Shenandoah County, Virginia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Shenandoah County
U.S. county
Shenandoah County Courthouse in Woodstock
Flag Seal Logo
Location within the U.S. state of Virginia
Virginia's location within the U.S.
Country	United States
State	Virginia
Founded	1772
Named for	Shenandoah River
Seat	Woodstock
Largest town	Strasburg
Area
• Total	512 sq mi (1,330 km2)
• Land	509 sq mi (1,320 km2)
• Water	3.4 sq mi (9 km2)  0.7%
Population  (2020)
• Total	44,186
• Density	86.30/sq mi (33.32/km2)
Time zone	UTC−5 (Eastern)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district	6th

Shenandoah County is a county in Virginia, a state in the United States. It used to be called Dunmore County. In 2020, about 44,186 people lived here.

The main town, or county seat, is Woodstock. Shenandoah County is part of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley region.

History of Shenandoah County

Early Native American Life

Long ago, a group called the Senedos might have lived in this area. They were possibly related to the Iroquois people. The name of the Valley and the county likely comes from this Native American group.

Some also say the name honors John Skenandoa. He was an Oneida chief from New York. He helped American colonists during the American Revolutionary War.

European Settlement and Changes

In 1744, a colonial governor named William Gooch bought the entire Shenandoah Valley. He bought it from the Six Nations of the Iroquois. The Iroquois had used the valley for hunting. However, European settlers had already started moving in.

Later, during Pontiac's War (1763–1766), the Shawnee people tried to push back the settlers. Their efforts reached this county.

From Dunmore to Shenandoah

The county was officially created in 1772. It was first named 'Dunmore County'. This name honored John Murray, 4th Earl of Dunmore, who was Virginia's last royal governor. Woodstock was chosen as the county seat.

During the American Revolution, Governor Dunmore was forced out of office. In 1778, the American rebels changed the county's name. They renamed it 'Shenandoah'.

Civil War Battle

During the American Civil War, a major event happened here. The Battle of New Market took place in the county. This battle was fought on May 15, 1864.

Geography of Shenandoah County

Shenandoah County covers about 512 square miles. Most of this area, 509 square miles, is land. The rest, about 3.4 square miles, is water.

Fort Valley is located here. Also, the western side of Massanutten Mountain is within the county.

Neighboring Counties

Shenandoah County shares borders with several other counties:

• Hardy County, West Virginia – to the northwest
• Frederick County – to the northeast
• Warren County – to the east
• Page County – to the southeast
• Rockingham County – to the southwest

Protected Natural Areas

Part of the Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park is in the county. Also, a section of the George Washington National Forest is located here. These areas help protect nature and history.

Transportation in Shenandoah County

You can find bus services for commuters in the county. The Shenandoah Valley Commuter Bus Service runs on weekdays. It connects Shenandoah and Warren County to Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C..

Buses start from places like Woodstock in Shenandoah County. They also start from Front Royal and Linden in Warren County.

I-81 southbound in Shenandoah County

Main Roads

Several important highways pass through Shenandoah County:

• I-81
• US 11
• US 48
• US 211
• SR 42
• SR 55
• SR 211
• SR 263

Population of Shenandoah County

Recent Population Data

In 2010, there were 41,993 people living in Shenandoah County. Most people, about 93%, were White. About 1.7% were Black or African American. Around 0.5% were Asian, and 0.2% were Native American. About 2.8% were of some other race. Also, 1.6% identified as being of two or more races. About 6.1% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.

By 2020, the population grew to 44,186 people. The county continues to be a diverse place.

Education in Shenandoah County

Shenandoah County has both private and public schools for students.

Private Schools

High Schools

• Shenandoah Valley Academy
• Massanutten Military Academy

Elementary Schools

• Shenandoah Valley Adventist Elementary School
• Valley Baptist Christian School

Public Schools

High Schools

• Stonewall Jackson High School (Shenandoah County, Virginia)
• Strasburg High School
• Central High School (Woodstock)

Elementary and Middle Schools

• W.W. Robinson Elementary School (Woodstock)
• Peter Muhlenberg Middle School (Woodstock)
• Ashby-Lee Elementary School (Quicksburg)
• North Fork Middle School (Quicksburg)
• Sandy Hook Elementary School (Strasburg)
• Signal Knob Middle School (Strasburg)

Other Schools

• Triplett Tech (Mount Jackson)
• Massanutten Regional Governor's School (High School level, in Mount Jackson)

Communities in Shenandoah County

Shenandoah County has several towns and smaller communities.

Towns

• Edinburg (population 1,041)
• Mount Jackson (population 1,994)
• New Market (population 2,146)
• Strasburg (population 6,398)
• Toms Brook (population 258)
• Woodstock (population 5,097)

Census-Designated Places

These are areas that are like towns but are not officially incorporated.

• Basye (population 1,374)
• Bowmans Crossing
• Clary
• Columbia Furnace
• Conicville
• Fishers Hill
• Forestville
• Lebanon Church
• Locust Grove
• Hudson Crossroads
• Maurertown
• Mount Clifton
• Mount Olive
• Orkney Springs (population 58)
• Quicksburg
• Saumsville

Other Unincorporated Communities

These are smaller areas without their own local government.

• Alonzaville
• Bedford
• Borden
• Calvary
• Carmel
• Coleytown
• Detrick
• Hamburg
• Harrisville
• Hawkinstown
• Hepners
• Jadwyn
• Jerome
• Kings Crossing
• Lantz Mill
• Macanie
• Moore's Store
• Mount Hermon
• Oak Grove
• Oranda
• Saint Luke
• Silver City
• Swover Creek
• Valley View
• Walkers Chapel
• Wesley Chapel
• Wheatfield
• Williamsville
• Zepp

Law Enforcement in Shenandoah County

The Shenandoah County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) is the main police agency in the county. It was started on May 26, 1772. At first, its main job was to collect taxes. Today, the SCSO helps keep the community safe.

See also

In Spanish: Condado de Shenandoah para niños