National Register Listing

Beaver, John, House

a.k.a. Thomas Shirley House

N of Stanley on VA 615, Salem, VA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture houses residential buildings
The Pentagon, the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, is located in Arlington, Virginia.
Virginia random facts
Page County, Virginia, located in the picturesque Shenandoah Valley, has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. The area was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Iroquois, before European settlers arrived. In 1762, the county was officially established and named in honor of John Page, a prominent landowner.

During the American Revolution, Page County played a significant role in the fight for independence. Many local residents joined the Continental Army and fought in key battles, such as the Battle of Yorktown. The county also saw its share of conflict during the Civil War, as it was strategically located on the northern part of the Shenandoah Valley. Confederate General Stonewall Jackson marched through Page County during his famous campaign in 1862.

The 19th century saw the county transform from an agricultural community to a center of industry, with the arrival of the railroad in the 1850s. Lumber mills and tanneries flourished, taking advantage of the region's abundant natural resources. The rise of industrialization brought economic growth, attracting settlers and spurring the development of towns such as Luray, the county seat.

Today, Page County is known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. It is home to the Shenandoah National Park, which encompasses a section of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Tourists flock to the county to enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, and exploring the famous Luray Caverns, one of the largest cavern systems in the United States. With its rich history and breathtaking landscapes, Page County continues to captivate visitors and serve as a reminder of Virginia's past.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Page County, Virginia.

  • 1738: Page County, VA is established as part of Orange County
  • 1831: Page County becomes an independent county
  • 1862: Page County experiences significant destruction and casualties during the American Civil War
  • 1878: The first railroad, the Shenandoah Valley Railroad, is completed in Page County
  • 1927: Construction of the Shenandoah National Park begins, impacting parts of Page County
  • 1935: Shenandoah National Park is officially dedicated, attracting tourists and boosting the local economy
  • 1993: A flood in Page County causes extensive damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure