History is the road signs on the journey to the future.

Winchester Historic Sites

(Alphabetical Order on Old Town Map)
Amherst St. Named after Lord Jeffrey Amherst in approximately 1758, who replaced Lord Loudoun as commander of the
expeditionary forces against the French in the French & Indian War.
Beemer House (110 w. Boscawen St.) Beneath the exterior coverings is a log cabin built by Susan Beemer c. 1823. Her son,
John, is thought to have added the second story later in the 19th century. Many structures either enclose log buildings or are on the site
of original log houses here in Winchester.
Braddock St. Named after Sir Edward Braddock, the British leader of the expeditionary force against the French in the French &
Indian War. Braddock was severely wounded and died with young George Washington at his side at Fort Necessity. The battle at Fort
Necessity near Farmington, PA, in the summer of 1754 was the opening action of the French and Indian War.
Boscawen St. Named after British Admiral Edward Boscawen, who sailed to the colonies to prey upon French ships reinforcing
forces here during the French & Indian War. For many years the street was called Water St. due to the frequency of the town run to
flood it. Finally in 1926 it was restored to its original name, Boscawen.
Cannon Ball House (229 S. Loudoun Street.) The previous house on the spot took a cannon ball through it during the Union
occupation in 1862. Either as a dangerous prank or errant ordinance from Star Fort more than a mile away, the cannon ball passed
completely through the house and embedded in the street. Youll find a marker and embedded cannon ball around the corner in the
south wall of what is now an Italian restaurant. Heres an account by William Russell who heard the story from the unharmed
occupant: The ball struck the house at 4:45 a.m. Monday, Aug. 18, 1862. It passed completely through the house, entering through the north wall and
passing through the south wall. The ball came to rest in Clifford St. A neighbor who attempted to pick it up burned his hands. Mr. Connor picked it up
with a shovel and a bucket and had it placed in the wall when it was repaired.

Cameron St.
Named after Lord Thomas Fairfax, Sixth Baron of Cameron. His crypt is in the small courtyard next to the Christ
Episcopal Church on W Boscawen & S Washington Streets. Lord Thomas was the son of the fifth Baron of Cameron, who received
the original land grant by King Charles II in 1664, through marriage to Catherine, the daughter of Lord Alexander Culpeper. He never
came to the colonies although his son did. The grant covered all the land from the headwaters (head springs) of both the Potomac and
Rappahannock rivers to their convergence. A staggering territory of over 5 million acres! George Washington marked the headwaters
of the Potomac with a rock which can yet be seen in Western Maryland near the state line with West Virginia when he surveyed the
area for Lord Fairfax when only a teenager!
Cecil St. Named after Cecil St. in London, which is named after Lord Sir William Cecil (1520-1590), Secretary of State and Lord
Treasurer under Queen Elizabeth..
Civil War Museum The Old Court House Civil War Museum is a historic building with graffiti from both Northern and Southern
soldiers which also houses a nationally recognized collection of over 3,000 Civil War artifacts. Situated on the Loudoun Street Walking
Mall in Old Town, this Georgian style court house was used as a hospital, barracks and prison by both sides during the War.
Admission is charged and discounts given to seniors, military, and students with ID.
Hours of Operation: SUMMER HOURS - May 1 through October 31 MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.;
SUNDAY: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. ; WINTER HOURS - November 1 through April 30 WEDNESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY: 10:00 a.m.
to 5:00 p.m.; SUNDAY: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
City Story Marker Interpretive marker explaining the beginning of the community. A documented 1738 memoir of a Mrs. Sperry
describes the first settlement as two log cabins on either side of Town Run inhabited by German families. Col. James Wood founded
the first settlement as Frederick Town in 1744, which in less than 10 years, because of collaboration with Lord Thomas Fairfax,
became Winchester in 1752 after Winchester, England, (Woods place of origin).
Clifford St. Named after First Baron Thomas Clifford (1630-1673), advisor and Lord Treasurer of King Charles II. There is also a
street in London named after him.
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Cork St.

Thought to be named after Cork Street in the West End of London, which connects Clifford St. and Burlington Gardens.

Courthouse The Old Court House was built in 1840 to serve the citizens of Winchester and Frederick County. It was constructed on
the site of the 1741 courthouse which was the first courthouse beyond the Blue Ridge Mountains. Local citizen William Greenway
Russell (1800-1891) described the scene from early times: The courthouse square was enclosed with posts and rails. In the center of the yard
stood Black Betty, the whipping post and also the Pillory with a platform; below and some ten feet up, there was another platform and Pillory.

