On Cave Hill Road west of Lee Highway (U.S. 211/340), on the right when traveling west.
Arthur Briggs Farquhar, American Industrialist
Arthur Briggs Farquhar was born on September 28, 1838, in Montgomery County, Maryland. Arthur, known as A.B., was an ambitious young man who apired to a career in business. He had an early . . . — — Map (db m305357) HM
Near Cave Hill Road west of Lee Highway (U.S. 211/340), on the right when traveling west.
These early steam engines weren't self-propelled but were pulled by a team of horses to use at various sites. They remained stationary when in operation and were fueled by wood, straw, and coal. They were also extremely adaptable as a power . . . — — Map (db m305359) HM
On West Main Street (Business U.S. 211) just west of Cole Street, on the right when traveling west.
The Andrew Jackson School, named for a local Black entrepreneur, was built here in 1924-25 to serve African American students. The Black community raised half of the $5,467 cost of the three-classroom building. Additional support came from the . . . — — Map (db m225877) HM
Near Cave Hill Road 0.2 miles west of Lee Highway (U.S. 211/340), on the left when traveling west.
The Discovery of the Century
On August 13, 1878, town tinsmith Andrew Campbell, Campbell's 13-year-old nephew Quint, and three other men were exploring for a cave. With the help of a companion, photographer Benton Stebbins, they dug away . . . — — Map (db m159107) HM
Near West Main Street (Business U.S. 211) at Carillon Drive (Business U.S. 211), on the right when traveling west.
Born into slavery on a farm just east of Luray around 1813, Bethany Veney lived a remarkable life of faith, resilience, strength, and forgiveness. Her 1889 autobiography, Aunt Betty’s Story: The Narrative of Bethany Veney, a Slave Woman, . . . — — Map (db m227621) HM
On Hamburg Road (Virginia Route 766) 0.1 miles west of Lee Highway (U.S. 211/340), on the left when traveling west.
Calendine was built in the early 1850s by Townsend Young. The adjacent one story building served as a general store and stage stop on the Sperryville-New Market turnpike. The store was also a social gathering place for exchange of news and gossip. . . . — — Map (db m174315) HM
On Cave Hill Road 0.2 miles west of Lee Highway (U.S. 211/340), on the left when traveling west.
Driving the Dream
The Car & Carriage Caravan Museum at Luray Caverns is one of America's most outstanding exhibits of rare vintage vehicles. Established in 1957, the museum was built on one man's fascination with antique transportation. . . . — — Map (db m159105) HM
On North Broad Street (Business U.S. 340) south of Lee Highway (U.S. 211), on the left when traveling north.
In mid-June 1862, after Maj. Gen. Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson’s Shenandoah Valley campaign, Brig. Gen. Beverly H. Robertson’s cavalry screened from Union observation Jackson’s movement east to join the Army of Northern Virginia near Richmond. . . . — — Map (db m591) HM
Immigrant Peter Ruffner built this house about 1739. Before the Civil War, William A. Chapman bought it, and three sons reared here later fought for the Confederacy. For their exploits as members of Col. John S. Mosby’s Rangers, two of them, Lt. . . . — — Map (db m17210) HM
Near Lee Highway (U.S. 211) 0.1 miles east of Crisman Hollow Road, on the right when traveling east.
Basket Oak
The wood of Chestnut oak can be split easily into fine yet tough ribbons of fiber.
These splints can be used to weave baskets and chair bottoms.
This wood is heavy, strong, close grained and durable. It is used for . . . — — Map (db m159074) HM
On South Hawksbill Street 0.1 miles south of West Page Street, on the left when traveling south.
Directly up the hill from this site grows the second largest Chinkapin Oak in Virginia. It is registered with the Champion Tree Program of Virginia with a circumference of 234 inches, 62 feet tall and has a crown spread of 132 feet. It is estimated . . . — — Map (db m182598) HM
On Skyline Drive, on the left when traveling south.
During the 1930's, CCC Camp NP-1, Company 334, Camp Dern was placed in the area across the Skyline Drive and 1/4 mile to the south. — — Map (db m13244) HM
On Veterans Lane 0.2 miles north of Lee Highway (U.S. 211), on the right when traveling east.
Dedicated to all that gave some and to some that gave all.
"Loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, personal courage" — — Map (db m282634) WM
On East Main Street (Business U.S. 211) at Resevoir Avenue (County Route 689), on the right when traveling east on East Main Street.
(Left Side):Would it not be a blame for us if their memories part from our land & heart and a wrong to them & a shame for us the glories they won shall not wane for us in legend & lay our heroes in gray shall forever live over again for us. . . . — — Map (db m16457) HM
On Skyline Drive (at milepost 42), on the right when traveling south.
