Historic Fincastle, Inc. was incorporated in 1968 as a non-profit organization devoted to protecting and preserving the historic town of Fincastle, Virginia. It’s parent organization, The Council for the Beautification and Preservation of Fincastle, was formed in 1967.

The town of Fincastle has been described as a virtual museum of 18th. and 19th. Centuries American architecture with some dwellings dating back to the late 1770’s. The town’s historic district is comprised of approximately 100 buildings. It received both state and national designation in 1969.

During the past 40 years, Historic Fincastle, Inc. (HFI) has contributed thousands of dollars and volunteer hours towards fulfilling its mission. A summary of contributions is as follows:

1. 1968 – Planned and held the first “Fall Festival.” Proceeds used to restore the 1897 Old Jail as a Library.

2. 1969 –Spent $16,000 to restore an 1809 building in the Court House Complex that was later used by the County as office space.

3. 1969 - Applied and received designation for the Town of Fincastle as a historic district in both the state and national registers of Historic Places.

4. Early 1970’s -Coordinated the underground placement of utility wires around Court House Square with Appalachian Power Company, Roanoke & Botetourt Telephone Company, the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors, and the Fincastle Town Council.

5. 1976- Restored the Crowder House on Church Street (returned it to the original 1781 log house) at a cost of $8,000.

6. 1977 - Purchased the Douglas House on Main Street (now the Court House Café) with protective covenants for $19,000, then contributed another $6000 to the owner to restore porches in 1989.

7. 1978 - Assisted in the restoration of the blacksmith shop in cooperation with the Wysong family.

8. 1979 - Built a reproduction Gazebo at the Big Spring Public Park at a cost of $ 3,500.

9. 1981 - Purchased Hayth’s Hotel from County Board of Supervisors then sold it with protective covenants.

10. 1982 - Received a $25,000 grant from the Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission to restore the James Matten Early Cabin. It was completed in 1987 with an additional $ 53,000 contributed by HFI.

11. 1983 - Purchased and restored the Saddler’s Shop on Church Street for $ 30,000.

12. 1990 – constructed a new Blacksmith Shop located behind the Wysong Black smith Shop Museum – now used as the HFI Office.

13.  1999 and yearly - HFI Scholarship Program has awarded over $12,000 through 2011 in scholarships monies to college and high school seniors to assist students in pursuing college degrees.

14.  2005 - received Department of Historic Resources matching grant and conducted an architectural survey of town and surrounding area.

15.  2006 & 2088 - Held community worships about historic districts in conjunction with APVA Preservation Virginia and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources.

16.  2007 - Participated in the Jamestown 400th Anniversary Celebration by organizing Fincastle Heritage Home & Garden Tour and Marketplace, Heritage Days in Fincastle, and Gather to Gavel 2007 Art Auction in Fincastle.

17.  2007 - Received a Virginia Foundation of the Humanities matching grant to conduct an Oral History Project with middle school students interviewing town elders.

18.  2008 - 2nd printing of HFI publication, "Around Town:  A Pictorial Review of Old Fincastle, Virginia".

19.  2008 - held first Ladies Luncheon and Forum.

20.  2008 - Fincastle Holiday Home Tour and Marketplace.

21.  2009 - 2nd Heritage Days held in Fincastle.

22.  2009 - Lifetime Awards for dedication to HFI and volunteer work were presented to:  Angela Coon, Peggy C. Davis, Pat Simmons, Paige Ware, and Mary Westerman.

23.  2010 - placed historic plaque at James Matten Early Cabin in memory of Dottie and Harry Kessler.

24.  2010 & 2011 - 2nd and 3rd Fincastle Holiday Home Tour and Marketplace.

25. 2010 & 2011 - replacement of James Matten Early Cabin Roof by volunteers and small skilled tradesman, funds for roof raised at "Raise the Roof" event and through corporate and private donations. Click here for the story and photo.

In 2002, its Board of Directors took stock of the reality of the situation and devised a strategic plan that re-energized the organization. Referred to as the Phoenix Report, the plan identified four goals: 1) Organization 2) Preservation 3) Education and Outreach and 4) Community Prosperity./>
Each year HFI Board of Directors approves a plan of action for the year.