Partnerships provide visitors to Civil War Trail sites with significant upgrades

Originally published September 2023 · pp. 38

Partnerships provide visitors to Civil War Trail sites with significant upgrades Two of Strasburg’s Civil War Trails sites received significant upgrades late last month. The new stories dovetail with the Historic Downtown Walking Trail and two hikes associated with Signal Knob. The project will bring new travelers to Strasburg and encourage them to stay longer as they lace up to take a historic hike. The project resulted from work between Shenandoah County Tourism and Economic Development, The Town of Strasburg, Shenandoah County

Jason Shaffer, Operations Manager for Civil War Trails installs the confirmatory directional sign for the new Signal Knob stop in Strasburg Municipal Park. Library, and Virginia Civil War Trails, Inc. The two new signs are located at the Strasburg Museum at 440 E. King Street and the Strasburg Town Park at 295 Park Rd., off E. Queen Street. Olivia Hilton, Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Town of Strasburg, said, “These new installations enhance our storytelling, complement the Historic Downtown Walking Trail, and reflect our vibrant community! We invite you to come Discover the Different Sides of Strasburg!” Each Civil War Trails site is networked with over 1,400 other sites across six states and is marketed internationally by state, regional, and municipal tourism offices. The signs, while educational, are part of a much larger economic development mission. Brenda Black, Tourism Development Manager for Shenandoah County, said, “Tourists who visit Civil War trail markers are likely to spend money on various goods and services in the local area. They may stay in hotels, dine at local restaurants, shop at local stores, and use other tourism-related services. This increased spending can positively impact local businesses and the overall economy.” The Strasburg Museum is the first stop along the Historic Downtown Walking Trail. The 1.6-mile-long trail winds through the beautiful town as one explores each of the ten sites. An excellent resource for families or older travelers, one will get a slice of local history alongside great restaurants, shops, and more. For more off-road yet leisurely strolls, the new Civil War Trails site at Strasburg Park is located along the Riverwalk trail. This crushed gravel path follows the North Fork of the Shenandoah River for approximately one mile. For the more adventurous, the new Signal Knob Civil War Trails sign offers directions to the Signal Knob trailhead. This 10.5-mile loop is strenuous but offers unparalleled views of the Shenandoah Valley as one stands in the footsteps of Civil War soldiers who used the same vantage point to spy on the opposing army. So, lace up your boots, and bring your most adventurous travel partner to explore these historic hikes. For more information about visiting Strasburg or taking a historic hike, contact the Strasburg Visitor Center at 540-465-5884. While visiting, snap a #signselfie with the two new #civilwartrails signs. For more information, VisitShenandoahCounty.com.

The Strasburg Museum is located 440 E. King Street and is the location of the second new Civil War Trails sign in town, and also the start of their downtown walking trail.

Chris Brown (left), Assistant Director of Civil War Trails and Jason Shaffer lift the new sign at the Museum into place.

Jason Shaffer squares up the new sign for Signal Knob which not only tells the story of the strategic location but helps visitors navigate to the trailhead which will put them in the footsteps of Union and Confederate observers. All photos courtesy of Civil War Trails, Inc.