Augusta County, Staunton, Waynesboro and Fishersville Information

Virginia's Shenandoah Valley is as beautiful as its name. Discover its appeal! The old Valley Pike is a passageway to fascinating early history. You can enjoy its off the beaten path points of interest or merely a more relaxed pace. A web of back roads will get you to quaint towns and charming villages. Few areas can boast the large number of Civil War related historical sites.  

So, whether your interests lie in outdoor recreation and beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, quaint shops, antique shopping, performing arts or walking tours of the many Historic Districts in the Valley, we have it all.  

We Welcome You! 

History 

If you have never visited the Augusta Region, you are in for a treat. Strategically located in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, the region is a visual treasure-trove, bounded by the majestic Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains and replete with rich farmlands, orchards, vineyards and rivers.  

Our location, excellent system of highways and strong values and work ethic has also made our region a thriving center for government, commerce, industry, education and retrial trade.  

Indians who lived and hunted here and traveled the trail, which later became U.S. Route 11, populated many believe prior to the 1600's, the land now encompassing Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County. Settlers began arriving sometime in the early 18th century, shortly after Virginia's Governor, Alexander Spotswood, visited the region in 1716. History records indicate that the first white settler to travel over the Blue Ridge Mountains was John Lewis, who settled in the Staunton area in 1732. Others, many of Scottish-Irish heritages, followed, perhaps enticed by a favorable taxing situation as well as the quest for religious freedom. As an incentive to settle here, the Commonwealth exempted residents from paying certain taxes; however these same settlers later petitioned the government to rescind the exemption so that roads and bridges could be built.  

Named for Augusta, Princess of Wales, and the mother of King George, III, Augusta County was formed in 1738 from the much larger Orange County, which encompassed land not only in Virginia, but also neighboring states. Virginia's Governor Spotswood claimed the entire valley for the British Crown in 1716; thus creating Spotsylvania. Spotsylvania became Orange County in 1734. The County Courthouse was built in 1745, and shortly after that a sheriff, clerk of courts and surveyor were appointed. With an area of close to 1,000 square miles, Augusta County today is the second largest county in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and has a population of over 100,000. Staunton, Waynesboro and Fishersville are cities located within the county but independent of it. 

By the mid-1800's, farmers in the region were growing crops that were feeding many in the United States. Included in these crops were oats, corn and wheat. Augusta County was also a pioneer in public education, with over 80 schools educating thousands of children.  

During the Civil War thousands fought and perished for the Confederacy. Union troops marching through the valley burned crops and buildings, but within a short time after the war ended, the buildings were rebuilt and the crops replanted. Railroads came to the region n the 1880's, which made distribution of goods and services even easier than in the pre-war days, paving the way for what remains today a thriving economy.  

Founded in 1747 and recognized as a town in 1761, Staunton was not incorporated as a city until 1871. Named for the wife of an early Virginia governor, it still uses the council-manager system of government that began at its formation. By 1905, its population had soared to over 10,000. Since that time the city's population has more than doubled in size.  

One of Staunton's main streets, Beverley, is named after William Beverley who received a "modest" grant from King George of approximately 120,000 acres in about 1736. By 1747, Beverley had designed a small village within his manor. A few years later, the General Assembly chartered Beverley's village, which was then named Staunton, using the last name of the wife of a colonial governor; Governor Gooch. Staunton was incorporated as a city in 1871 and still uses the council-manager system of government that began at its formation.  

Waynesboro

Waynesboro, a city of approximately 21,000, is nestled in the shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains only a short distance from the Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway. It is one of two independent cities located in the county of Augusta. Named in 1797 after the Revolutionary War hero Mad Anthony Wayne, the area was first recognized by the state of Virginia in 1801. Waynesboro is a designated Virginia Main Street Community and home to Fishburne Military School which was founded in 1879.  

Each spring, Waynesboro hosts the Virginia Fly Fishing and Wine Festival on the banks of the South River, a southern tributary of the Shenandoah River that runs directly through the city. In October, the Shenandoah Valley Art Center hosts the Fall Foliage Festival in downtown Waynesboro. Artisans from across the country and Canada are represented at this nationally renowned festival of the arts, food, and music. 

Waynesboro is also home to the P. Buckley Moss Museum, the Artisans Center of Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley Art Center, the Waynesboro Heritage Museum, and the Wildlife Center of Virginia. Waynesboro is also the headquarters of nTelos, a regional wireless and telecommunications company. Augusta Health, a 255-bed medical facility, which offers state-of-the-art technology to residents, is only a short drive from Waynesboro. Services include a recently opened cancer center, cardiovascular department, intensive care unit, behavioral health, birthing center, wound healing center, and a full-service fitness facility. 