During the War Between the States, the building served as a hospital and prison. Around the court lawn was an iron fence in which
both Union and Confederate POWs were detained, as we know from sketches and diaries of the period. Winchester changed hands
over 69-99 times during the war according to whatever historian or expert one wishes to believe; sometimes several times in the same
day. It isnt likely that anyone kept an actual count, but it is known to be many times. Were talking the Civil War, War Between the
States, War of Northern Aggression, War for Southern Independence or whatever one wishes to use as reference to an extremely,
cruel and bloody period of our country. (One must remember Winchester was directly involved in the French & Indian War, The
Revolutionary War, and the War of 1812, considerably before the war in 1861-1865, making ante-bellum a somewhat confusing
designation here.) There werent battles involved with each Civil War change. Most changes occurred when one side or the other
found its position untenable and strategically withdrew (fled)
Since the town was the shipping point for goods and supplies from the upper Shenandoah Valley and the B&O railroad hub from the
north, it was an exceptionally strategic place to both armies. To paraphrase what Thomas Stonewall Jackson said of the
Shenandoah Valley is that he who wins the valley wins the war. Although Jackson was killed before the end, Gen. Phillip Sheridan
along with the help of Col. Armstrong Custer took the valley after the Battle of Cedar Creek (a huge re-enactment held 15 miles south
of Winchester annually in October on the preserved battlefield), and the Union ultimately won the war from a barefoot and starving
Confederate army.
Daniel Morgan Memorial The American frontier movement produced few individuals as picturesque as Daniel Morgan, writes
Professor Don Higganbotham in his biography of the man. Yes, Ole Morgan as he used to like to refer to himself, was one, rough,
tough, brawling, uncouth, uneducated frontiersman, but undoubtedly a great leader and fighter, just what our budding country required
at the time. Initially he was a wagoner on the ill-fated campaign of Lord Braddock and his aide-de-camp George Washington, but later
became a Brigadier General in the Revolutionary War and a right hand man of George Washington. He was a rough, tough
frontiersman by all accounts and was responsible for originating the Morgan Riflemen (or Raiders), crack marksmen from the
Winchester/Frederick County area using Indian tactics, which was one of the first groups of militia to join Washington in the fight for
independence. He was the hero of Saratoga and Cowpens. His home in Winchester is viewable two blocks west of the Pedestrian
Mall at 226 Amherst St. He also had a farm, Saratoga, about 12 miles southeast of Winchester near Boyce.
Discovery Museum To ignite creativity, spark curiosity and inspire learning in visitors of ALL ages, but ESPECIALLY IN CHILDREN,
by providing a rich variety of interactive hands-on exhibits and programs focusing on science, mathematics, humanities and the arts is
the goal of the museum. Its a must DO experience for young visitors anytime and often! The museum works with the Association of
Childrens Museums, Association of Science-Technology Centers, and the Virginia Association of Museums. It is sponsored by
numerous area corporate donors and private donations. An admission fee is charged, but children under two are FREE.
HOURS : Monday Saturday 9:00 AM 5:00 PM
Sunday 1:00 PM 5:00 PM
School or other groups welcome by appointment.

Dowdall House (21 N. Loudoun St.) This stately stone house is over two hundred and twenty years old!!! Amazingly it was the
previous structure on this lot which holds the most notoriety. George Washington lived at the previous log structure, which was the inn
of William Cocks, between 1775-1778. Documentation preserved in the Library of Congress records Washington and General
Braddock paying 5 shillings for lodging at Cocks inn in 1755 and 40 pounds to rent Cocks entire house in 1756.
The current house was built by local merchant James Dowdall in 1792. He was much involved in the Masonic lodge and served as
Master several times from 1768-1785. He was also recruited by Daniel Morgan for service in the Revolutionary War in 1777. The
house has been renovated and beautifully refurbished within and currently houses a law firm.
East Lane Named for East Lane in London, it was the eastern boundary for the original town when James Wood designed the
community. It was an important thoroughfare until 1870 when the B&O Railroad was extended south to Strasburg. The railroad right2

of-way imposed obstructions as are yet circumvented today. Since the railroad only extended to Winchester, it was a critical shipping
point north for valley wheat, flax, livestock, and other commodities coming down (yes, north is down!) the valley in wagons. The
Shenandoah River is one of the rare estuaries in the world running south to north, making Winchester at the end of the valley.
Edge Hill (315 E. Cork St.) Built in circa 1830 (183-years-old) by Peter Lauck, owner of the Red Lion Tavern. Ironically, the old
home now serves as a respected substance abuse treatment center and has received additions for that purpose
Fairfax Ln.

The original northern boundary of Winchester in 1752 and is named after Lord Thomas Fairfax.

Feltner Building Complex

This historic property in downtown Winchester, formerly known as 9 Court Square, is a complex of
seven buildings situated on the first public lots surveyed by James Wood in 1744, in what became Winchester in 1752. The property
was a donation from Mr. Wilbur M. Feltner in 2011.It saw many incarnations over the years, hosting establishments as varied as the
Palace Bar, law offices, the county clerks office and the A&N store. In 1994, Farmer & Merchants Bank President Wilbur M. Feltner
announced plans to renovate the 9 Court Square complex. The overhaul of the property was a two-year, multi-million dollar project that
brought a much-needed boost to efforts to revitalize Old Town Winchester.
A museum is now the center attraction of the Feltner Building. The Feltner Museum includes extensive memorabilia from the F&M
Bank, as well as the antique oil lamp collection donated by Mrs. Helen Feltner, and Mr. Feltners beer steins collected in their travels.
Throughout the Museum are paintings and sculpture from a variety of artists. These include original oils from Mort Kunstler and
paintings by John Chumley, Lynn Blakemoor, LeRoy Neiman, John Leone and Don Black. The Museum is open one Saturday
afternoon each month during the academic year, or by appointment. Admission is free. For more information about hours and visiting
the Museum, contact Christopher Bean at 540-665-4553.
Feltner Interpretive Marker
mall building.

