History of Shenandoah

Immerse yourself in the extensive heritage of the Shenandoah Valley and relive the history of our nation. Shenandoah County offers an array of museums and cultural sites enabling visitors to go beyond the history books by learning the personal stories and unique experiences that shaped our region and our Country.  

 

Shenandoah Stories

This web-based tour platform allows you to explore the history and culture of Shenandoah County. See historic photographs of sites…

  • PO Box 700
  • 540-869-3051

From Back Country to Breadbasket to Battlefield - and Beyond the Shenandoah Valley is rich in history, from Native Americans who first shaped the land, to the pioneers of this frontier; this fertile area became one of the most important wheat producing regions of the entire…

  • 2283 Quicksburg Rd
  • 540-922-2029

This antebellum cemetery is the final resting place for the formerly enslaved of African descent associated with Edge Hill Plantation. The once abandoned graves have been cleaned up, preserved, and researched by a group of concerned community members. The site has a wooded…

  • Dry Run Road

A bright and welcoming community museum, enabling visitors to explore life in 19th Century Fort Valley. Exhibits include a school, church, store, and home display as well as Seven Fountains Resort, Iron Furnaces, local valley pottery and the farmstead.

  • Wissler Rd

Known as one of best-known covered bridges in Virginia. Spanning 204 feet across the Shenandoah River, Meem's Bottom is the last publicly maintained bridge in the state that visitors can still drive through. Although the original bridge was burned by vandals on Halloween 1976…

  • 5901 Main St.
  • 540-477-2121

The Old Soldiers Cemetery was established in 1861 on land obtained from Col. Levi Rinker. The cemetery, containing about 400 graves, was first dedicated on May 10th,1866 by a memorial association. The entire community, including the nearby town of New Market and Edinburg…

  • 103 N Main St
  • 540-459-1795

Constructed in 1795 of native limestone, the Shenandoah County Historic Courthouse is the oldest courthouse in continuous use west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It saw much activity during the Civil War with troops from both sides, leaving their mark with graffiti on interior…

  • 440 E King St
  • 540-465-3175

Housed in a Southern Railway depot, the Museum exhibits include 18th, 19th, and 20th century pieces and items from colonial farms, barns, and homes. Native American artifacts, Civil War articles, a railway baggage car, three Victorian-style rooms, and a large collection of…

  • 8895 George Collins Pkwy
  • 540-740-3033

The Virginia Museum of the Civil War is the only state-owned Civil War Museum and is administered by the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). The site consists of three elements: The Virginia Museum of the Civil War, the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park, and the…

  • 104 S Muhlenberg St
  • 540-459-5518

The Woodstock Museum consists of two 18th Century houses located within a block of one another. Both houses, the Marshall House, and the Wickham House, have historic connections to the Shenandoah County Historic Courthouse located just a block away. Call ahead for hours of…

  • 9500 George Collins Pkwy
  • 540-740-8065

The New Market Battlefield Military Museum took inspiration from Arlington House, formally the Custis-Lee Mansion in Arlington, Virginia. Mansions of this type were commonplace throughout the 19th century south and help to set the tone for showcasing its history. Open in 1988…

Sometimes called the "Little Church," the Union Church has long been a standing landmark of the Mount Jackson area. The original building on this site was a wooden one, and the surrounding land was bequeathed to the community by the will of Reuben Moore dated June 11, 1822. You…

  • 9386 S Congress St
  • 540-740-4545

The Strayer House Civil War Orientation Center is located along US Route 11 the historic Valley Turnpike. The original portion of the building was constructed circa 1808 for John Strayer's home and mercantile business and was visited by historic figures and witness to the Battle…

  • 5901 Main St
  • 540-477-3951

A major thoroughfare for commerce and transportation arrived in Mount Jackson in 1830. The Valley Turnpike, also known as Route 11, formed the historic base for today's Interstate 81. Inside the museum, view artifacts and hand-crafted items made in the Shenandoah Valley. Please…

  • 33229 Old Valley Pike
  • 540-465-5884

The Strasburg Visitor and Information Center is state certified and hosts over 7,000 visitors each year operated by the Town of Strasburg. The center features multiple amenities including walking trails that take guests through thick woods and offer multiple glimpses into small…