It originally comprised a vast area, which included the southern portion of present-day West Virginia and all of Kentucky.

Portions were set off to form new counties beginning in 1772, until the current borders were established in 1851.

[3] The county is named for Norborne Berkeley, 4th Baron Botetourt, who served as governor of the colony of Virginia from 1768 to 1770, when he died suddenly while in office.

The two mountain ranges come close together, separated by the town of Buchanan and the James River.

The James River runs south until Eagle Rock, where it turns east and meanders through the county, passing Springwood and James River High School until entering Buchanan.

In Buchanan, the river turns northward and flows into Rockbridge County towards Glasgow.

Much of the area's former farmland and orchards have been developed into residential subdivisions and businesses.

19.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

The department operates out of seven stations with a range of fire apparatus and ambulances to provide these services.