the area. One of the oldest and most well-preserved blast furnaces is located at the corner of Solitude Rd and Jennings Creek Rd in what is Arcadia proper. It is on private property and a basketball goal sits in its shadow!
The George Washington National Forest is primary land owner in the in the most eastern reaches beginning about a quarter mile from the old General Store. Once known for the private logging industry, the national forest holds creek access and hiking areas for public use. The road continues on up onto an access to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
What you should know about Arcadia’s history. A little side bar:
A ferry at Indian Rock used to carry people back and forth across the river, no big bridge like today. The miners and loggers could be a rough bunch according to Burleigh Gilliam who heard stories from older family members. He is a long-time resident of the Arcadia community, who once told me in an interview, that often the sheriff could not get over to settle disputes because the ferry was shut down.
Once there was an apparent murder over in a logging camp. By the time the Sheriff got over to the camp a day and a half later, there was no body, and nobody knew nothing!
Story and photos by Cathy Benson, The Botetourt Bee
