Front Royal - a name which reputedly came about during colonial
times when a British officer helped his men with their drill by using
the command "Front the Royal Oak". Whether or not that is true, the
tree still finds a place on the town's plaque. The town was also once
called LeHewtown after the founding LeHew family, and in the mid 19th
century had the nickname "Helltown", when it was still seen as a distant
outpost from more civilized parts of northern Virginia, and was apparently
infamous for its wild and quarrelsome inhabitants!
The modern Front Royal is a delightful town which has a friendly and
relaxed atmosphere, while offering so much to residents and visitors
alike. It is at the top of the northern Shenandoah Valley,
where the North and South Forks of the river join. The Blue Ridge
Mountains run south, embracing the Shenandoah National Park and
George Washington National Forest, both famous for their natural
beauty, and their varied wildlife and flora. The Appalachian Trail passes
through the county; Skyline Caverns offer a wonderful subterranean
experience just south of the town; and Skyline Drive starts here,
winding its way southwards, becoming the Blue Ridge Parkway, and
ending almost 600 miles away in Georgia.
For recreation, the area is renowned for its hunting and fishing, its
canoeing and kayaking (the town has been named Canoe Capital
of Virginia), its horseback riding and hiking trails, and of course
its scenery. Golfers have the choice of four quality golf courses in
the county, while indoor types have bowling, martial arts, a host of
clubs and societies, and of course the movie theater.
Front Royal and the surrounding area was at the heart of Civil War
activity, changing hands several times during the conflict, and all
enthusiasts of the war can have a field day around the town. The
Confederate spy Belle Boyd lived here, and her former home in
Chester Street is now a museum. Just a few hundred feet away is the
town's gazebo, next to the former railroad station, which has been
preserved and now houses the local Chamber of Commerce and
Visitor Center. Close by is East Main Street, the original shopping
street which still retains its old character, though modern trends in
shopping have led to two more recent plazas on the edge of town.
But for all the town's history, charm and beautiful location, all the
major conurbations are within easy reach. Washington, DC is only
70 miles away right down Interstate 66; Dulles International Airport
is just 54 miles, or 1 hour, away; the town is also 6 miles from
Interstate 81, giving excellent road access both north and south.
In fact, Warren County has overnight access to 60% of all United
States industrial activities, a fact no doubt reflecting the location of
the Virginia Inland Port in the north of the county.
Front Royal and Warren County have seen substantial growth over
recent times (see Local Information), and the area is rapidly becoming
a focus of attention for residents of DC and northern Virginia, looking
to relocate and get away from the pressures of city dwelling. Many
local residents commute back to those areas, realizing that quality of
life is worth
the extra gas to travel down the highway. For all that, local planners
are thankfully exerting tight control, determined that we do not see the
urban sprawl that has developed around the likes of Manassas further
to the east. The town still retains its character, and hopefully will do so
for many years to come.
Front Royal and Warren County have a lot to offer - come see for
yourself, and let me show you around!!