Buchanan has always been an important crossroads for Botetourt County and the Shenandoah Valley. The Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Trail pass along the outskirts of town, bringing lots of visitors to shop, dine and stroll through the historic downtown district. But the real lifeblood of the community is the James River. George Washington envisioned connecting east to west via river travel and he personally surveyed sites in Botetourt County for the construction of locks and towpaths. Two centuries later, the river is still vital to the community’s character as outdoor enthusiasts flock to Buchanan to canoe, kayak, tube, and fish on the Upper James River Water Trail.