Near this spot, on July 18, 1931, the ground-breaking ceremony for the Skyline Drive was conducted. This act began the eight-year construction of the 105-mile-long scenic roadway, which now stretches from Front Royal to Waynesboro, Virginia. — — Map (db m45690) HM
On Lee Highway (U.S. 211) 0.1 miles east of Crisman Hollow Road, on the right when traveling east.
Shadbush
In Coastal areas, this tree is called Shadblow or Shadbush because it blooms when the shad migrate upstream to spawn.
Juneberry
Another name for this tree, Juneberry, is fitting because the flowers become reddish purple . . . — — Map (db m159061) HM
On Veterans Lane 0.2 miles north of Lee Highway (U.S. 211), on the right when traveling east.
One of the most successful light tanks used by the US Army. Originally built after WW II, the Duster was used in Korea and Vietnam and on bases abroad. Its twin 40 mm Cannon could rotate and elevate rapidly to bring down driven aircraft. In . . . — — Map (db m282633) HM
Near Lee Highway (U.S. 211) 0.1 miles east of Crisman Hollow Road, on the right when traveling east.
The Eastern Redbud tree is most beautiful in early spring when the naked branches are covered with purplish pink or magenta blossoms.
An unremarkable tree in summer and winter, the redbud flowers in spring show us how common the tree really . . . — — Map (db m159066) HM
Near Linden Avenue at Virginia Avenue (Business U.S. 340), on the left when traveling east.
During the 1800's farmer’s took everything from a from a simple hoe to a thresher “snorting black smoke” into the fields in pursuit of better harvest.
Machines were run by hand, by oxen or horses, and finally by steam . . . — — Map (db m100662) HM
On North Board Street (Business U.S. 340) south of Lee Highway (U.S. 211), on the left when traveling north.
In September 1864, Union Gen. Philip H. Sheridan detached two cavalry divisions under Gen. Alfred T. A. Torbert to move into the Page Valley. While the bulk of Sheridan’s army would strike Gen. Jubal A. Early’s Confederates at Fisher’s Hill, . . . — — Map (db m254749) HM
Near Lee Highway (U.S. 211) 0.1 miles east of Crisman Hollow Road, on the right when traveling east.
Trees in Trouble
Currently these trees are fighting dogwood anthracite fungus.
It is spread by birds and rain and kills dogwood trees at or above 2,000 feet in elevation.
The Toothpaste Tree
Did you know…the Flowering . . . — — Map (db m159062) HM
On Main Street (Business U.S. 211) at Leaksville Road (Local Route 616), on the right when traveling east on Main Street.
Six miles south, near Alma, stands Fort Philip Long, a small Germanic stone dwelling with a massive end chimney. Constructed on the edge of a bank, the house is unusual in having two cellar levels, one below the other. A tunnel leads from the lower . . . — — Map (db m802) HM
On Skyline Drive (at milepost 30.1), 1.4 miles north of Lee Highway (U.S. 211), on the left when traveling north.
Imagine it’s 1740. You're traveling west, and you've arrived at this point on Pass Mountain. You have to cross that next mountain on the other side of the valley, and there are no roads to guide you. Where will you cross? Most people would choose . . . — — Map (db m134296) HM
Near Skyline Drive south of Lee Highway (U.S. 211), on the right when traveling south.
“The greatest single feature is a possible sky-line drive along the mountain top. . .Few scenic drives in the world could surpass it.” —Southern Appalachian National Park Committee, 1931
By 1929, more than 23 million . . . — — Map (db m100663) HM
Near Lee Highway (U.S. 211) 0.1 miles east of Crisman Hollow Road, on the right when traveling east.
You are retracing the footprints of many people who have created history on the Massanutten Mountain.
During the Civil War, General Stonewall Jackson marched with his troops across this very spot. This trail has changed form many times and . . . — — Map (db m159059) HM
On Skyline Drive (at milepost 45), on the right when traveling south.
In late 1935, when Shenandoah National Park was officially established, 465 families remained on the land, most with no plans for relocation. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Resettlement Administration was tapped to help. The government . . . — — Map (db m96232) HM
Near Skyline Drive (at milepost 36.5), 5 miles south of Lee Highway (U.S. 211), on the right when traveling south.
"The hand-cut walls have stories to tell for those willing to listen." Reed Engle, The Greatest Single Feature… A Sky-line Drive
May 15, 1933 saw the first Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps established in Shenandoah at . . . — — Map (db m145386) HM
On Lee Highway (U.S. 211) 0.1 miles west of Crisman Hollow Road, on the right when traveling east.