Interpretive marker explaining the buildings combined for the Feltner complex located just right of the

Friendship Fire Hall Original building of one of the four volunteer fire companies serving the city. This building served for many
years before the new firehouse on the north side of town was built.
Glaize House (112 Piccadilly St.) Built in 1875 by George Glaize (1827-1896) who was an officer in the 23rd Virginia Cavalry and
served throughout the entire war. He began a lumber business in 1854 and passed it on to his son Fred L. Glaize, who resided in the
family home and became a leading real estate developer and orchardist with orchards throughout the area. He bequeathed the
business to his sons Fred L. Glaize Jr. and Philip B. Glaize. The family is yet involved in the apple business among other things.
Gen. Daniel Morgan House (226 Amherst St.) This impressive dwelling only served as Brigadier General Daniel Morgans home
for a short time. The land it occupies was sold by Mary Wood, widow of Col. James Wood, who is a town founder. Purchaser George
Norton began southwest section c. 1786. After purchasing it, Morgan completed it in 1800. The projecting bay of the building was
added in the 20th century.
Morgan was a swash-buckling, colorful and tough frontiersman that began his military career as a wagoner on the ill-fated Braddock
campaign along with George Washington in the French & Indian War. He later organized Morgans Riflemen, crack marksmen from
the local area, which was one of the first groups to join the Revolutionary Army. Washington relied upon his bravery and leadership
frequently. He distinguished himself in battle at Saratoga and again at Cowpens delivering stinging defeats to the British. He also
owned a large farm, Saratoga, southeast about 12 miles of Winchester at a small town named Boyce.
George Washington Hotel. The grand George Washington Hotel , built in 1924 and recently luxuriously renovated by Wyndham,
is appropriately named for the sixteen-year-old surveyor of Lord Thomas Fairfaxs 5+ million acre Northern Neck who would later
become the Father of the Nation. It is undoubtedly the most convenient place from which to see Old Town Winchester because it is on
the tour being on the National Register of Historic Places! At The George Washington, a Wyndham Grand Hotel, the pristine beauty of
the Shenandoah Valley has truly met its match. With elegant marble flooring, soaring ceiling heights and the original front desk, this
Georgian Revival-style hotel still has all the appeal and ambiance of a bygone era. It offers old-world charm. Here you'll enjoy every \
modern convenience a traveler could desire; the hotel was fully restored in 2008 after a thoughtful $30 million renovation.
Be sure to gawk at the splendor of the ballroom where numerous celebrities such as Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Betty Crocker,
Hopalong Cassidy, Jack Dempsey, Lucille Ball and many more involved with the spring Apple Blossom Festival made appearance.
The GWH staff also will happily direct you to the sites of this two and a half century historical treasure trove right around the corner!
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Also ask for the printed history of the hotel to fully appreciate the site. Also, The Dancing Goat, an onsite fine dining restaurant, offers
breakfast, lunch and dinner at moderate prices.
George Washingtons In-lot & Out-lot Washington purchased In-Lot # 77( c. 1756) from Col. James Wood on the corner of
Braddock St. and Fairfax Ln. and an accompanying Out-Lot about three quarters of a mile east on what is now National Ave., Route 7,
the old Berryville Pike. Both are marked with historical markers. In-Lots were approximately 120x190 feet and were intended for
dwelling and business houses. There were 80 total in Woods original town plan. Out-lots were of a half acre or more and intended for
gardens, livestock and other necessities not suitable to a genteel settlement. It surely had to be a revolutionary urban development
plan for the mid 1700s! What a concept!! Imagine a town which was planned, not one which just happened; and this was the
frontier at that!!!
George Washingtons Office Museum
Documentation as to exactly who built this structure and when is uncertain. Some
historians believe it to have been used by George Washington from 1748-1758 serving as his office as a young surveyor here and later
as military headquarters with his being the commander of the militia. If accurate, the house is about 265 years old, at least the central
blockhouse portion of it. It is relatively certain that Washington used the building as his office between 1755-1756, while he supervised
the building of Fort Loudoun where he later took up residence. The house came into possession of Adam Kurtz in 1778. Kurtz is said
to have been one of the Morgan Riflemen, who fought valiantly in the Revolutionary War. The Kurtz family passed down and lovingly
cared for the building in honor and remembrance of George Washington until 1908 when the City Council purchased it with the
intention of preserving it for posterity.
Located on the grounds are a cannon brought by General Braddock to Alexandria and a memorial statue to the young surveyor who
started his adult life and career right here in Winchester. The cannon is only one of the many artifacts displayed at the museum.
(Were talking over 250 years ago here!) The current exhibit is entitled Washington and the West displaying some of Washingtons
personal effects like surveying equipment and a scale model of the town of Winchester c. 1755 with Fort Loudoun located prominently
on the north end of town.
The building is now a must see museum run by the Winchester-Frederick County Historical Society. The Society operates three
museums in town: George Washingtons Office Museum, Abrams Delight (OVER 250 YEARS OLD AND PRESERVED), and Thomas
Stonewall Jacksons Headquarters Museum. The Hollingsworth Mill (built in 1833 by the great-grandson one of the first settlers in the
area) serves as headquarters for the society and houses some very interesting artifacts and displays. A circa 1780 log structure at
Abrams Delight is also on the tour. Visitors may purchase a block ticket for all these sites at any one of the three museums.
Price: Adults $10; Seniors $9; Students (K-12) $4; Family $20
ADMISSION INFORMATION for GEORGE WASHINGTON OFFICE MUSEUM
Season: Open daily April 1 through October 31
Hours: Monday Saturday 10 am to 4 pm. Sunday: 12 pm to 4 pm
Admission: Adults $5; Seniors $4.50; Students (K-12) $2.50; Family $12
Inquire about scheduling large groups.

