Botetourt County moved its Confederate monument Tuesday to make way for the construction of a new courthouse. The monument was moved, along with other historic markers that were in front of the old courthouse, to a new “monument park” nearby in the government complex in Fincastle.
The monument, erected in 1904, is notable because it’s one of the few Confederate markers that also makes a reference to Reconstruction, the post-war era when formerly enslaved men were given the right to vote and were, in many cases, elected to office. One side of the statue reads:
To the women of Botetourt
In remembrance of their constant encouragement
steadfast devotion
tender ministrations and
unfailing Providence and care
during the war
and in the dark reconstruction years
A drone photo of the statue being moved. Courtesy of Jamerson-Lewis Construction. 
A drone photo of the statue being moved. Courtesy of Jamerson-Lewis Construction. 
A drone photo of the statue being moved. Courtesy of Jamerson-Lewis Construction. 
The monument will eventually be placed on the pedestal at left. Photo by Dwayne Yancey.