History with the Hills

Imagine it was August 1963, you are at the local Watermelon Park in Clarke County. A black sedan pulls up and the legendary man in black steps out, could you believe your eyes? He wants to test a new song, a song that is on the top 100 Greatest Country Hits now. The Ring of […]

Today, we’re taking a closer look at two of Virginia’s most influential Founding Fathers, James Madison and James Monroe. Madison played a key role in shaping the framework of the United States government and later served as the nation’s fourth president. Monroe, a Revolutionary War veteran and the fifth president, and last Founding Father to […]

Nestled in the rolling hills of Southern Warren County, a site that’s gone from military horses to endangered species. This is the story of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia. The Smithsonian Conservation & Research Center

Nestled at the northern edge of Front Royal, Virginia, where the North and South Forks of the majestic Shenandoah River converge, lies a hidden gem of history and architecture: the Riverton Historic District. This picturesque community, which predates its current town name, is a fascinating slice of the Shenandoah Valley’s industrial and transportation past. Riverton […]

Samuel Carson, an Irish immigrant who established the dominant Carson Lime Company in Riverton in 1868, commissioned this home as a physical symbol of his success. The location, overlooking the booming industrial center he helped create at the confluence of the Shenandoah River’s forks, was a statement in itself. Killahevlin

There isn’t a whole lot of information out there concerning how Duck Street in Front Royal got its name, but here is the evidence I uncovered.  In the early 1900’s that whole area was known as Morgan’s Mammoth Duck Ranch. It was a world-renowned for having hardy ducks and geese. Duck Street in Riverton

The Carson Lime Company also constructed the Old Riverton Post Office and Grocery.  It is set right behind the Duncan Hotel on the Old Winchester Turnpike.   The Old Riverton Post Office & General Store

The Old Duncan Hotel in Riverton was once a beautiful hotel with a wrap-around porch. It was an important destination spot in the early 1900’s and was owned by several different families. The Duncan Hotel

George Washington was a skilled dancer, whiskey distiller and avid dog lover, but never had wooden teeth. Thomas Jefferson was a true Renaissance man, loved books and food.

Virginia isn’t called the “Mother of Presidents” for nothing. Eight U.S. presidents were born in the Old Dominion, a record that still stands today. In this podcast, Lonnie and Carrie have a lively discussion concerning the breakdown of the “Virginia Dynasty” and the leaders who followed. Mother of Presidents

Lord Dunmore was the last Royal Governor of Virginia. Abolitionists loved him, but Patriots thought of him as a terror.  He used his strategies before their time.

It’s April Fools Day 1950, but Front Royal is getting ready for one of its biggest events in history.   https://blueridgecountry.com/newsstand/magazine/curios-star-struck-in-front-royal-virginia/

During the Prohibition era, this quiet valley was home to countless homemade distilleries, producing spirits that would go on to become as legendary as the mountains themselves.

Laura Ratcliffe had “royal” blood in her veins, but did she fall for the bad boys or was it just a business arrangement?

Ever heard the saying if those walls could talk, imagine if this road could talk. It has been traveled by the Natives of the area, the colonists, and now us. https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/valley-turnpike.htm

We are all familiar with Admiral Byrd from Winchester, but did you know his friend Igloo? Learn about how this friendship came to be and grew and its tragic ending. https://americacomesalive.com/admiral-

Camp Roosevelt, located in Virginia’s George Washington National Forest, is a site rich in history and intrigue. Established in the 1930s as a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp, it played a vital role during the Great Depression by providing jobs for young men while also working on conservation projects.

Indian Alley in Winchester is a hidden gem steeped in rich history and captivating stories. Originally a meeting place for Indigenous tribes, this narrow passageway is not just a physical space; it’s a cultural crossroads that has witnessed centuries of change.

The Legend of Molly May is a cold case from the 1700’s. She lived in the area of Warren County that is now called Harmony Hollow and witnessed a crime, but why didn’t she come home?

They came to the valley for a better life and ended up building what would become a popular historical property in Frederick County.

Cherry smash soda was a delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavors, with a refreshing fizz to boot! Second only to Coca-Cola during its heyday!

Was Richard Dale the original Houdini? Listen to his story and tell us what you think, talented swindler or an early Houdini?   Richard Dale’s tale

The commercial beginnings of that bright yellow soda instead of the Smokey Mountains. Learn about its beginning during the Great Depression.   The Untold Truth of Mountain Dew

The Locust Pin Factory was vital during WWII and at one time was the longest employer in Front Royal.   Warren Sentental Archives Northern VA Daily Archives

For everything, there is a season from Ecclesiastes 3, which helped create a Revolutionary War hero. Was it Peter or Frederick who preached this infamous sermon?  General ‘Devil Pete’ Muhlenberg: From Pulpit to Battlefield