History: Placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior, the Buchanan Theatre has been recognized as Botetourt County's oldest standing theatre. The theatre first opened as A.E. McCurdy's Open Air Theatre. McCurdy's was purchased in 1914 by Elmer Shank. Shank and his family cut all of the lumber themselves and completed construction of the current theatre building in 1919.
Old photographs of the property indicate that in its early days the theatre was known as the Star Theatre. The exterior of the building had "Mouse-Tooth" shingles in the front gable and a two story covered porch where the current concession stand is located just inside the front door. This two-story porch provided shelter for those waiting to enter the theatre while providing an outdoor area for those who lived above the theatre. As with theatres of the day, the facility was segregated with an exterior entry for African Americans to enter for seating in the balcony.
Eventually the Star Theatre became the Buchanan Theatre and it operated continuously until 1985. Over the years the building has been remodeled several times and what can be seen today is a mixture of the thumbprints left by each
The Buchanan Theatre is not affiliated with AmericanTowns Media
Anywhere you go in Virginia, nature abounds. No matter what county or city you’re visiting, there’s always an opportunity to get back to nature. These 10 botanical gardens make the trip a… Read More
Few dining experiences are more rewarding than finding a locally owned, mom and pop operation. When you can feel the heart that goes into every dish, the authentic desire to make sure you’re… Read More
The restaurant scene in Virginia is one to reckon with. And when it comes to the artistry of dessert, the state’s expert chefs are masterful. Whether you’re craving homemade baklava or… Read More
Shopping in Virginia is an absolute delight. With our close proximity to Washington D.C., we have access to some of the finest brands in the world. Whether you're looking to go on a shopping spree… Read More
Collectively, Virginia has just about everything you could want in a state: beautiful beaches, bustling cities, and ample marijuana dispensaries that carry the best buds. Check out any of these top… Read More