Open Air Museum:
A Journey Through Shenandoah County and Virginia’s Civil War Trails
Your journey begins in Shenandoah County on Historic US Route 11 in Strasburg and concludes in the Town of New Market, where the trail winds through picturesque landscapes, historic towns, and nearby attractions.
Your first stop is the Strasburg Visitor and Information Center where the town partners with the Strasburg Museum to curate space for artifacts, Civil War articles, and pottery at this year-round location. The museum entry is free of charge and open daily!
The trail then takes you South to Fisher's Hill, the site of a major Union victory in 1864. And then to nearby, Maurertown where a small but significant skirmish took place at the battle of Toms Brook.
Continuing down Historic US Route 11, arrive in Woodstock, the county seat of Shenandoah County. Here, the journey leads to the Shenandoah County Historic Courthouse constructed in 1795 of native limestone and the oldest courthouse west of the Blue Ridge Mountains in continuous use today. The Courthouse saw much activity during the Civil War, with troops from both sides in and around the building leaving their mark with graffiti on interior walls.
As you move further south, you’ll reach Edinburg, a charming town with a rich Civil War history. The Shenandoah Valley Cultural Heritage Museum at Edinburg Mill houses artifacts and documents related to the war. Just down the road, in the Town of Mount Jackson, visitors can explore the Mount Jackson Museum and Our Soldiers Cemetery. This town commemorates the Union cavalry victory and honors the armed forces at nearby Veteran’s Memorial Park.
The journey concludes in New Market, where the famous Battle of New Market took place in 1864. The Strayer House Civil War Orientation Center constructed in 1808 for John Strayer’s home and mercantile business was visited frequently by historic figures and witnesses to the Battle of New Market. Across town, the Virginia Museum of the Civil War and Bushong Farm provide information about the battle and its impact on life during the American Civil War. Visitors can also explore the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park, which offers walking trails and interpretive exhibits.
In Shenandoah County, there is a unique opportunity to delve into the history of one of the most important regions in the American Civil War. By visiting these historic sites and interpretive markers, you will gain a deeper understanding of the battles, the people on the home front, and the lasting impact of the war on the Shenandoah Valley.
The interpretive panels in Shenandoah County are in the following locations:
- Strasburg: Hupp’s Hill, Signal Knob, Train Heist, Stonewall’s Surprise.
- Fisher's Hill: Battle of Fisher’s Hill.
- Maurertown: Battle at Toms Brook.
- Woodstock: Civil War Super Highway.
- Edinburg: Stover McGinnis House, The Stony Creek Line, Edinburg Mill.
- New Market: Rude’s Hill 1862, Summers & Koontz, Battle of New Market, The Bloody Cedars.
These panels provide information about the specific battles, historical events, and personalities associated with each site. They are designed to enhance your understanding of the Civil War's impact on the Shenandoah Valley.
- Hupps Hill 33229 Old Valley Pike
- Train Heist 440 E King Street
- Stonewall’s Surprise 110 East Washington Street
- Battle of Fisher’s Hill 94 Triplett Road
- Civil War Super Highway 135 N Main Street
- Stover McGinnis House 30 Chapman Landing Road
- The Stony Creek Line 214 S Main Street
- Edinburg Mill 214 S Main Street
- Rude’s Hill 1862 5332 Old Valley Pike
- Summers & Koontz Monument Lane
- Battle of New Market 57 Georges Collins Parkway
- The Bloody Cedars 2741 US Highway 11
Snap an image of your journey and tag #VisitShenCoVA #VisitVa #CivilWarTrails #OpenAIrMuseum