Embrace winter and all its beauty this year in Front Royal, Virginia. Front Royal is recognized as the northern Gateway to Shenandoah National Park and the Canoe Capital of Virginia. Steeped in rich Civil War history and natural beauty, this thriving community boasts attractions and amenities for everyone — all within a stone’s throw of the Nation’s Capital. Major attractions include Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive, Skyline Caverns, the Battle of Front Royal and Historic Downtown.
Civil War History of Front Royal
The streets of Front Royal were the scene of one of the greatest maneuvers in military history. It was here that General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson delivered the first decisive action against unsuspecting Union Forces during his famous Valley Campaign of 1862. This fight would become known as “The Battle of Brother against Brother.” First Maryland Confederates were pitted against their peacetime friends and relatives now serving with Union forces.
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Having marched his men over 400 miles in 40 days, Jackson struck a blow here that would so alarm President Abraham Lincoln and Union General George McClellan as to divert nearly 40,000 men away from a planned attack on Richmond. (Such an attack on the capitol of the Confederacy could possibly have ended any chances of a Confederate victory over the north). These troops were then hurried to the Shenandoah Valley in an attempt to track down and destroy Jackson and his army.
Forced marches of as many as 30 miles a day and the use of natural barriers denied Union forces meaningful intelligence as to the number and location of Jackson’s armies, thus often enabling them to defeat armies many times their size.
In fact, when notified that “Jackson had just taken Front Royal” on May 23, 1862, Union General Nathanial Banks (located just 10 miles away in Strasburg), is said to have stated “It can’t be Jackson; he’s still in Harrisonburg - sixty miles away.”
— Experience the 10 stop Battle of Front Royal Driving Tour first hand through the 10 stop driving tour brochure available at the Front Royal Visitors Center at 414 East Main Street in Front Royal or download at www.discoverfrontroyal.com The tour takes about three hours. A more descriptive book and CD are also available at our Visitors Center for just $10.45 (including tax).
— The Warren Rifles Confederate Museum, located at 95 Chester Street, features relics and records of the War Between the States including: arms, battle flags, uniforms and accoutrements, cavalry equipment, rare documents and pictures, personal and domestic items and memorabilia of Belle Boyd, Mosby’s Rangers, Generals Jackson, Lee, Early, Longstreet, Ashby and much more. Opens April 15 or by appointment 540-636-6982 or warrenriflescmm@gmail.com. Active Duty Military admitted free.
— Uncover more history at the Ivy Lodge, headquarters of the Warren Heritage Society www.warrenheritagesociety.org. Enjoy the free exhibits and purchase tickets to tour Confederate teen-age spy, Belle Boyd’s Cottage and the Balthis House.
For complete information and to receive your free Front Royal Visitors Guide contact us at 800-338-2576 or
www.DiscoverFrontRoyal.com.
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