Great Waggon Road Stand in the middle of the pedestrian mall and look to the north and then to the south. Envision bison, deer,
elk, wolves, mountain lions (tigers) and other animals migrating along its heavily forested route, for thousands of years! Its actually
how it began. Through todays walking mall, which just over went a multi-million dollar renovation, once ran Loudoun Street, Frederick
Towns main street in 1744 and later Winchesters main street in 1752. It was an important stop on the road on which it is estimated
that 50 million peoples progenitors traveled. It extended from Philadelphia through Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia to
approximately Roanoke where it split into several roads to the western Carolinas and, most significantly, west through the Cumberland
Gap. Daniel Boone (whose wife was born on a farm area just north of Winchester) traversed this old animal/Indian path, most
commonly known as the Wilderness Road, to open up civilization to Kentucky and the west. Only a small percentage of people
traversed over the Blue Ridge to settle in the valley.
The Great Waggon Road has several parts and is called by many names. Since Indians used the millennium-old animal trails to
navigate the wilderness, it was early called the Indian Road or Path, also the Great Warriors Road or Path. Other names used in
reference to it were The Wilderness Road and The Great Philadelphia Wagon Road among others. It was noted on the historic
Jefferson Frye Map published in 1751 (Peter Jefferson, Yes, Founding Father Thomas Father, and Joshua Fry) as the Waggon
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Road extending through Frederick Town or Winchester. It was a critical and well-used road during the Civil War, and today it is
largely the road bed for US Route 11, and of course, Winchesters old main street.
Few trails in early America were more important than the Indian route which extended east of the Appalachians from Pennsylvania to
Georgia. The trails began with the migration of animals for thousands of years in the Shenandoah Valley, most notably the bison or
what we usually refer to as buffalo. ( Yes, a buffalo, or more scientifically, a bison. The family history of the Hollingsworths, one of the
first two settlers in the area, informs us that Abrahams father was killed by a bull buffalo on his visit to Abrams Delight in 1737!!) The
aboriginal peoples adopted these trails as ways through the wilderness for centuries. This ancient Indian Road or Warriors' Path was
long used by Iroquois tribesman of the north to come south and trade or make war in Virginia and the Carolinas. Then, by a series of
treaties with the powerful Five Nations of the Iroquois, the English acquired the use of the Warriors' Path. After 1744, they took over
the land itself.
The growth of the route after 1744 into the principal highway of the colonial back country (perhaps the frontier version of the interstate!)
is an important chapter in the development of this nation. Over the Great Philadelphia Wagon Road, vast numbers of English, ScotchIrish, and Germanic settlers entered this continent and claimed lands. Again, approximately 50 million people in the US can trace their
heritage to the Great Waggon Road, it is estimated.
The endless procession of new settlers, Indian traders, soldiers, and missionaries swelled as the Revolution approached. "In the last
sixteen years of the colonial era," wrote the historian Carl Bridenbaugh, "southbound traffic along the GREAT Philadelphia Wagon
Road was numbered in tens of thousands; it was the first paved (macadamized) road in the country and the most heavily traveled road
in all America, and must have had more vehicles jolting along its rough and tortuous way than all other main roads put together."

Handley Library

The Handley Library opened in 1913 and is probably the best example of Beaux-Arts architecture in Virginia. It
is a more beautiful building on the interior, well worth your time to visit. It features a three story rotunda, interior stained-glass dome,
exterior copper dome, historic light fixtures, and glass stack floors. Located in the basement are the Stewart Bell Jr. Archives that
house a comprehensive collection of materials pertaining to the Shenandoah Valley from 1732 to present. Judge John Handley of
Scranton, Pennsylvania left $250,000 in his will to . . . open a Public Library for the free use of the people of the city of Winchester
forever. An addition was added to the building in 1979 and a complete renovation, designed by Dennis Kowal Architects, was
completed in 2001. Handley also left money to build a beautiful high school bearing his name located at Valley Ave. and John Handley
Blvd. about a mile south of the mall.
Holliday House The original portion of this house was built in 1797 by William Holliday, a merchant, who lived in the dwelling for
more than fifty years. His grandson, Frederick William Holliday, was a colonel in the Confederate army, losing his arm in the Battle of
Cedar Creek (a huge re-enactment held 15 miles south of Winchester annually in October on the preserved battlefield) in 1864. He
was later called the one-armed hero of Cedar Creek and was elected Governor of Virginia in 1877. His son and grandson became
very capable physicians. Notice the glazed headers (the shiny narrow end of the brick) used on the original walls making the division
between the second and third levels quite apparent on the north end of the building. Years ago it was a very popular ice cream parlor
and now houses a restaurant.

Hopewell Centre Friends Meeting House

In 1776, Hopewell records show that Friends "near Isaac Parkins" were given
permission to hold a meeting for worship. This was Isaac Parkins, Jr. They met at the Parkins home, called "Milltown" and later called
"Willow Lawn." Isaac Parkins, Jr. provided land where a meetinghouse and graveyard were established. Centre (sometimes spelled
Center) Meeting was completed in 1778. This building, presumably a wooden structure, served the Quakers in Winchester until about
1820.
In 1816, Robert Wood conveyed to Sarah Zane four lots, which now comprise the 600 block of Washington Street (Washington,
Monmouth, Stewart and Germain). Sarah Zane was a devout Friend who lived in Philadelphia and visited Winchester often to visit her
brother, Gen. Isaac Zane, Jr. When she died in 1821, she left $1,000 to Winchester to "purchase a Fire Engine and Hose to be kept in
best repair with my affection and gratitude." becoming the Sarah Zane Fire Company. Eventually it closed and now is the Old Town
Club used for civic meetings.
In 1817 Sarah Zane conveyed the four lots to the trustees of Center Meeting and a new meetinghouse was built over the next several
years. Friends in Winchester met at this location until the Civil War when the property was destroyed. In 1870, they purchased a lot
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on the northwest corner of Washington and Piccadilly Streets and the new meetinghouse was completed in 1872. This building still
stands and has been used continuously since that time.
Indian Alley Documentation on how Indian Alley received its name has not been found. Local lore says that it was either once an
actual Indian Path or because it was behind the inns where the stables existed (and Indians did not sleep indoors but rather with the
horses when in town) that it is agreed upon as the more likely more scenario. It was the western boundary of the original town
designed by James Wood.
Kent St.
county.

