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HRAB 08-21-07 Meeting AgendaCOUNTY of FREDERICK Department of Planning and Development ' MEMORANDUM 540/665-5651 Fill, 0/665-6395 To: Historic Resources Advisory Board From: Lauren E. Krempa, Planner I LE -K Subject: August 2007 Meeting Agenda Date: August 13, 2007 The Frederick County Historic Resources Advisory Board (HRAB) will be meeting on Tuesday, August 21s`, 2007 at 6:30 p.m., in the Board of Supervisors Executive Session Room* in the Frederick County Administration Building, 107 North Kent Street, Winchester, Virginia. The HRAB will discuss the following items: AGENDA 1. June 2007 Minutes 2. Comprehensive Policy Plan Update 3. Other Please contact this office if you will not be able to attend the meeting. Thank you. *PLEASE NOTE MEETING LOCATION Access to this building is limited during the evening hours. Therefore, it will be necessary to enter the building through the rear door of the Board Room. I would encourage committee members to park in the county parking lot located behind the new addition (accessible off of Cameron Street). LEK/bad Attachments 107 North Kent Street, Suite 202 9 Winchester, Virginia 22601-5000 49 Frederick County Historic Resources Advisory Board (HRAB) June 19, 2007, 6:30pm Held in the Board of Supervisors Executive Session Room of the County Administrative Building at 107 N. Kent Street, Winchester, VA Meeting Summary (not official minutes) Members Present: Elizabeth Fravel (Vice -Chairman), Mary Turner, Martin Killingbeck, Gary Oates (Planning Commission Liaison). Members Absent: Rhoda Kriz (Chairman), Stacey Yost, Claus Bader, Virginia McClure, Maral Kalbian (Consultant). Staff. Lauren Krempa, Planner I Agenda Items: May 2007 Minutes, Comprehensive Policy Plan update Other: N/A The meeting began at 6:30 P.M. The first item of the agenda was the approval of the May 2007 minutes. Ms. Turner motioned to approve, the motion was seconded by Mr. Killingbeck, and the minutes were unanimously approved. The second agenda item was a discussion of the history chapter of the County's Comprehensive Policy Plan. Members engaged in a round table discussion of the chapter as well as areas of weakness and strength in the chapter as it relates to historic preservation. Members were provided with chapters from surrounding localities to evaluate. Beginning with the history of Frederick County, members suggested updating all information (number of acres of battlefield land, etc). Ms. Turner suggested providing a brief description of each of the major battlefields and fortifications in the county since so many are currently being affected by development. Members also recommended including a list of historic properties and updated maps in the Plan. Members discussed the need to identify more potential historic districts and began discussion regarding these. Mr. Oates suggested the possibility of creating a voluntary program, similar to the County's Agricultural & Forestal Districts, which would allow property owners to protect their historic properties/structures. HRAB members decided that each member should locate as many potential historic districts as possible in their respective magisterial districts for discussion at the next meeting. Staff offered to provide members with maps/books to assist them with the identifying process. Members felt that these potential districts could identify a "sphere of influence" around the actual district as well which may help preserve view sheds of historic properties. Ms. Fravel pointed out the need for stronger language in the Comprehensive Plan to encourage the preservation/protection of historic properties. Mr. Oates pointed out that the language can be as vague or as specific as the County wants and that different areas of the county may need. different degrees of discussion in the text of the comprehensive plan. All members present agreed that the current language of the Plan did not provide enough guidance for the protection of the County's historic resources. Members discussed that the expectations for the treatment of properties should be laid out in the chapter and that perhaps the plan could identify types of preferred development surrounding historic properties/battlefields. Members also suggested cooperating with the Parks and Recreation department as well as the schools to provide some co -located park opportunities. Staff told members that the draft would be updated with their suggestions in time for the next meeting and reminded members to begin identifying areas in their individual magisterial districts that might be appropriate potential historic districts. There being no other business the HRAB adjourned at 9:00 P.M. ITEM # 2 COMPREHENSIVE POLICY PLAN UPDATE The Historic Resources Advisory Board at their June 2007 meeting begandiscussing the update to the history chapter of the Comprehensive Policy Plan of Frederick County. Included in this agenda is a copy of the current section of the Comprehensive Policy Plan, proposed changes made by staff based on discussion from the June 2007 meeting, and all maps relating to historic structures and features in the Comprehensive Policy Plan. The HRAB should review the following sections and come prepared to the meeting to discuss areas needing updates, as well as any policy changes that may be necessary to further strengthen the County's attempt to preserve and protect historic resources, specifically during rezoning application proposals. Staff would note that the included draft is not complete and staff will provide a complete draft at the August meeting. However, it would be appropriate for the HRAB to begin reviewing the updated