Having remained with his command in the vicinity of Winchester since the Battle of Sharpsburg/Antietam, by November 22, 1862, Gen. Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson was again on the march. With more than 32,000 soldiers, Jackson’s force made its way . . . — — Map (db m254750) HM
Near Cave Hill Road 0.2 miles west of Lee Highway (U.S. 211/340), on the left when traveling west.
The Town of Luray was originally surveyed and platted in 1811. On February 8, 1812, the Town was established. People who live and work in the area continue to marvel at its rolling hills, clear streams, and breathtaking views. Luray has evolved . . . — — Map (db m159093) HM
Near Cave Hill Road 0.2 miles west of Lee Highway (U.S. 340), on the left when traveling west. Reported permanently removed.
(front)
Near This Spot
Andrew Campbell, feeling the cool air of newly found natural wonder Luray Caverns, is shown here very shortly after this "discovery of the century" was made. Photo was most likely taken by co-discoverer Benton . . . — — Map (db m106463) HM
Near Cave Hill Road 0.2 miles west of Lee Highway (U.S. 340), on the left when traveling west.
In memory and in honor of
Rebecca Beall Jackson Graves 1922-2012
Former Senior Vice President of
Luray Caverns
Our Chapter Founding President — — Map (db m230805) HM
Near Cave Hill Road west of Lee Highway (U.S. 211/340), on the right when traveling east.
Near this spot, Andrew Campbell feeling the cool air of newly found natural wonder Luray Cavners, is shown here very shortly after his "Discovery of the Century" was made. Photo was most likely taken by co-discoverer, Benton . . . — — Map (db m305360) HM
On Cave Hill Road 0.2 miles west of Lee Highway (U.S. 211/340), on the right when traveling west. Reported permanently removed.
The Luray Valley Museum is dedicated to sharing the story of the people of the Shenandoah Valley and their enduring impact on the American culture. The museum has a significant and evolving decorative arts collection of Shenandoah Valley . . . — — Map (db m159108) HM
Near West Main Street (Business U.S. 211) at South Hawksbill Street, on the left when traveling west.
On this site was lot number 1 of a town made up of 18 lots conveyed by deed from Isaac Ruffner and his family, descendants of the original homesteaders in 1739, Peter and Mary (Steinman) Ruffner, owners of most of the land on both sides of the . . . — — Map (db m154446) HM
Near Crisman Hollow Road (County Route 274) 1.5 miles north of Lee Highway (U.S. 211), on the right when traveling north.
A few hundred million years ago, geologic forces deep in the earth folded, faulted and uplifted the flat-lying rock layers, displacing the seas.
Erosion cut into the uplifted and folded rock layers. The easy-to-erode rocks, such as shale and . . . — — Map (db m230640) HM
On Zerkel Street west of Campbell Street, on the right when traveling west.
This one-room school was originally located in the Massanutten section, west of Luray. Donated to the Page County Heritage Association by Thomas and Barbara Jenning, the c. 1880 building was moved to this site in 1974. Extensive renovation . . . — — Map (db m800) HM
Near Lee Highway (Route 211) 0.1 miles east of Crisman Hollow Road, on the right when traveling east.
The Wildflower Trail is a 0.5 mile (one-way) trail that is rocky and steep in places.
Enjoy your wildflowers of spring and summer as you trace the footsteps of Stonewall Jackson who marched his troops across this mountain during the Civil . . . — — Map (db m159058) HM
On Lee Highway (U.S. 211) west of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River, on the right when traveling west.
To the Founders of the Massanutton Settlement, 1729. Jacob Stover, Leader and Patentee of 5000 acre tract. Adam Miller, settler on the Shenandoah River 1727. Purchasers from Stover: Christian Clemon, Henry Sowter, Mathias Selzer, John Brubaker, . . . — — Map (db m650) HM
On Hamburg Road (County Route 766) 0.1 miles west of Lee Highway (U.S. 211/340), on the right when traveling west. Reported damaged.
Built for religious purposes by the “Neighbors”, mainly Mennonites from Switzerland and southern Germany.
The outside of the one log walls were covered in 1851 with white weatherboards and the structure was roofed with chestnut shingles. A . . . — — Map (db m174316) HM
Near Lee Highway 0.1 miles east of Crisman Hollow Road, on the right when traveling east.
This millstone was found in the forest a short distance from here.
It appears to have cracked under the shock of many hammer blows.
When used in a grist mill it would have ground grain for hot bread and buckwheat cakes.
Millstones . . . — — Map (db m159075) HM
On South Broad Street (Business U.S. 340) south of Campbell Street, on the right when traveling south.