Named after Leeds Castle in Kent County, England, where Lord Thomas Fairfax was born. A part of London is within this

Kurtz & Bro. Building The Kurtz brothers were cabinet and furniture makes. Of course because they made caskets also, their
establishment served as a mortuary also. Notice the front southwest corner of the building. It is reported that the rounded edge is the
result of numerous wagons scraping it over the years. Also notice the Civil War Marker around the corner.?
Logan House
Perhaps the grandest of all the old homes is the Logan House built by Lloyd Logan, a wealthy tobacco merchant, in
approximately 1848. Unfortunately, the Logans didnt enjoy it for many years since it was seized in 1863 by two successive Union
generals, Milroy and later Sheridan. Local diarists tell us that Mrs. Milroy demanded a fine home of her husband if she were to join him
in Winchester. Milroy consequently chose probably the finest of the time. Secessionist diarist Mrs. Hugh Holmes Lee described it as
follows: April 7, 1863: Mrs. Logan and family were sent south today after most outrageous treatment. They were not allowed to take a single article,
except their clothes, not even their silver. Before they drove off, Mrs. Milroy arrived and took possession.

Using it as headquarters, this is not the building that Sheridan began his legendary ride south 15 miles to rally his troops against what
appeared to be a potential southern rout at Cedar Creek. His ride was immortalized in Thomas Buchanan Reads 1912 poem,
Sheridans Ride. Sheridan had just arrived from the Remount Station in Front Royal after meeting with Lincoln in Washington, D.C.
when he was informed of the strategic retreat at Cedar Creek on the Belle Grove plantation (a huge re-enactment held 15 miles south
of Winchester annually in October on the preserved battlefield). The Remount Station in Front Royal is now the site of the Smithsonian
National Zoo Experimental Center where dozens of species, no longer found in the wild, only exist there. The center is only open once
yearly to the public because of the threat of harm to these rare animals.
Loudoun St Named after Lord John Campbell, Fourth Earl of Loudoun (1705-1782), who was appointed Captain-General and
Governor-in-Chief of the colony of Virginia in 1756 and a month later Commander-in-Chief of the British forces in America during the
French & Indian War.
Masonic Lodge (118 N. Loudoun) On October 1, 1768, the Provincial Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania granted a warrant, or charter,
to a number of Masons living in or near Winchester to form a Lodge, to be known as Winchester Lodge No. 12. This was the first
Masonic Lodge established west of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the first in Virginia to be designated by a number. The charter
named three members, who were to be the Station Officers of the Lodge, but at the first meeting there were four members present. By
the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, the Lodge had 21 members.
The leader of the movement to form a Masonic Lodge in Winchester was James Dowdall (of 21 S. Loudoun St.), who was named
Charter Master. The date of his arrival in Winchester is unknown, but he became a prosperous merchant and importer of goods from
Europe. He served in the Revolution as a "Cadet" in Company 7 of Daniel Morgan's Regiment of Riflemen. Morgan Alexander, a
member of Winchester Lodge No. 12, was Captain of this company. This regiment served with distinction and won renown in the
battles around Saratoga, New York.
The Winchester Lodge did suggest that George Washington be selected Grand Master, but George Washington was asked to be
Grand Master. He refused because of the pressure of other business (this was the winter of Valley Forge) and because at that time
he had never served as Master of a Lodge. However, according to a local Free Mason, Washington later served as Master of the
Alexandria Lodge, as a sitting president. Also President Harry Truman served as the Grand Master in Missouri as a sitting president.
Union Captain William McKinley was inducted into the Free Masons immediately after the Civil War in a building next to the
Virginia National Bank (186 N. LoudounSt.) upon which is a commemorative plaque. He later became President of the United
States in 1897 and was assassinated in 1901. As the army was using the Market House, these meetings were held at 172 N. Loudoun
Street.

