Key Facts About the Shenandoah Valley

The Shenandoah Valley is a 20-mile-wide basin between the Allegheny Mountains to the west and the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east. The landscape is defined by agricultural land, broadleaf forests, and some of the most iconic rivers in the country.  The greater region encompasses the Blue Ridge Mountains, including Shenandoah National Park, the Shenandoah River, the Allegheny Highlands, and the Headwaters of the James River.  

The Shenandoah Valley has been home to people for centuries. The Monacan people have lived in the region for over 10,000 years. If you wish to learn more about the Monacan people and their history, visit their website: https://www.monacannation.com/  

The notable history of the Valley includes multiple Civil war battles and campaigns. The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historical District recognizes 15 major battles and hundreds of armed incidents. The Valley, and it’s agriculture, also inspired Cyrus McCormick to create the Reaper – a key agricultural invention in the 19th century. Other notable Valley residents include President Woodrow Wilson, whose birthplace and presidential library is in Staunton. 

The Shenandoah Valley is a 3.8-million-acre treasured landscape. Its extraordinary natural beauty is well complemented by attractive and thriving historic communities such as Winchester, Harrisonburg, Staunton, Waynesboro, Lexington, and Fincastle. 

Today, thanks to Valley Conservation Council and our many partners, thousands of acres are protected by conservation easements and property owners and communities work together to help the Shenandoah Valley retain its special character.