Organized 1812. Called Old School Baptist since 1832 when there occurred a division in the Baptist Churches of the United States.
Mt. Carmel Church Buildings. First, a frame building in West End. Second, a brick building at the head . . . — — Map (db m36327) HM
On Skyline Drive (at milepost 39), on the right when traveling south.
Stony Man, the old man in the mountain, is a Shenandoah National Park icon. It only takes a little imagination to see the profile of a man’s face in the mountain from here. Stony Man has lent his name to a summit, an overlook, a hike, a camp . . . — — Map (db m96224) HM
On South Court Street just south of West Page Street, on the right when traveling south.
Those who have long enjoyed such freedoms as we enjoy forget in time that man has died to win them
Dedicated to those who serve their country in times of war and peace especially dedicated to those who paid the Supreme Sacrifice in order . . . — — Map (db m159126) WM
On Red Church Road, on the left when traveling north.
Nearly three weeks after the Battle of Gettysburg, and in the wake of a sharp fight near Front Royal at Wapping Heights (Manassas Gap) on July 23, 1863, Confederate troops from Gen. Richard S. Ewell’s corps withdrew to the Page Valley. On July 25, . . . — — Map (db m13111) HM
Near Lee Highway (U.S. 211) 0.1 miles east of Crisman Hollow Road, on the right when traveling east.
Pignut Hickory was coined in early colonial days when hogs ate the nuts with great relish.
During the War of 1812 Andrew Jackson earned the nickname "Old Hickory" when he showed strength, stamina and energy as the leader of a rowdy troop of . . . — — Map (db m159064) HM
On Skyland Lower Loop 0.5 miles west of Skyline Drive, on the left when traveling south.
"This is no fancy Camp or fashionable resort, and we claim this as one of the greatest advantages we can offer. We do not cater for fashionable patronage, but if you want health, recreation, and rest, these we can give you in abundance." . . . — — Map (db m230887) HM
Near Crisman Hollow Road (County Route 274) 1.5 miles north of Lee Highway (U.S. 211), on the right when traveling north.
Starting about 350 million years ago, these mountains were being shaped by movements deep within the earth's crust. The pressure was intense. Loose sands were tightly compacted and cemented; buried rock was compressed, folded, buckled and . . . — — Map (db m230635) HM
On Camp Roosevelt Road (Virginia Route 675) south of Crisman Hollow Road, on the left when traveling south.
The Pump House that stood here, provided water to the camp using a gasoline powered pump to send water from the well to a holding reservoir. It was later replaced with an electric pump. Gravity-fed pipes dispersed water to buildings and drinking . . . — — Map (db m274714) HM
On Lee Highway (U.S. 211) at Skyline Drive, on the right when traveling east on Lee Highway.
Rappahannock County. Area 274 Square Miles. Formed in 1833 from Culpeper and named for the Rappahannock River, headwaters of which are in this county.
Page County. Area 322 Square Miles. Formed in 1831 . . . — — Map (db m1570) HM
On Lee Highway (U.S. 211/340) 0.1 miles east of Kauffman's Mill Road, on the right when traveling west.
A Pioneer and Christian father, who with his wife and six of his thirteen children, was a victim of the last Indian massacre in Page County. — — Map (db m174314) HM
On Cave Hill Road west of Lee Highway (U.S. 211/340), on the right when traveling west.
The Luray Valley Museum is dedicated to sharing the story of the people of the Shenandoah Valley and their enduring impact on the American culture. The museum has a significant and evolving decorative arts collection of Shenandoah Valley . . . — — Map (db m305352) HM
On Lee Highway (U.S. 211), on the right when traveling west.
Shenandoah National Park Shenandoah National Park was established in 1935 using lands donated by the Commonwealth of Virginia. The forest was once devastated by logging and farming, but has now returned, and covers more than 95 per cent of the . . . — — Map (db m13249) HM
Near Skyline Drive (at milepost 41.7), on the left when traveling north.
Decades before Shenandoah National Park was established, vacationers traveled to Skyland Resort seeking respite from urbanized, mechanized city life. Just as you have, they found rustic, natural surroundings, a slowed pace, and a chance to reconnect . . . — — Map (db m134294) HM
On Zerkel Street west of Campbell Street, on the right when traveling west.
Legend and narrative testimonies describe this stone as A Slave Auction Block
From the Page News & Courier, August 31, 1961: “This native sandstone block . . . which stood at the corner of Main and Court Streets at the Chamber of . . . — — Map (db m159133) HM
On Skyline Drive, on the left when traveling south. Reported permanently removed.
