Historical Marker

Welcome to Shenandoah National Park

Historical marker location:
Afton, Virginia
( Marker is on Skyline Drive, 0.1 miles north of Rockfish Gap Turnpike (U.S. 250), on the right when traveling north.)

Shenandoah National Park. National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior

  A brief timeline of the history of the National Parks

  • 1872: Yellowstone National Park is established as the first national park in the United States and widely recognized as the first national park in the world.

  • 1890: Yosemite National Park is established in California, protecting its iconic landscapes and natural wonders.

  • 1916: The National Park Service (NPS) is created as a federal agency responsible for managing and preserving national parks. Stephen Mather becomes the first director of the NPS.

  • 1919: Grand Canyon National Park is established in Arizona, safeguarding its immense and awe-inspiring canyon.

  • 1926: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is established, becoming the most visited national park in the United States.

  • 1933: President Franklin D. Roosevelt establishes the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as part of his New Deal program. The CCC plays a crucial role in the development and conservation of national parks, employing thousands of young men in projects such as trail construction, reforestation, and infrastructure improvements.

  • 1964: The Wilderness Act is passed, protecting designated wilderness areas within national parks and other public lands, ensuring their preservation in their natural state.

  • 1970: The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is signed into law, mandating environmental impact assessments for federal projects, including those within national parks.

  • 1980: The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act is passed, expanding the national park system and adding significant areas of land in Alaska, including the establishment of Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve.

  • 2009: President Barack Obama signs the Omnibus Public Land Management Act into law, designating several new national parks and expanding existing ones, such as Joshua Tree National Park and Zion National Park.

  • Present: The U.S. National Park system has grown to include over 60 designated national parks, as well as national monuments, preserves, seashores, and historic sites. These protected areas attract millions of visitors each year and serve as vital conservation areas for biodiversity, natural wonders, cultural heritage, and outdoor recreation.

The establishment and continued expansion of the U.S. National Parks reflect a commitment to preserving and sharing the country's unique natural and cultural treasures for future generations.

Audiobooks about the history of Virginia.
In 1954, the Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education, which declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional, originated from a lawsuit filed by parents in Virginia.
Virginia random facts
Augusta County, located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 18th century. Established in 1738, it was one of the original counties in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The region was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Siouan-speaking Monacan people, before European settlers arrived.

During the colonial era, Augusta County was at the forefront of westward expansion. It served as a gateway for settlers moving westward across the Appalachian Mountains into the Ohio Valley and beyond. The county played a significant role in shaping the American frontier, as numerous pioneers, including Daniel Boone, began their journeys from Augusta County to explore and settle new lands.

The county also witnessed the hardships and turmoil of the American Revolution. Many Augusta County residents actively participated in the war, with local militias assisting in the defense of their communities. The Battle of Lexington, one of the first battles of the Revolution, occurred in what is now Rockbridge County but was part of Augusta County at the time.

In the decades that followed, Augusta County continued to grow and evolve. It became a major agricultural center, with farming and livestock production being the primary economic activities. The construction of transportation infrastructure, such as the Valley Turnpike (now U.S. Route 11), further facilitated trade and the movement of people.

Today, Augusta County remains a vibrant and thriving community, blending its historical roots with modern developments. It is known for its scenic beauty, rich cultural heritage, and agricultural traditions. The county is home to diverse industries, including farming, manufacturing, and tourism, attracting visitors from far and wide to explore its historical sites, natural wonders, and charming small towns.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Augusta County, Virginia.

  • 1738 - Augusta County is formed from Orange County.
  • 1745 - Court held at Staunton for the first time.
  • 1754 - Fort Dinwiddie built to protect settlers during the French and Indian War.
  • 1777 - The town of Waynesboro is established.
  • 1784 - Augusta Academy, later known as Washington College and now Washington and Lee University, is founded in Lexington.
  • 1790 - Augusta County's population reaches over 17,000.
  • 1834 - Railroad reaches Staunton, bringing economic growth.
  • 1861-1865 - Augusta County is heavily impacted during the American Civil War.
  • 1883 - Western State Hospital, a psychiatric hospital, opens in Staunton.
  • 1890 - First hydroelectric power station in the world is opened at the Augusta County town of Millboro Springs.
  • 1927 - The Natural Bridge is designated as a National Historic Landmark.
  • 1962 - Blue Ridge Community College is established in Weyers Cave.