Originally named Frederick Town after the father of King George III of England, Winchester was renamed in 1752 after the ancient English capital. George Washington worked as a surveyor for three years in the area beginning in 1748. Washington's first successful bid for public office occurred in Winchester. Prior to the Revolutionary War, he was elected to represent the citizens of Frederick County in the Virginia House of Burgesses. His military office still stands and is open as a museum.
Local commerce has distinctly agrarian roots.
Frederick County is one of the nation's largest apple and peach producers and leads Virginia in harvests of these crops. The more than 40 orchards that dot the countryside in Winchester and Frederick County account for approximately 40 percent of Virginia's apple trees. The state's marketing and processing center for fruit products is also located in Winchester. New industry continues to be attracted to this area, thanks to its plentiful natural resources, ample building sites and highly skilled workforce. The community college works closely with local businesses to provide applicable, specialized technical training.