History of Augusta County, Virginia
Augusta County, located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, is one of the state’s oldest and most historically rich counties. Founded in 1738, it was initially part of the western frontier and witnessed the arrival of early settlers, colonial conflicts, and significant contributions to both the American Revolution and the Civil War. The county is known for its picturesque landscapes, including the Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as its role in the development of Virginia’s agricultural and industrial economy. Today, Augusta County is a thriving region that celebrates its history through preserved landmarks and cultural sites.
Origins and Early History
Indigenous Peoples and Early Exploration
Before European settlers arrived, the region that would become Augusta County was inhabited by various Native American groups, most notably the Iroquois, Shawnee, and Powhatan tribes. These groups utilized the rich natural resources of the Shenandoah Valley, hunting, fishing, and farming the fertile land along the rivers. The area was a significant part of Native American trade networks, and archaeological evidence suggests that the region was home to thriving settlements long before European explorers ventured into the area.
The first European exploration of the Shenandoah Valley occurred in the mid-17th century, with the arrival of English settlers from the Jamestown colony. However, it wasn’t until the early 18th century that the first permanent European settlements began to take root in the valley. English and Scotch-Irish immigrants, many of whom were of Presbyterian and Protestant faith, began settling in the region in the early 1700s, attracted by the fertile land and abundant resources.
Founding of Augusta County
In 1738, Augusta County was officially formed from the larger Bath County, which itself was created from the vast Virginia frontier. Augusta, named after Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha, the wife of the Prince of Wales, was initially one of the largest counties in the American colonies, extending from present-day West Virginia to the western borders of Virginia. It encompassed much of the Shenandoah Valley, a strategic region vital to westward expansion.
The county was part of Virginia’s western frontier, and its early settlers were mainly farmers who cleared land and established small communities. As a crucial part of the colonial push toward the west, Augusta County became a center for trade and communication between Virginia’s more established eastern settlements and the newly opened frontier. Over time, the county’s boundaries shrank as other counties were formed, but Augusta’s position in the valley remained central to the development of the state.
Colonial and Revolutionary Conflicts
During the colonial period, Augusta County became a focal point for various conflicts. The county was located near the border of Virginia’s colonial territories and saw many confrontations with Native American tribes, particularly during the French and Indian War (1754-1763). Augusta’s settlers frequently had to defend their homes against attacks from indigenous groups who resisted the encroachment of European settlers.
The most famous early figure from Augusta County during this period was George Washington, who passed through the region during his early surveying expeditions. As tensions rose between the British and French in the mid-1700s, the Shenandoah Valley became an essential location for Virginia’s militia. The military presence in the county only increased with the onset of the American Revolution, during which Augusta County played a significant role. Many of the county’s inhabitants participated in revolutionary efforts, including the formation of militia units and contributions to the Continental Army.
19th Century: The Civil War and Post-War Era
Augusta County in the Civil War
The Civil War (1861-1865) was a pivotal moment in Augusta County’s history. The county was a battleground for multiple skirmishes and military operations due to its location in the valley, which was a key transportation and communication corridor for both Union and Confederate forces. While the county itself did not see major battles like some areas in Virginia, its role in the war was significant. Both Union and Confederate armies used Augusta’s roads and railways for troop movements, and the strategic importance of the region made it a constant point of military conflict.
One of the most famous historical events in Augusta County during the Civil War was the Battle of New Market, fought in 1864. Although New Market is technically in neighboring Shenandoah County, it was an essential location for Augusta residents and remains closely tied to Augusta’s war history. During this battle, cadets from the Virginia Military Institute, some of whom were from Augusta County, fought alongside Confederate forces to repel Union troops.
Additionally, Augusta County sent many soldiers to serve in the Confederate Army. The county also saw significant civilian involvement in the war effort, including local women and families who supported the Confederate cause through various means. After the war, Augusta, like many counties in Virginia, faced economic hardship. However, the community rebuilt and adapted, leaning heavily on agriculture and later industrialization to drive its recovery.
Post-Civil War and Industrialization
In the years following the Civil War, Augusta County experienced a period of rebuilding and transformation. The area continued to rely heavily on agriculture, with farmers growing crops such as tobacco, wheat, and corn. The region also saw the expansion of the railroad, which connected Augusta County to other parts of Virginia and beyond, facilitating trade and the movement of goods.
