Page County, Virginia

A Home Away From Home? A Slave Auction Block Appalachian Trail High Point Battle of Milford Bell House Blacksmith Shop Burner Barn Calendine Car & Carriage Caravan Museum Catherine Furnace Cavalry Engagement Chestnut Oak Chinkapin Oak Civilian Conservation Camp Confederate Heroes Monument Confederate Memorial Construction of the Skyline Drive Corn Crib Downy Serviceberry Eastern Redbud Elk Run Meeting House Execution of Summers and Koontz Farm Machinery From The Past FisherÂ’s Hill and YagerÂ’s Mill Flowering Dogwood Fort Philip Long Gaps in the Story GravesÂ’ Chapel Guarding the Past Hamburg African American Regular School Heartpine Cafe Historic White House 1760 History Marches Forward History of Verbena If These Walls Could Talk Jackson's Last Mountain Crossing JacksonÂ’s 2nd Corps Established Lewis Mountain Dilemma Luray Luray Caverns Luray, Virginia Established 1812 Massanutten School Massanutten Wildflower Trail Massanutton Mauck Meeting House Millstone Mountain Contrast Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Old Man in the Mountain Overall Bridge Page County / Shenandoah County Page County Veterans Memorial Pass Run and Thornton Gap Pignut Hickory Rappahannock County / Page County Revolutionary War Memorial Shenandoah At War Shenandoah Iron Works Shenandoah National Park Shenandoah's Centerpiece Shield's Advance & Retreat Somerville Heights Stonewall Jackson's Marches Stony Man The Beautiful Caverns of Luray The Burning of Red Bridge The Chapman-Ruffner House The Greatest Single Feature The Historic Page Valley The Luray Valley Museum The Rev. Bernard Willy House The Reverend John Roads (Rhodes) The Shenk Farm The Stevens Cottage 1890 The Tea Tree The World's First Bluegrass Festival Thornton Gap U.S. Route 340 Warren County / Page County White House White House Bridge White House Ferry William Randolph Barbee Willow Grove Mill Willow Grove Mill In Olden Days You Are Invited
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.
Brief timeline of 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

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