Can you see a man's stony face in the rock outcrop on the high peak directly to your left? Someone thought they could, thus the peak's name, Stony Man. Stony Man is Shenandoah National Park's second highest peak at 4,011 feet. To enjoy views . . . — — Map (db m13242) HM
Near Skyland Upper Loop west of Skyline Drive (just north of milepost 42), on the right when traveling west.
Did You Know?
Allow Me to (Re)Introduce Myself
The Park's resource protection mission makes it a superb place to reintroduce wildlife. In 1989 Shenandoah first tried to bring endangered peregrine falcons-once permanent . . . — — Map (db m230838) HM
Near Lee Highway (U.S. 211) 0.1 miles east of Crisman Hollow Road, on the right when traveling east.
Sassafras is best known for the spring tonic made from dried roots.
Although the tea from Sassafras is still used today. It is now known to contain cancer causing ingredients.
Smitten with Mittens
Sassafras leaves are very unique. . . . — — Map (db m159065) HM
Near Skyline Drive south of Lee Highway (U.S. 211), on the right when traveling south.
During the Civil War, this gap in the Blue Ridge was of significant tactical importance for the movement of troops, artillery, and supply wagons. The Thornton’s Gap Turnpike, a macadamized (hard-surfaced) road, passed through the gap and linked . . . — — Map (db m100651) HM
On Skyline Drive, on the right when traveling south. Reported permanently removed.
In the valley below, Highway 211 snakes its way through the town of Luray and connects Thornton Gap, 1/2 mile to your left on Skyline Drive, with New Market Gap, the low point in distant Massanutten Mountain. Luray and Route 211 illustrate how . . . — — Map (db m13228) HM
On Lee Highway (U.S. 211/340) 0.1 miles east of Kaufmann's Mill Road, on the right when traveling west.
Just west of here is White House, a fortified stone dwelling constructed ca. 1760 during the Seven Years' War. Built in the Rhenish style, it was the home of Mennonite minister Martin Kauffman II, whose family arrived in the Shenandoah Valley in the . . . — — Map (db m159078) HM
On Lee Highway (U.S. 211/340) 0.2 miles west of Hamburg Road ( Route 766), on the right when traveling west.
On May 21, 1862, Confederate Gen. Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson’s Valley Army plodded north
along this road to threaten Front Royal and outflank Union Gen. Nathaniel Bank’s position at Strasburg. With the addition of Gen. Richard S. Ewell’s . . . — — Map (db m230250) HM
On West Main Street (Business U.S. 211) west of Hawksbill Street, on the left when traveling east.
Operated from 1870–1910 about ¼ mile north of U.S. 211 over the South Fork of the Shenandoah River with its approach road close to the existing White House. You can easily see the White House, on the east side of the river, as you drive to the . . . — — Map (db m573) HM
On Lee Highway (U.S. 211) at Skyline Drive, on the right when traveling east on Lee Highway.
Here stood “Hawburg,” birthplace of the eminent Virginia sculptor William R. Barbee (1816–1868). He studied in Florence, Italy, where he carved his famed “Coquette” and “The Fisher Girl.” Returning to the United States in 1858 he was at work on a . . . — — Map (db m1571) HM
On Stonyman Road (County Route 642) east of Business U.S. 340.
On October 2, 1864, elements of the 2nd U.S. Cavalry Division under Col. William H. Powell reached this area near Luray and quickly laid waste to the Willow Grove Mill. Amanda Moore, wife of the mill’s owner, later recalled, "We had the Mill, Saw . . . — — Map (db m311913) HM
Near Cave Hill Road 0.2 miles west of Lee Highway (U.S. 211/340), on the right when traveling west. Reported permanently removed.
This mill was originally built of logs on a high rock foundation in 1797. It was powered by a 18' overshot with an up and down sawmill. Steam engines were used in late 1800's. In 1871 William Richards Renalds began working at this mill and operated . . . — — Map (db m159109) HM
Near Cave Hill Road 0.2 miles Lee Highway (U.S. 211/340), on the right when traveling west.
The World's First Bluegrass Festival was held at Oak Leaf Park, Luray, Virginia on July 4, 1961. Featured bands: Bill Clifton & the Dixie Mountain Boys, Bill Monroe & the Blue Grass Boys, Mac Wiseman, the Stanley Brothers, the Country Gentlemen, . . . — — Map (db m159124) HM
Near Lee Highway (U.S. 211) 0.1 miles east of Crisman Hollow Road, on the right when traveling east.
To travel this forest trail. Discover a two horse power tree, a boulder with living skin, and a stone that almost ground grain for grandfather's bread. Your half hour walk of discovery and adventure begins and ends here. — — Map (db m159077) HM
