Museums and Historic Sites

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Click on each region to reveal links to museums and historic sites you can visit here in the Shenandoah Valley

Featured Sites

The Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum

Located in the heart of downtown Winchester, the museum is housed in the historic Frederick County Courthouse. This Greek-revival courthouse was built in 1840 and was used by both sides as a hospital, a prison, and a barracks during the Civil War. Many prisoners left their names and other graffiti on the walls, much of which is still visible today. The museum features a collection of over 3,000 Civil War artifacts that illustrates the common life of a soldier.

The James R. Wilkins Winchester Battlefields Visitor Center

The Winchester Battlefields Visitor Center is the main orientation center for the Civil War in Winchester and provides information about visiting all of Winchester's battlefields and related Civil War sites. The visitor center features interpretive exhibits and orientation films. The gift shop has brochures, driving tours, books, souvenirs, bottled water, and restrooms.

The Strayer House and New Market Battlefield Visitor Center

The historic Strayer House is home to the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation main office and features a Civil War Orientation Center focusing on the Battle of New Market and the history of the town of New Market. The information desk can provide information about other sites to see and has a selection of books and souvenirs for sale.

The Port Republic Museum

The Port Republic Museum is housed in the historic Frank Kemper House, which was built c. 1835-1845. It was used both as a residence and as an inn and tavern for travelers, primarily for river boatmen. During the Civil War, Confederate Gen. Turner Ashby’s body was brought to the house after he was killed near Harrisonburg on June 6, 1862. The museum features a remarkable array of artifacts and outstanding exhibits that bring the history to life, with exhibits including the River Room, the Turner Ashby Room, the Keeping Room, and the Discovery Room.