Botetourt County was named for Norborne Berkeley, baron de Botetourt, the royal governor of Virginia from 1768 to 1770. It was formed from Augusta County in 1769, and part of Rockbridge County was added in 1785. Its area is 549 square miles, and the county seat is Fincastle. According to the 2000 census, its population is 30,496.

Original Records at The Library of Virginia: Yes