Waynesboro’s well designed neighborhoods offer a very diverse population ranging in all ages. Whether you prefer a historic home or new construction, either are available in a variety of price ranges. 

Today, both cities boast a number of buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. These include schools, houses and other buildings.  

AGRIBUSINESS/AGRICULTURE 

YOU DON'T HAVE TO LEAVE THE INTERSTATE to recognize the importance of agriculture to the Shenandoah Valley. From either I-81 or I-64, travelers can see fertile farmlands, grazing sheep and cattle, and fields that produce corn, alfalfa and soybeans. 

Virginia ranks among the top states in agricultural production, and the Augusta Region, with its rich farmland and moderate climate, is a major contributor to the Commonwealth's economy. Ranking second in the state in overall agricultural production, with an impact of $1.38 billion, the region ranks first statewide in the number of beef cattle, lambs, sheep and hay production; second in total cash receipts from livestock and crops; and third in the number of milk cows and corn silage. 

The region is also noted for its production of fruits and vegetables and increasingly for its vineyards, which are creating a number of award-winning wines. Tree farms are open all year with heightened activity during the Christmas season. Farmers' markets and farm stands sell fresh, seasonal produce during the growing season. 

The proliferation of farms in the region is due in part to a number of programs and services, which provide all types of assistance. Among these are the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, which emphasizes family education, agricultural management, and preservation; plus a number of farm service agencies and bureaus dedicated to helping farmers with everything from conversation issues to research to financial matters.  

A recent survey estimates the total value of production at more than $100 million. As many as 1,450 farms still operate profitably in Augusta County, with most still owned and operated as family farms. Farmers also grow Christmas and ornamental trees. Additionally, locally grown apples, pears, and grapes are used to produce award-winning wines.  

You can purchase produce directly from the farmer at any of the numerous farmers' markets that operate throughout the growing season in and around Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County. The Staunton-Augusta Farmers' Market is one of the most successful farmers' markets in Virginia, averaging 31 vendors per week.  

Andre Viette, owner of a perennial nursery/farm located north of Fishersville, is one of the nation's leading growers of daylilies. Each summer, the Viette family cooperates with the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce to produce an exceptional Daylily and Wine Festival that attracts thousands of visitors to the expansive Viette Nursery to view one of the most impressive displays of daylilies in the world.  

WORSHIP 

Since its very beginnings, the Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County region has welcomed and encouraged religious diversity. Today, our residents worship at more than 100 churches, representing virtually every Christian denomination. There is also a Jewish congregation, Temple House of Israel in Staunton, and a temple representing the Bahai faith. 

Tolerance and acceptance are not only expressed, but also practiced. Many houses of worship in the area hold interfaith and interdenominational community services on holidays and other special occasions. In addition, along with civic organizations, they also engage in community work to benefit the needy. Many of these houses of worship hold suppers, and organize festivals and other events, which are open to the public. 

AREA OVERVIEW  

AUGUSTA COUNTY'S LOCATION, excellent system of highways, strong values and work ethic have helped make the region a thriving center for government, commerce, industry, retail trade, education and agriculture. As early as the mid-1800's, the region's crops were feeding a substantial number of people in the United States, and the area was a pioneer in public education, with more than 80 schools educating thousands of children.  

Today, the Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County region remains an ideal place to live, work and raise a family. Its beautiful setting is blessed with communities that exemplify our historic work values and high quality of life.  

CLIMATE
Warm summers, mild winters and an average annual temperature of 52.3 degrees create a pleasant and comfortable environment. Average January highs are around 42 degrees and average highs in July are around 85 degrees. Precipitation is a moderate 36.5 inches.  

BOUNDARIES
East - Blue Ridge Mountains
West - Allegheny Mountains
Headwaters of the James and Potomac Rivers are located in the county. 

HIGHWAYS
Interstate 81 (north-south) runs from Canada to Tennessee. Interstate 64 (east-west) runs from St. Louis, Missouri to the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Also U.S. Routes 11 (north-south), U.S. Route 250 (east-west) and U.S. Route 340. Virginia Primary Highways 42, 252, 254, 256, 275, and 276 connect rural areas with major highways. 

POPULATION
Augusta County: 106,000
City of Staunton: 24,500
City of Waynesboro: 20,000 

GOVERNMENT
Augusta County -7 member Board of Supervisors
Staunton - 7 member City Council
Waynesboro - 5 member City Council 

RELIGIOUS AND CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS
Over 100 houses of worship representing most major denominations plus national and local civic groups.
 