Millers Apothecary (107 N. Loudoun St.) Here is where young George Washington would have filled his prescriptions! Godfrey
and Peter Miller began the business in 1764 after purchasing the two-story log structure built by merchant Samuel Rea. Eventually
becoming Millers Drug Store, it stayed in the familys hands and operated until closing in 1992 (249 years!!). George Miller II built this
current Federal style building in the 1800s. The building is known as the oldest continuing family-run drug store in America. The
front section was added on in the 1800s to an older existing structure. Original ledgers, medical books and supplies dating back to
1806, are currently housed at Shenandoah Universitys Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy for research and display purposes. An
elderly gentleman in town recalls that they made the best sundaes in town. . Local writer Mac Rutherford writes in his book Historic
Haunts of Winchester (www.historypress.net) that the building is haunted!!
Mount Hebron Cemetery Mount Hebron Cemetery is a unique community institution. It is a complex of four adjoining burying
grounds embraced within a common enclosure. The one and one-fourth acre section in its northwest corner (at Woodstock and East
Lanes) is the cemetery that surrounded the old German Reformed Church. It contains marked graves dating from 1769. Inasmuch as
the church (of which no trace remains) is believed to have been erected about ten years earlier, we may conjecture that this spot has
been a burying place for more than two centuries.
Revolutionary War General Daniel Morgan, southern Confederate Cavalry hero Turner Ashby, his brother, philanthropists Judge John
Handley and Charles Broadway Rouss, who in 1891 donated the handsome iron picket fence erected to enclose the four cemeteries
and in 1902 the limestone tower gate, containing the superintendents home and office are all buried here.
Twenty-two years after the establishment of Mount Hebron Cemetery, a fourth contiguous burying ground was dedicated in 1866 amid
solemn and impressive ceremonies. Stonewall Cemetery is the last resting place for the bodies of 2,576 Confederate soldiers
who died in the fields and hospitals of this locality. Some 7,000 to 10,000 confederate and Union soldiers are estimated to be
buried in and around Winchester. Handsome monuments have been erected here by various States and individuals, and every
year since 1866 the graves are decorated and appropriate memorial ceremonies held. It was the exploits in this vicinity of these valiant
soldiers and their leaders and the location here of this cemetery which first attracted Judge John Handley, of Pennsylvania to
Winchester and resulted in his generous benefactions to this city. Although he had never lived in Winchester, he sought and obtained a
plot as close as possible to Stonewall Cemetery for his own last resting place.

Old Stone Church Known here as the Old Stone Church for over 150 years, it was the Old Presbyterian Church built by members of
the sect in 1788. It is over 225 years old and was abandoned in 1834 for a new facility. The Old School Baptist Church of Color and
the Baptist Church of Winchester used it from 1879-1929. Local diarists tell us that the Union army stabled horses in it and also used it
for storing arms and explosives during the Civil War. Two of the greatest fears of local citizens during the war were that Union forces
would fire the town and explode the ordinance in the Old Stone Church on one of its many strategic retreats!

Old Taylor Hotel

Bushrod Taylor built and opened his large hotel in 1848 on the same site of a previous log structure, the McGuire
Hotel or Tavern, occupied from before the Revolutionary War. The McGuire Hotel burned down. The Taylor located downtown on the
Valley Pike (modern US 11), served many travelers and was a base for mail and passenger stagecoaches from at least 1850. General
Stonewall Jackson used the building as his first headquarters in the fall of 1861 while commander of the Valley District. Following the
First Battle of Kernstown in March, 1862 and the Third Battle of Winchester in September of 1864, the hotel was one of many buildings
crowded with wounded. A fixture of Winchesters downtown through much of the twentieth century, as a theater, department store, and
telecom center, the building has been vacant since 2004, and its condition has deteriorated, especially after a partial roof collapse in
2007. The Taylor was the height of luxury in the valley at its time.
In 2011, the Economic Development Authority purchased the blighted Taylor Hotel with the intent to return the building into a
successful and contributing member of the Loudoun Street Mall. After the middle portion of the building collapsed in October 2007,
renovating the historic structure proved to be a challenge. But after many years of waiting, the people of Winchester will soon be able
to enjoy this once vibrant and significant piece of Winchester history. Through the use of historic tax credits, federal and state grants
and private investment, the Citys Economic Development Authority began restoration efforts last fall. The Taylor Hotel building has
always been a focal point on the Loudoun Street Mall. Once the renovation is complete, it will finally be able to contribute to the vitality
of the downtown area while offering a place to dine, live, shop and relax.
Orrick House (15 S. Braddock St.)
Probably built just before the Civil War, it was purchased in 1891 by Robert Orrick, a
prominent African-American citizen of Winchester, who left a legacy of community spirit lasting until today. Born a slave, he became a
minister, forceful speaker, successful business man and real estate owner after buying his freedom through his extraordinary
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enterprise. His livery business contracted with the Federal government to deliver mail to isolated areas. When Orrick died in 1902, his
wealth was estimated at $25,000 roughly equivalent to more than a half-million dollars in todays worth. He donated land and built a
church in Stephens City and the land for the present-day African-American Cemetery on the south end of town, Southwerk and Valley
Avenue. Local writer Mac Rutherford writes in his book Historic Haunts of Winchester (www.historypress.net) that the building is
haunted!!
Patsy Cline House/Museum The Patsy Cline Historic House is on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia
Landmarks Register. Patsy resided here from 1948-57, longer than at any other house associated with her in the Winchester and
Nashville areas, and she returned to it intermittently until her singing career began in 1957. The house serves as a proud testament to
Patsy's love of family. Her devoted and influential relationship with her mother and their drive and determination launched Patsy's
career. The house, furnished with some personal items, appears as when Patsy and her family lived there. Approximately, 4 short
blocks south of the Mall on Kent Street.
Hours:

April 2 October 31, 2013 (Closed on Mondays)

Tuesday through Saturday 10:00am to 4:00pm, tours scheduled every 45 minutes: 10:00am; 10:45am; 11:30am; 12:15pm; 1:00pm;
1:45pm; 2:30pm; and last tour 3:15pm
Sundays 1:00pm to 4:00 pm, tours scheduled every 45 minutes: 1:00pm; 1:45pm; 2:30pm; and last tour 3:15pm
Length of tours 45 minutes, allows for guided tour and gift shop

