Handley Library was built as part of the last will and testament of Judge John Handley, though construction would not begin until 1908. Designed by John Barney and Henry Chapman at a final cost of $233,230, the library opened its doors in 1913. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and is considered a contributing property of the Winchester Historical District. Due to the Beaux-Arts design of the building, it contrasts heavily against the 19th century style of the other buildings in the district.
This Hudson River Gothic Revival style house, a Virginia and National Historic Landmark, was used as headquarters by General “Stonewall” Thomas Jackson during the winter of 1861-1862. Stonewall described the house as "a beautiful situation," according to Mrs. Jackson. This home has the most memorabilia and personal objects from Jackson than any other museum. The home was not turned into a museum until 1960 when Lieutenant Colonel Lewis Tilghman Moore offered his home to be a museum for Jackson. The museum honors the memory of General Jackson’s military genius as Robert E. Lee’s most valuable officer.
Fort Loudoun was constructed in 1756 to serve as a defensive fortification against attacks from French forces and their Native American allies. The plans for the fort were drawn up by George Washington. Today, the fort is long gone, with only the well and the foundations of one of the barracks remaining. The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.
The George Washington Hotel is located in downtown Winchester, VA, near the Handley Library and the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. Opened in 1924, the hotel has served as a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. It once was the headquarters for the city's famous Apple Blossom Festival, and many noteworthy individuals have been guests at the hotel. A Historic Wyndham Hotel, the George Washington is still open for booking and includes amenities such as a ballroom, business and fitness centers, an indoor pool, and a casual restaurant.
From its creation in 2003, the Old Court House Civil War Museum works to preserve and share the history of northern Virginia within the Civil War through the preservation of artifacts, creating and curating exhibits, and sponsoring a variety of special programs throughout the year. The museum may be most famous for its displays of "historical graffiti"-names and other information carved into walls by soldiers as they served as part of the Union and Confederate garrisons that occupied the city of Winchester. This northern Virginia city was in the midst of the conflict, changing hands between Union and Confederate soldiers over seventy times during the war. The museum is also home to the Ridgeway Civil War Archive. The museum is located in a former courthouse that was constructed in 1840.
The George Washington Office Museum is a small museum located at the former military office of the first President of the United States. From his office in Winchester, George Washington commanded the Virginia Regiment during the French and Indian War. The museum houses exhibits pertaining to George Washington and his association with the city, and some artifacts are displayed at the office. These include George Washington's surveying tools and a cannon left by General Edward Braddock.
This Tour is a Walking Tour.
Get a QR Code for this tour
This approximately one mile walking tour features historic structures in Old Town Winchester. Take a stroll through time with sites dating from 1755 to 1924, and enjoy all Old Town Winchester has to offer.