language and content provided thus far. Any suggestions prior to the August meeting are greatly appreciated in order to provide the most complete copy at the meeting. The HRAB was asked at their June 2007 meeting to begin identifying areas in their magisterial districts which may be appropriate to designate as possible historic districts. These possibilities will be discussed at the August meeting in addition to the text update. Maps are available from the Planning Department to assist you with the identification of these structures if needed. All proposed changes and updates to this chapter of the Plan will be forwarded to the Comprehensive Plans and Programs Subcommittee (CPPS) for their discussion on the 2007 update to the entire Comp Plan. History For 12,000 years a sparse population of Indians lived in this area, but many more traveled through on the Indian Path from New York and Pennsylvania to winter in Georgia and South Carolina. The first Europeans to come through the Shenandoah Valley were Jesuit missionaries in 1632, and details of this wilderness area were first shown on a map by a Frenchman, Samuel de Champlain. English ownership of Frederick County was originally by the Virginia Company but was taken over by the Crown in 1624. In 1649, Charles II granted seven royalist supporters the land "bounded by and within the heads" ofthe Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers. By 1681, Thomas, the Second Lord Culpeper, owned most of this original land grant. After he died in 1689, his daughter married Thomas, the Fifth Lord Fairfax, and later, their son Thomas, the Sixth Lord Fairfax, inherited the whole land grant. By the 1650's various traders, trappers, and explorers were coming to the Shenandoah Valley. Dr. John Lederer from Hamburg, Germany documented his visit to the Valley in 1670 in his diary. An English colonel, Cadwallader Jones, explored the central Valley in 1673, and in 1716, Governor Alexander Spotswood and his fifty "Knights of the Golden Horseshoe" crossed into the Valley through Swift Run Gap and returned with glowing accounts. Englishmen settled the piedmont, then pushed west by foot and horse through passes in the Blue Ridge, and many more German and Scotch -Irish settlers came down the valleys from Philadelphia and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Some of the earliest settlers were Quakers who built the Hopewell Friends Meeting House which still stands near Clearbrook. These settlers were attracted by the fertile soils and the abundant forest and water resources. The Government of Colonial Virginia wanted this wilderness settled as quickly as possible, as a buffer against Indians; but Robert "King" Carter, Lord Fairfax's agent, was settling Fairfax's land slowly in large plantations. The government of Virginia had chartered counties in the land grant as settlement spread up the Northern Neck and west through the land grant. Virginia began to argue that Fairfax's land grant ended at the Blue Ridge, and began granting up to 1,000 acres each to settler families west of the Blue Ridge. Virginia gave particular developers the right to recruit settlers and sell them up to 1,000 acres per family within a general "grant" area. Each parcel would revert to Virginia unless settled with a house and orchard within two years. Abraham Hollingsworth settled near the site of Abrams Delight in about 1729. Owen Thomas and Jeremiah Smith came to Back Creek in 1730 and settled on 806 acres granted in Thomas' name. Smith left and returned with a wife before 1741. His log cabin is now part of a house west of Back Creek and south of Route 50. In 1732, Jost Hite settled 16 families on his 5,000 acre "grant" and built Hite's Fort at Bartonsville. Frederick County 2 - 1 Comprehensive Plan History The Indian Path became the Great Wagon Road and Indians were dispossessed westward by treaty and force of arms. Frederick County was created from western Orange County by the House of Burgesses on December 21, 1738 and was named after the Prince of Wales. James Wood, County Surveyor for Orange County, platted a town at the County seat, which he named Winchester, after his birthplace. It consisted of 26 half -acre lots and three streets within 1300 acres, which he claimed as wilderness land owned by Virginia. Those streets are now Loudoun, Boscawen and Cameron. County government in Virginia was originally by self-perpetuating courts. Frederick County's Court was proclaimed and organized in 1743, and its officials took their oaths of office on November 11 of that year. It first met at the surveying office of its clerk, James Wood, at the site on which he later built his estate, called Glen Burnie. By 1743, the Frederick County Court admitted that Lord Fairfax's land included the County. At the age of 16, George Washington was a member of a surveying party that came to Frederick County for Lord Fairfax in 1748. In 1749, Lord Fairfax moved to Frederick County and built his home, Greenway Court, at White Post, in present-day Clarke County. He accepted Wood's 1,300 acre claim and other additional lots at Winchester. Eventually, eleven other counties would be created from the 3,824 square miles included in the original Frederick County. George Washington was associated with Winchester and Frederick County between the years of 1748 and 1765. Early during those years, he maintained a surveying office in Winchester. During the French and Indian War, he was given a Commission and later made Commander in Chief of the colonial forces with headquarters in Winchester. Washington held his first elective offices representing Frederick County, having been elected to the house of Burgesses in 