In 2012, a group of Rockbridge business owners, local historians and preservationsits, tourism officials, civic leaders, and general good neighbors joined hands to advance an opportunity to bring Rockbridge history to life.
More broadly, regional leaders from Botetourt, Rockbridge, Augusta, and Albemarle Counties partnered propose a ‘trail segment’ of the Lewis and Clark Eastern Legacy Trail, tracking the importance of the Valley Corridor, and its Great Road, through the 18th and 19th centuries.
Recognizing the legacy of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s personal and family ties to the area – including Clark’s stay on Main St. Lexington, Dec. 4, 1809 at Eagle Tavern (on the way to Monticello after learning of Lewis’ suicide) – the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recognized Lexington in 2014 with a commemorative plaque in Courthouse Square, linking the community to the epic national journeys it connected with. For its efforts in promoting these histories through educational outreach in local schools, the Rockbridge Historical Society was granted one of a dozen interactive, hands-on ‘Discovery Trunks’ from the Lewis and Clark National Trust: now regularly used for its interdisciplinary projects with elementary, middle and high school classes.
Perhaps the most durable legacy of this enterprise is the Righteous and Rascals of Rockbridge project of historic street pavers. Over 60 ‘Story Stones’ stand daily at the feet of local residents and visitors, an inviting trail through Lexington’s historic downtown And through the project’s digital portal, they bring history to your thumbs, able to browse the short bios listed on this site, and the quick-teased lives of the paver-scripts themselves.
The paver project began in response to a call from the Lewis and Clark Eastern Legacy Trail Project to provide ‘visitor enhancements’ to the community. A number of generous donors met the call to sponsor some of the memorial stones, along with civic support from the Lexington City Council, and a range of local non-profits.
Stewardship of the project was transferred from this founding committee to the Rockbridge Historical Society in 2016. Tours, educational projects, and new means of digital development remain on the horizon, in extending these colorful Rockbridge histories.