Reference is made elsewhere of the explorations conducted by the one-time monk, John Lederer, whose journal of the trip was first translated from German and published in London in 1672.

Let us plainly understand however that each of these trips was of a migratory nature; not a thought was entertained by any of the participants of remaining in the Virginia mountains. Any white man found in these sections at this time was there because of good hunting grounds, hopes of good trading, the zeal of a missionary spirit or love of adventure and exploration.

The earliest settlers in the Valley in most part came either from Maryland or Pennsylvania. They came in search of rich, cheap land or for economic reasons or in the hope of establishing greater freedom for themselves and their children.

Two nationalities invaded the Great Valley almost simultaneously: the Germans and Scotch-Irish—both fine, sturdy, healthy and thrifty stock which is reflected in marked degree among the present inhabitants of the region. Their real interest in the new settlements may truthfully be said to have begun about 1730 when land grants were obtained. About two years later the actual move into the country and the house building commenced in earnest.

The German settlers located chiefly along the territory extending from Winchester to Staunton. The Scotch-Irish on the other hand selected Staunton and the valley south of the town for their claims. No nice distinction can be made so easily, for we shall find the two groups interspersed all along the entire length of the Valley. But generally speaking their domains may be defined thus.

So much fighting during the wars of our country could not have been fought in this section of the State without leaving in its wake the stories of chivalry, courage and accomplishment, a few of which are included.

It is our desire that the trips along the Skyline Drive and in the Great Valley country may be enriched and the imagination stirred because of the accounts included in this small book.

Table of Contents

Page
Knights of the Golden Horseshoe[1]
Progress to the Mines[2]
Adam Miller and His Neighbors[5]
Joist Hite, the Pioneer[7]
German Neighbors, Quakers[9]
Dunkards[11]
The Scotch-Irish in the Valley[12]
Indians[15]
Indian Tales[18]
The Moore Massacre[20]
Washington's Boyhood Friend—Lord Fairfax[24]
Winchester—The Frontier Town of the Valley[26]
The Valley Pike[31]
Berryville[33]
Front Royal[34]
Flint Hill[36]
The Skyline Drive[37]
Strasburg[40]
Orkney Springs[42]
Stephens City[42]
Middletown[43]
The Story Teller of the Valley—Samuel Kercheval
Pioneer Life[44]
Woodstock[53]
The Lincoln Family[55]
New Market[56]
Endless Caverns[57]
Luray[59]
Stonewall Jackson's Valley Campaign[61]
Belle Boyd, the Spy[67]
Harrisonburg[72]
Massanutten Caverns[73]
Grand Caverns[73]
Massanetta Springs[75]
Staunton[75]
Waynesboro and Afton[79]
Natural Bridge[81]
Rockbridge[84]
The First Academy in the Valley[86]
Valley Inventions[87]
Washington College[88]
Lexington[89]
The Virginia Military Institute[92]
Culpeper Minute Men[94]
Blind Preacher[95]
Hebron Church[96]
Hoover's Camp on the Rapidan River[97]
Charlottesville and Albemarle County[98]
Jack Jouett's Ride[104]
Lewis and Clark Expedition[105]
Fredericksburg[106]
Kenmore—1752[111]
The Mary Washington House[115]
Rising Sun Tavern[117]
Roanoke[121]
Draper's Meadow[124]
Washington County[127]
Hungry Mother State Park[129]
White Top[129]