History of Winchester, VA

Today, Winchester has extensive resources for Civil War enthusiasts. For instance, there are remains of several Civil War-era forts:

Fort Jackson – (aka Fort Garibaldi, Main Fort, Fort Milroy, Battery No.2)

Fort Alabama – (aka Star Fort, Battery No.3)

Fort Collier – (aka Battery No.10)

Louisiana Heights – (aka the combination of West Fort or Battery No.5 and Battery No. 6)

Bower's Hill – (aka Battery No.1)

Jubal Early Drive, which curves south of downtown Winchester, was the central location for many of the battles.

The United States assigned military presence to Winchester and other parts of the South during Reconstruction after the war. Winchester was part of the First Military District, commanded by Major General John Schofield. This period lasted until January 26, 1870.

20th century

Winchester was the first city south of the Potomac River to install electric light.

Winchester is the location of the bi-annual N-SSA national competition keeping the tradition of Civil War era firearms alive.

Apple Blossom Mall opened in 1982.

A three-block section of downtown Loudoun Street was closed to vehicular traffic in the 1980s and is a popular pedestrian area featuring many boutique shops and cafes. The street was paved with brick and landscaped in 2013