Front Royal and Warren County

Where the Shenandoah Riverforks, Front Royal and Warren County lie nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Explore the area's rich history.

Although explorers first viewed the area in the mid-1600s, Front Royal was not chartered until 1785, and it was 1836 before Warren County was formed. Shortly thereafter, railroad service came to the region, creating a tremendous economic impact. The War Between the Statestook a great toll on the town and county, with the Union Army occupying the town six times. Although economically devastated by the war, the communities were rebuilt and the railroad resumed operation in 1873, giving the entire region a much needed revival.

During the 20th century, industry flourished here, primarily dominated by American Viscoseand the Old Virginia Packing Company. The 1930s brought a great influx of people to the area with the development of the Shenandoah National Parkand the exploration of Skyline Caverns, situated between Front Royal and Skyline Drive.

Today countless visitors are drawn to the rich history and quaint charm of Front Royal and Warren County.

Images of America Front Royal and Warren County offers a unique and memorable view of this historically rich corridor of Virginia. In cooperation with the Warren County Heritage Society, authors Thomas Blumer, Cedar Imboden Phillips, and Charles W. Pomeroy have collected over 200 archival images that recall the faces and places that have defined the region for the past 150 years. Retired from the Library of Congress, Thomas Blumer serves as the archivist at the Laura Virginia Hale Archives, and Charles W. Pomeroy, a retired colonel in the United States Air Force, works as an archivist assistant for the society.