Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1955-11-17
BY John S. Stephenson

Civil War battlefields, caverns
with unique rock formations and
historic cities in the Old Dominion
State, will interest visitors on this
circle tour
On this trip the AAA suggests
the motorist follow the routes
outlined on the accompanying
map. 1t is a comfortable days
ride covering 273 miles.
The first stop might be made
at Leesburg, Va. In the center
of a rich agricultural area, the
city has many historic homes and
buildings. During the War of
1912, it was here that President
Madison and his cabinet fled with
caravan of % wagons loaded
with the nations most important
documents including the constitu-
ton, declaration of independence
and articles of confederation.
Many estates in the surrounding
area raise racing horses and
thoroughbred cattle.
Proceeding through the rolling
countryside the next important
city is Winchester. Known local
ly as "the apple capitol" each
spring it is host at tremendous
apple blossom festival. Several
plants and processing factories
are open to visitors. Organized
In 1852, the city has played an
important part in three wars -
the French and Indian, RevoIu-
tionary and Civil Wars.
George Washington began his
career as surveyor in Winches-
ter in 1748, in the employ of Lord
Fairfax. The building used as his
office stands at the corner of Cork
and Braddock Streets. Other his
toric buildings include Christ
Episcopal Church where Lord
Fairfax is buried, Stonewall
Jackson's headquarters and Sher-
idan's headquarters,
just a mile north of Strasburg
are the battlefield crystal cav
erns. Infantry breastworks built
by General Sheridan's troops dur
ing the Civil War can still be
seen on the grounds of the cav
erns which are open "a hours
day.
Some of Thomas JefferSon's de-
signing skill can be seen at Wood
stock. The versatile architect
drew plans for the cupola on the
old courthouse. Tourists looking
for some exercise might want to
climb the lookout tower four
miles east of town on MasSanut-
ten Mountain. A fine view of the
Shenandoah Valley is afforded.
1t was at New Market one of
the most amazing feats of the
Civil War occurred. On May Is,
1864, at the Battle of New Mar
ket, the commander of the Con-
federate forces found it necessary
to order aid from the students
at V. NJ. l. at Lexington. Boys
from IA to 20, although ordered
TO keep to the rear, marched onto
the field and as gaps appeared
in the line of gray they stepped
into the line of fire. They cap
tured almost 100 prisoners and
left nine of their classmates dead
on the battlefield.
! There are several caverns in
the vicinity of New Market. Shen
andoah Caverns features several
unusual rock formations. End
less Caverns have never beer
fully explored, but the portion
shown on the tour has a variety
of coloring.
An adjoining free art museum
has a collection of oil and water
color paintings by the American
artist. William Starkweather. The
Luray Caverns are reputed to be
among the most beautiful i'm the
world Rooms from 80 to 14(
feet in height contain thousand,
Of stalactites and stalagmites.
| Adjoining this cavern is the Lu
ray singing tower which contain!
Al bells. The smallest bell weigh,
Just over u pounds and the larg
est is 76i0 pounds.
Luray is headquarters for Shen
andoah National Park, one of the
most popular national parks. TIT
Luray Museum is housed partial
~ in building dating from 1915
and contains Indian relics anC
historical momentos.
Warrenton is famed in racing
circles as host of the Virgini;
Gold Cup Race This steeple
chase classic is held annually in
April This is the center Of tn,
States horse raising, fox hunting
and racing country. The raising
OF pure-bred beef and dairy herd