Winchester, Virginia, the oldest English settlement west of the Blue
Ridge Mountains, and Frederick County invite you to Get a Better View
of History. Come explore her rich history.
George Washington
Young George Washington surveyed Winchester which was part of the original
Lord Fairfax grant and then returned to Winchester as a Colonel in
the militia, established his office which stands at the corner of Cork
and Braddock Streets and is open as a museum, built Fort Loudoun and
developed his military skills in the French and Indian War. George
Washington was elected to his first political office representing Frederick
County in the Virginia House of Burgesses.
Civil War
Winchester’s geographic location made it a significant factor in
the Civil War. Winchester was the site of several battles – Kernstown,
Winchester, Cedar Creek -- and changed hands over 70 times during the
war. Stonewall Jackson’s headquarters is now a popular museum.
The Old Court House Civil War
Museum is an amazing collection of weapons,
medical tools, and everyday items. An outstanding feature of the museum
is the preserved graffiti which was written on the interior walls by
soldiers who were being held as prisoners.
Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
The Museum of the Shenandoah
Valley, located on the grounds of Glen Burnie,
home of Winchester’s founder, James Wood, presents the history
of the Shenandoah Valley with interactive displays, four centuries
of kitchens, Lee Taylor’s miniature houses, and many valley artifacts.
 Famous Folk
Winchester-Frederick is proud to be home to Pulitzer Prize winning
author, Willa Cather; explorer Admiral Richard E Byrd; and legendary
singer,
Patsy Cline. Patsy’s gravesite is in the Shenandoah Memorial Park,
and the Patsy Cline Museum will soon be a reality.
Genealogy
If you are researching your genealogy the archives room at the Handley
Library holds a wealth of information, and the staff is glad to assist
you. Ghosts
Along with the historic sites, specialty shops, and restaurants in Old
Town you may choose to experience a guided walking GHOST
TOUR -- Historic
Haunts –- and learn the stories of the Winchester ghosts.
Festivals and Concerts
Springtime means that the annual Shenandoah
Apple Blossom Festival is just around the corner. This extravaganza is held the first weekend
in May and features celebrities at the popular Sports Breakfast and
as Grand Marshals of the Fireman’s Parade and Grand Feature Parade.
Recent celebrities include Larry Hagman, Loni Anderson, Sean Austin,
Dick Van Patten, George Hamilton, and Wayne Newton.
Every Friday night during the summer the Bluemont
Concert Series presents
live performances on the lawn of the old Frederick County Courthouse
in historic  downtown Winchester. Golf and Nature
Golfing at Rock Harbor Golf
Course, hiking the trails of “Winchester-Frederick
Naturally”, horseback riding, and exploring our many country roads
provide the much needed getaway from the hectic schedules of work and
family responsibilities.
Self-guided Driving and Walking Tours
APPLE TRAIL: Enjoy a driving tour following the Apple Trail signs while
listening to an entertaining and informative CD available at the Winchester-Frederick
County Convention and Visitor Center.
ARCHITECTURAL TOUR: Judge John Handley, a native of Scranton, Pennsylvania,
loved to vacation in Winchester. In his will he bequeathed a portion
of his estate to Winchester, and with this generous gift enabled Winchester
to build the magnificent Handley Library and Handley High School, an
endowed public high school. An easy self-guided walking tour leads you
by, and in, the remarkable architecture of historic downtown Winchester.
And
So Many More Things To See and Do!!!
Come, we’re looking forward to welcoming you to Winchester-Frederick
County where you will
Get a Better View of History!
Back to The Shenandoah Valley Guide
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