Rail CSX, Norfolk Southern, Shenandoah Valley Railroad, Amtrak.

Trolleys help attract tourism in Staunton.

Air Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport served by USAirways Express with a hub at Pittsburgh International Airport, as well as Air Charter Service, Scott Aviation, and Maintenance & Repair Service by Classic Aviation. Eagles Nest Airport in Waynesboro services small private aircraft. Air service is also available at airports in Charlottesville, Richmond, Roanoke, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

Port Virginia Inland Port

Motor Freight The area is served by a large number of carriers authorized for intrastate and interstate shipping including Houff Transfer, Lawrence Transportation Systems, Inc., and REO Distribution. Many have distribution facilities in the area as well as in nearby Richmond and Roanoke.

Package Delivery Emery and Purolator Worldwide Courtier, Federal Express, United Parcel Service, Greyhound Package Express, plus U.S. Post Offices at most communities.

Buslines Greyhound Bus Lines, Quick Livick, Inc.

Other Taxi service from companies located in Staunton, Waynesboro and Fishersville as well as national and local car rental agencies. Limo service is available through AB Luxury Suburban Airport & Limousine Service and Valley Limo.  

DINING, SHOPPING AND LODGING 

DINING
You won't go hungry in Augusta County, Staunton, Waynesboro and Fishersville or have to travel to larger metropolitan areas to satisfy your craving for good food. From bistros in quaint, historic settings to those located in strip shopping centers, you'll find practically every type of dining choice imaginable, within an easy drive to your home or place of business.  

In addition to Continental, gourmet and nouvelle cuisine, diners will enjoy sampling a comprehensive array of regional foods, vegetarian dishes, brick-oven pizzas and ethnic treats including Thai, Italian, Chinese, Indian, Vietnamese, Mexican, French and Japanese. Bagels, stuffed sandwiches, delicious salads and interesting side dishes round out the vast selection of choices here. A number of restaurants serve mouth-watering regional southern food, attracting diners from miles away.  

Our numerous supermarkets provide home chefs with everything from the basics to organics to specialty items. Our gourmet shops entice shoppers with exotic fare. Orchards, farmers' markets and seasonal produce stands provide a bounty of goods during our growing season and beyond. 

If you are looking for that perfect wine to compliment your meal, hundreds of award-winning Virginia wines are available from local supermarkets, specialty wine stores, and on the menus of all of our finer restaurants. These Virginia wines are of exceptional quality; rivaling their more famous competitors in California, Oregon and France. The wineries in the Shenandoah Valley are winning national awards these days. Be sure to take some time to visit our local vineyards and enjoy tasting of our excellent whites, reds and dessert wines. 

SHOPPING
A regional mall, as well as a number of strip centers and quaint downtown shopping areas, assures that you'll be able to find just what you need right in your own backyard. 

The Colonial Mall in Staunton provides everything from large department stores to smaller chains and specialty shops. Willow Oak Plaza in Waynesboro is a popular shopping destination. Downtown Staunton and Downtown Waynesboro offer many unique boutiques, antiques shops and those selling accessories, men and women's clothing, fine jewelry, arts and crafts, and everything in between. A trolley in downtown Staunton moves shoppers throughout downtown. Both downtowns also offer barber and beauty shops, banks, and other professional services. A mall in Harrisonburg is a short drive away. 

If you are into antiques and collectibles, you'll also be delighted with the selection at our two malls specializing specifically in these products. Visitors from far and wide travel to explore the fine selection of interesting and unique items. Locally made pottery, crafts and works of art can be found in a number of shops in the region. Just off a number of the major highway exits, you'll also discover car dealerships, national discount chains, and stores specializing in office, automotive and building supplies, electronic goods, and restaurant chains. 

Malls specializing in antiques and collectibles, and shops featuring locally made pottery, crafts and works of art can be found in a number of locations. Just north of Augusta County in Mt. Crawford, the Green Valley Book Fair offers 40,000 titles and 500,000 books six times annually from late March or early April through mid-December. 

Shoppers will also find national chain and discount stores, auto dealers, automotive and building supplies, electronics and restaurant chains in other locations throughout the region. 

LODGING
Travelers will be pleased with the selection of nationally recognized and independently owned hotels and motels with banquet facilities and meeting rooms as well as quaint, charming inns and bed and breakfasts located in the cities of Staunton, Waynesboro and Fishersville and in surrounding areas. 

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