Piccadilly St. Named after the famous mile-long Piccadilly St. in London, which is famous for its West-end business locations and
its East-end aristocratic residences and fashionable clubs. Incidentally, Piccadilly Circus is not a circus as we know it with clowns,
elephants and such, but rather a rounded area in London (from the Latin root meaning circle) which connects Piccadilly St. with others.
Its very busy, much like Times Square in New York City. A common joke in London is that if you stay in Piccadilly Circus long enough,
youll meet everyone you know! Also the code name for the rendezvous of ships on D-Day was Piccadilly Circus!!
Police Station Being an independent political entity, Winchester has its own police department with offices located east of the
Pedestrian Mall off Piccadilly St. Frederick County Sheriff Office is located east of I-81 off the Front Royal Pike. Rt.522S
Post Office 22601 A small Post Office is maintained on the north end of the Pedestrian Mall. The main Post Office is located on the
northeast corner of Berryville Ave. & Pleasant Valley Road, not far from Washingtons Out-lot. The original post office was a log
building on the corner of Braddock and Piccadilly Streets, presently the site of John Handley Library. During the Civil War, War
between the States, War of Northern Aggression, War for Southern Independence or whatever one wishes to use as reference to an
extremely, cruel and bloody period of our country, the Post Office was run by a pro-Union gentleman from Maine (federal employee).
For solely his sentiments, the Confederate Army arrested him and imprisoned him in Martinsburg, where he died because he was in his
sick bed when taken. His daughter, Julia Chase, wrote a diary during the war as a number of other Secessionist women in town;
however, hers had a completely Northern slant unlike the others. She is buried in Mt. Hebron Cemetery.
Red Lion Tavern (204 & 208 S. Loudoun St.) This handsome, 225+-year-old, well-preserved building was built by Peter Lauck
circa 1783, a member of Morgans Riflemen who made the historical Beeline March to Boston in 1775 to join Washington in the fight
for independence. Lauck was severely wounded by a cannon discharge which burst his ear drums and caused permanent deafness at
the Battle of Quebec. The Tavern surely saw many notable figures throughout its time which unfortunately are not documented. It is
known that the north section of the building saw use as a tavern and the south section saw use as lodging. Presently the building is
owned by National Food Product Company Inc. (Whitehouse Applesauce!! and products) which operates the quaint Country Store to
highlight its products. Be sure to visit to see the inside and the wonderful Stonewall Jackson portrait over the fireplace mantle!
Reed House (35 W. Piccadilly) Built circa 1798 by George Reed, a coppersmith, whose business was in the next building on the
corner. Reed, an Irish immigrant in 1766, was a prominent member of the community, serving as mayor, magistrate and the High
Sherriff of Frederick County. He was also a very early leader in the Methodist church of Winchester.
Rest Rooms

Public restrooms are to be found on the south end of the walking mall across from the Discovery Museum.

Rouss Fire Hall The oldest fire house yet in use in the Commonwealth of Virginia says the volunteer firefighter historian, Justin
Bowers! The Charley Rouss Fire Company Inc. is one of four volunteer fire companies in the City of Winchester Virginia. Rouss
provides truck company operations for the city as well as vehicle extrication while Friendship, Shawnee, and South End provide engine
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company operations and EMS transports. All equipment and the building belong to the volunteers; the town staffs it with paid, career
firefighters to assist the volunteers. Ask for an amazing free tour and allow yourself at least an hour!! Be sure to ask where the term
fire plug originated and where to see Old Jake. BE FOREWARNED, however, if theres a fire, your guide has TO GO!! Its a
beautiful old building made possible by local rags-to-riches philanthropist Charley Broadway Rouss, who also donated to build the city
hall named after him.
Ruins of Old German Lutheran Church (Mt. Hebron Cemetery) Built in stages between 1764 to 1785, all remaining of the German
Lutheran Church are these ruins after burning down in 1854. With their high regard for education, the congregation built a school first,
and held services in it until it could build the church. The church was used to house Hessian and English POWs after the surrender of
Cornwallis at Yorktown in the Revolutionary War. A significant German population settled in Winchester due to migration down The
Great Wagon Road from Pennsylvania. The accompanying cemetery was where many soldiers were buried during the Civil War with
as many as five to a grave says one local diarist of the time! The overwhelming numbers led to the Stonewall and National Cemeteries
as well as Mt. Hebron Cemetery.
Sarah Zane Fire Hall The Sarah Zane Fire Company, the oldest fire company in the history of Winchester, was founded in 1840 and
named for it first benefactor Sarah Zane. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Sarah was the sister of Isaac Zane Jr. Although from
Philadelphia, Sarah Zane spent a great deal of her life as a resident of Winchester managing Isaacs estate in the area after his death.
She died in 1821 and in her will left Winchester the money to buy a fire engine and hose. The Sarah Zane Fire Company, which was
located at the northeast corner of the intersection of Fairfax Lane and North Loudoun St. ceased operations in the 1980s.
Sherrard House (117 121 S. Loudoun St.) This beautiful limestone building is over 200 years old!! Built circa 1788 by Robert
Sherrard, a merchant, it was both a store in the south end and a residence in the north end. The property remained in the Sherrard
family until 1851. It is currently owned by Mr. and Mrs. James Riley and houses their accounting firm and capital investment firm.
Stonewall Jackson Headquarters / Museum This house served as General Thomas J. Stonewall Jacksons headquarters during
the winter of 1861-62 and is a Virginia and National Historic Landmark. It is important to realize that one views the back of the house
from the current street due to the town growing around it since occupied by Jackson and his wife. The house was built in 1854 by
William Fuller. Eventually, it came into the possession of Lewis T. Moore, a Lt. Colonel in the Fourth Virginia Volunteers during the
Civil War. He invited Jackson to use his home. One of Moores descendants, actress Mary Tyler Moore was instrumental in the
restoration of the home.
The house holds the largest collection of Jackson memorabilia and also personal objects from members of his staff. The museum has
on display Jacksons personal prayer table, initialed prayer book and other Jackson family artifacts. Jackson was known to be an
extremely devout Christian. The museum honors the memory of General Jacksons military genius as General Robert E. Lees most
valuable officer. His sincerity, fervor and valor moved mens spirits to follow him against any odds. General Jacksons office is
essentially the same as when he used it preserving the essence of a true southern hero. Incidentally, Jackson received his nickname
Stonewall at the First Battle of Manassas (Bull Run) in the afternoon of July 21st, 1862. Meeting General Bees troops retreating in
increasing disorder, he advanced with a battery to a ridge behind the Robinson House and tenaciously held the position until Bees
troops rallied at his rear. Look at Jackson standing there like a stone wall, was the sentence that gave birth to his historic nickname.
By legend it was General Bee who uttered these words, just before he fell adding: Rally on Virginians!
Visitors may purchase a block ticket for all these sites at any one of the three museums. Price: Adults $10; Seniors $9;
Students (K-12) $4; Family $20
ADMISSSION INFORMATION for STONEWALL JACKSON OFFICE MUSEUM
Season: Open daily April 1 through October 31
Hours: Monday Saturday 10 am to 4 pm. Sunday: 12 pm to 4 pm
Admission: Adults $5; Seniors $4.50; Students (K-12) $2.50; Family $12
Inquire about scheduling large groups.

