Blair Howard - Virginias Shenandoah Valley. Lexington, Roanoke, Front Royal, Winchester

S trategically situated at the northern gateway to the legendary Shenandoah Valley, Winchester has played a significant role in both Virginia and American history.

Founded in 1744 by Colonel James Wood, the town was settled predominantly by industrious, independent, Scotch-Irish, German and Quaker immigrants from Pennsylvania.

In 1748, 16-year-old George Washington arrived on the frontier at Winchester. Among his early endeavors, Washington surveyed Lord Fairfax's vast holdings, built a chain of forts to protect the settlers, led Virginia's forces against the French and hostile Indians and represented Frederick County in the House of Burgesses.

During the Civil War the City of Winchester changed hands 70 times under such famous generals as Stonewall Jackson and Philip Sheridan.

The Civil War devastated Winchester and Frederick County, but with the end of the hostilities the area gradually recovered. The charred acreage grew crops again, the burned barns were rebuilt, wheat and apples were marketed nationwide, new industries blossomed and the state's first public education system was established. Today, Winchester boasts a thriving economy and an inspiring historic setting bounded by one of the nation's most beautiful natural areas.

Washington's Office and Museum is at the corner of Cork and Bradock Streets in Winchester. The building, used by Washington in 1755-56 during the erection of Fort Loudoun, houses many French and Indian, Revolutionary and Civil War relics, artifacts and memorabilia. The museum is open daily, April through October. tel. 540-662-4412.

Stonewall Jackson's Headquarters Museum , 415 North Bradock Street, was the great general's headquarters from November, 1861, until March, 1862. The museum contains many exhibits, Civil War artifacts and Jackson memorabilia. The Headquarters are open daily. tel. 540-667-3242 for information.

Cedar Creek Battlefield Visitors Center , on Route 11 in Middletown, is the site of Northern General Philip Sheridan's victory over Southern forces. Maps, models and audio tools help explain this see-saw battle that saw the South advance, then suffer tremendous losses as the North regained the upper hand. tel. 540-869-2064.

Glen Burnie Historic House , Gardens and Julian Wood Glass , Jr. Collection , 801 Amherst Street, is the home of Winchester's founder. Inside, fine examples of Colonial-era woodworking, stone cutting and decorating are preserved or re-created. Outside, gardens, fountains and a cemetery spread over 25 acres create a lush setting for this red brick, Georgian-style home. It is open six days a week, April through October; closed Mondays. tel. 540-662-1473.

Abram's Delight and Log Cabin , 1340 South Pleasant Valley Road, are Winchester's oldest buildings. Built in 1754 by the son of the first white settler to the region, these buildings have been restored and furnished in Colonial style. The site features a log cabin, boxwood gardens and a basement kitchen. Abram's Delight is open daily, April through October. tel. 540-662-6519.

The Old Presbyterian Church , 306 East Piccadilly Street, has been used as a public school, an armory and a stable for Union troops. The church was restored in 1941 and is open daily. tel. 540-662-3824.

The Handley Library and Archives , at Bradock and Piccadilly Streets, were completed in 1913. The building, crowned by a copper-covered dome, features stained glass windows, a wrought iron staircase and glass floors. The historical archives are housed on the lower level. The Handley is open daily except Sundays and major holidays. tel. 540-662-9041.

The Winchester Winery , 2 miles west of Winchester on Route 608, is a family-owned, 18-acre vineyard offering tours and tastings. The winery is open Wednesday through Sunday. tel. 540-877-1275.

Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum , 54 S. Loudoun Street on the Old Town Mall, is a great place to bring the kids for hands-on exhibits of simple machinery, arts and crafts and nature. It's open year-round, Tuesday through Sunday. tel. 540-722-2020.

Dinosaur Land , at the intersection of Rtes. 522, 340 and 277 in White Post, boasts an array of life-size dinosaur replicas, including an amazing 20-foot tyrannosaurus rex. Models of cave men and women round out this prehistoric experience. tel. 540-869-0951, or visit www.dinosaurland.com.