The late 19th century also saw the emergence of the industrial era, as mills, factories, and other industries began to appear in the county. Augusta’s geographic location and proximity to transportation routes made it an attractive location for manufacturing and production. Small towns like Staunton, which served as the county seat, grew into bustling hubs of commerce, and Augusta County began to diversify its economy beyond agriculture.
20th Century: Growth and Preservation
The Rise of Staunton
Staunton, the county seat of Augusta, grew significantly in the 20th century. The city became an important center for education, commerce, and culture in Virginia. As the railroad and other infrastructure developed, Staunton grew into a regional hub for business and industry. The city became known for its educational institutions, including Mary Baldwin College and the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind.
Staunton’s preservation of its 19th-century architecture is notable. The city became a prime example of a town that maintained its historical character while developing into a modern urban center. Today, Staunton is considered one of the best-preserved historical cities in the United States, with a vibrant cultural scene that includes theaters, museums, and galleries.
Augusta County Today
Today, Augusta County is known for its agricultural products, including livestock, poultry, and dairy, as well as its scenic beauty. The county’s location in the Shenandoah Valley makes it a popular destination for tourists who want to experience its outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and camping in the nearby George Washington National Forest.
The county also celebrates its rich history through various historical sites and events. Preservation efforts in the region have ensured that Augusta County’s historical landmarks, such as the Stonewall Jackson House and the Frontier Culture Museum, continue to educate and inspire visitors.
Historical Sites in Augusta County
1. Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia
Overview
The Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton provides a living history experience that showcases the lives of early settlers in the Shenandoah Valley. The museum includes several exhibits that represent the early agricultural and domestic lives of immigrants, focusing on German, English, and African American cultures. Visitors can tour recreated farms, houses, and workspaces from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Location
1290 Richmond Ave, Staunton, VA
Ticket Price
$10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-18, free for children under 6
Parking Information
Free parking is available on-site at the museum.
2. Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum
Overview
The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum, located in Staunton, is the former home of the 28th President of the United States. The museum offers exhibits on Wilson’s life, career, and presidency, as well as a tour of his restored childhood home. The library also holds extensive archives related to Wilson’s time in office.
Location
18 N. Coalter St, Staunton, VA
Ticket Price
$12 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, $5 for children ages 6-18
Parking Information
Parking is available in the nearby parking lot.
3. Stonewall Jackson House
Overview
The Stonewall Jackson House in Lexington, Virginia, was the home of Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson during his time as a professor at the Virginia Military Institute. The house now serves as a museum that explores Jackson’s life, both as a military leader and a professor, and his legacy in American history.
Location
8 E. Washington St, Lexington, VA
Ticket Price
$7 for adults, $3 for children
Parking Information
Street parking is available around the museum.
4. The Augusta County Historical Society Museum
Overview
The Augusta County Historical Society Museum in Staunton offers a collection of artifacts and exhibits detailing the history of the county, from its early settlement through the Civil War and beyond. The museum focuses on the county’s role in Virginia’s development and its connection to key historical events.
Location
1721 N. Augusta St, Staunton, VA
Ticket Price
Free admission
Parking Information
Free parking is available on-site.
County Facts
Geography and Climate
Augusta County spans 967 square miles, located in the Shenandoah Valley between the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Allegheny Mountains to the west. The county is known for its scenic beauty, with rolling hills, farmland, and numerous rivers and streams, including the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. The county’s varied topography is ideal for agriculture and outdoor recreation.
Augusta County experiences a temperate climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The region receives moderate rainfall throughout the year and experiences snowfall during the winter months, particularly in higher elevations.
Key Facts
- Year Founded: 1738
- County Seat: Staunton
- Population: 75,000 (estimated 2020)
- Population Density: 77 people per square mile
- Largest Cities: Staunton, Waynesboro, and Fishersville
- Major Highways: I-81, U.S. Route 11, U.S. Route 250
- Adjacent Counties: Rockingham County (north), Nelson County (south), Bath County (west), and Augusta County is bordered by the state of West Virginia to the northwest