Tomb of Lord Fairfax Lord Thomas Fairfax, Sixth Baron of Cameron, is interred at Christ Church. His crypt is in the small
courtyard next to the church on W Boscawen & S Washington Streets. In 1925 his remains were moved from beneath the floor of the
church to the courtyard crypt after renovations. Lord Thomas was the son of the fifth Baron of Cameron, who received the original
land grant by King Charles II in 1664, through marriage to Catherine, the daughter of Lord Alexander Culpeper. He never came to the
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colonies although his son did. The grant covered all the land from the headwaters (head springs) of both the Potomac and
Rappahannock rivers to their convergence, a territory over 5 million acres. George Washington marked the headwaters of the
Potomac with a rock which can yet be seen in Western Maryland near the state line with West Virginia when he surveyed the area for
Lord Fairfax when only a teenager! Lord Fairfax was a co-founder of Winchester along with Col. James Wood
Williams House (25 W. Piccadilly St.) This unique and gracious building was built circa 1845 by Phillip Williams, the
Commonwealth Attorney for Shenandoah and Warren Counties and representative of Shenandoah County in the Virginia House of
Delegates. He belonged to the Whig Party and opposed succession, but he was yet held in Federal prison as a hostage by the Union.
His first wife was Ann Hite, daughter of Major Isaac Hite of Belle Grove plantation, where the Battle of Cedar Creek was won by Union
General Phillip Sheridan in 1864 to permanently seize the Shenandoah Valley. Both Hites mentioned were great and great-great
grandchildren of original settler Jost Hite who brought 16 families from Pennsylvania to settle on Opequon Creek south of town. Local
writer Mac Rutherford writes in his book Historic Haunts of Winchester (www.historypress.net) that the building is haunted!!
Wm. Greenway Russell House (40 S. Loudoun St) This house is believed to have been built in about 1790, 223 years ago. The
exact date is not recorded in documents, but the estimate seems consistent with the adjoining structures and area. All that remains of
the original building is its two outside walls. The original front and back were removed sometime in the 20th century and replaced with
concrete blocks and a faade nearly matching the original stonework. Its most notable resident was William Greenway Russell (18001891), a merchant, member of the City Council, city Treasurer and Magistrate, and a local historian and writer. He is best known for
his 1876 book, What I know about Winchester, which is where we have learned many things about places, people and events here.
Wisteria House (101 S. Loudoun St.) Originally built circa 1789, this house was expanded. Issac Parkins, who owned Out-lot #49
on which most of Fort Loudoun was built, also owned a mill and seemed to deal in real estate. He consequently sold this Loudoun St.
in-lot to William Russell who enlarged it. His son, a veteran of the War of 1812, later occupied the home. It is a beautifully picturesque
building when the wisteria is in bloom!
Wolfe St. Named after General James Wolfe, a brigadier under Lord Amherst in charge of British forces sent against the French in
Quebec. He was killed there September 13, 1759; however, Quebec was seized by British forces a few days after his death. He was
known for his heroism in this and other battles.

This guide was produced by Larry J. Walters, a member of the Winchester-Frederick County Historical Society in
Winchester, Virginia. It was created for the education and the enjoyment of anyone in appreciation of history in
which we abound here in Winchester. Care has been taken to be as accurate and credible as possible, but this
document does not purport to be a piece of scholarship or a textbook. It is a visitors guide. However, if you should
take issue with any information, please feel free to share your concerns by e-mail at vawalters@hotmail.com. We
would want to correct any error or misrepresentation. Also if you enjoy using it, please let the historical society
(wfchs@verizon.net) or me know personally. Please tell your friends about our lovely and historical town, and be
sure to suggest to them a visit to our beautiful and informative Visitor Center (www.visitwinchesterva.com) and the
Winchester-Frederick County Headquarters and museum next to it. In addition, if interested in planning a group tour,
please contact us at the above addresses.
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