Botetourt Springs, Virginia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Botetourt Springs
Former settlement and resort
Botetourt Springs Location in Virginia
Country	United States
State	Virginia
County	Roanoke County

Botetourt Springs was once a famous place in Virginia, known for its special water. It was a settlement and a popular resort where people came to relax. This historic spot is located near the border of Roanoke County and Botetourt County in the United States.

People started living here in the mid-1700s. After the 1820s, it became a popular summer resort because of its natural springs. These springs were known for their unique mineral water.

At one time, Botetourt Springs was one of the most famous mineral springs in Virginia. It was also one of the main "sulfur springs" in America. Important visitors like Andrew Jackson, who later became president, and General Lafayette, a hero of the American Revolution, came to visit.

What are Botetourt Springs?

Botetourt Springs has two main springs. One is a sulfur spring, which means its water contains sulfur. The other is a chalybeate spring, which means its water contains iron.

In 1857, a book described Botetourt Springs as a popular resort during warm weather. It said the spring water had minerals like magnesia, sulfur, and carbonic acid. People believed these minerals were good for their health.

A Look at Botetourt Springs History

The land where Botetourt Springs is located was first granted to William Carvin in 1746. It was a 150-acre area along Carvin Creek. His son, William Carvin II, later inherited the property.

The Springs Become a Resort

In 1804, Edward Carvin inherited the Sulphur Springs area and about 900 acres from his father. Edward sold part of this land to Christian and Martin Wingart. They then sold it to Charles Johnston in two deals between 1818 and 1826.

Around 1820, Charles Johnston built a hotel and small houses around the spring. He named it Botetourt Springs, after the county. Famous guests like Andrew Jackson and General Lafayette visited in 1824.

Popularity and Decline

The hotel and its springs stayed popular through the 1830s. This was because more people were traveling on the road heading west. Charles Johnston passed away in 1833 and was buried on the property.

By 1839, other hotels opened in the area. Botetourt Springs became less popular and closed that same year.

From Resort to School

Johnston's nephew, Edward Johnston, bought the property. He changed the hotel into a school called the Roanoke Female Seminary. However, this school did not last long.

In 1842, a Baptist group bought the property, including the buildings and 600 acres. They started a school called Valley Union Seminary. This seminary later grew into Hollins University, a well-known college today. William Carvin's original spring house still stands on the property.

Botetourt Springs Today

By 1873, Botetourt Springs even had its own post office. You could reach it by traveling nine miles on a special road from the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad.

Today, the area of Botetourt Springs is part of a neighborhood called Oldfields. This is located in northern Roanoke.

Notable People from Botetourt Springs

• William Henry Roberts (1847-1919), a missionary who worked in Burma.