Craig County History

Craig County was formed in 1851 from Botetourt, Giles, Roanoke and Monroe (West Virginia) counties. It was named for Robert Craig, a Virginia Congressman from 1829-1841 who was instrumental in the formation of the county. The region was first explored by white settlers in 1751 and several settlements existed by 1774. The early settlers suffered some disastrous Indian raids from tribes who had a prior claim to the territory.

New Castle, the county seat, was established as one of the series of forts Governor Dinwiddie ordered built in 1756. The town in time became New Fincastle, but when mail began getting confused with that of Fincastle in neighboring Botetourt County, the town shed its "fin".

Construction of the beautiful red brick courthouse in New Castle was started in 1851 and completed in 1852. There you will find marriage records, land deeds, wills and a friendly court clerk who will help you with your search. Unfortunately, most of the courthouse records were ordered burned by Federal General David Hunter on June 22-23, 1864 while his army was retreating after the encounter with Confederate General Jubal Early at Lynchburg. The court room banister on the second floor still has ax marks made by Federal soldiers ordered to ravage the building. Click the photo for an enlarged view of the courthouse.

Just across the street there is a beautiful old red brick hotel that has been restored by the Craig County Historical Society. While the hotel no longer receives guests, the building contains genealogical records as well as other interesting historical documents. You'll have to make an appointment to visit the building by calling 540-864-7023 or writing to: Craig County Historical Society, P.O. Box 206, New Castle VA 24127

New Castle is a charming little town that reminds one of "Mayberry" of The Andy Griffith Show fame. If you have never been there, be sure to include it in your next ancestral search vacation. It's a laid-back 30-minute drive from the Roanoke airport along VA Route 311 just off Interstate 81 at Salem. There is a charming bed and breakfast called The Inn within walking distance of the courthouse (telephone 540-864-5715).

Be sure to visit the Craig County Rural Electronic Village to experience what is happening there today.

The latest statistics for the county can be obtained online from the US Census Bureau.

Return to the main Craig County GenWeb Page