1758 and 1761. Although there were no battles or military engagements in Frederick County during the Revolutionary War, the area was very important in the effort. General Daniel Morgan, who lived in eastern Frederick County (now Clarke County), and his "Long Rifles" played a prominent role in many battles of the Revolutionary War, including the Battle at Cowpens in South Carolina. Several local citizens furnished the troops with food and supplies, including Isaac Zane who supplied the army with ammunition made at his ironworks in Marlboro. Many prisoners captured during the War were held in Winchester and Frederick County. By 1779, the number of British prisoners held in Winchester had increased so much that it was decided to build a larger prison. A barracks was built four miles west of Winchester to hold these prisoners whose number had increased to 1,600 by the year 1781. During the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, life in the current Frederick County area centered around small family farms. Local farms tended to be smaller than farms to the east. During this period, wheat production became the center of the local economy, along with cattle production. In 1820, there were fifty flour mills in Frederick County along with numerous sawmills, tanneries, and other business activities. Frederick County 2 - 2 Comprehensive Plan History Economic life was centered around Winchester and other local towns including Stephens City, Middletown, Kemstown, Gainesboro and Gore. There were a large number and diversity of craftsmen and merchants in these towns. The strongest influence on the local economy was the Great Wagon Road, which later became U.S. Route 11 and which carried settlers and travelers from Philadelphia, south through the Valley and to the west. Activity associated with this road made Winchester one of the largest towns in western Virginia. Frederick County played a significant part in the Civil War. The northern Shenandoah Valley supplied food, livestock, horses, and soldiers to the southern cause. The Valley was also important because of its strategic location in relation to Washington D.C. The town of Winchester changed hands in the war about 70 times, an average of once every three weeks for four years. Major local battles included the First Battle of Kernstown in March of 1862, during which General Stonewall Jackson suffered his only tactical defeat during the Valley Campaign but did succeed in keeping Union troops in the Valley from leaving to reinforce McClellan on the peninsula. In May of 1862, Jackson's army defeated the Union troops at the First Battle of Winchester. In the Second Battle of Winchester in 1863, confederate troops successfully attacked and defeated Union troops occupying forts on the western side of Winchester. Union troops were again defeated at the second battle of Kernstown in 1864. At the Third Battle of Winchester, General Philip Sheridan's Union troops successfully attacked confederate troops at Winchester. With the high numbers of losses on both sides, a new war of attrition was to begin in the Valley from which the southern forces would never recover. For three weeks in 1864, Sheridan's troops undertook the infamous "Burning" to end Confederate strength in the Valley. Union troops burned 2,000 barns, 120 mills, and a half a million bushels of grain and confiscated 50,000 head of livestock in the Valley. Virginia's richest valley was left desolate. In October of 1864, Jubal Early's Confederate troops were entrenched south of Cedar Creek. The Union troops were encamped just north of Cedar Creek. A surprise attack by the Confederates drove the Union troops to the north. General Sheridan rallied his troops and attacked, driving the Confederates back across Cedar Creek. This victory helped boost Union morale and helped President Lincoln win reelection. The Civil War period brought much destruction and economic hardship to Frederick County, due to the county's strategic location in the Valley. Many farms, mills, and dwellings were damaged or destroyed, and the county's economic productivity was greatly reduced. The Reconstruction period was characterized by a slow economic recovery from damages suffered, and by the 1880's economic stability gradually returned. After the war, old economic activities resumed and new activities began. New businesses included a tannery, dairying, farm machinery, and shipping. Frederick County 2 - 3 Comprehensive Plan History There was a tremendous building boom in the county during the period of 1880-1900. In addition to new construction, older structures were often enlarged and "updated" using modern building techniques and styles. This growth occurred in both rural areas and in small communities that had previously developed in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. New communities were also formed as a consequence of newer, more advanced transportation systems including the automobile and the railroad. Among the communities that experienced growth during this period were Meadow Mills, Hayfield, Gore, Mountain Falls, Mount Williams, Gravel Springs, Gainesboro, Albin, Brucetown, White Hall and Armel. Industrial activity also slowly resumed after the Civil War. According to one source, by 1890, Frederick County had 37 mills, eight woolen factories, a steam elevator, two iron foundries, four glove factories, a boot and shoe factory, ten broom factories, four tanneries, a large paper mill, three newspapers, a book bindery, eight cigar factories, three marble yards, and two furniture factories. In the early twentieth century, there was rapid industrial growth in Frederick County. There was a phenomenal rise in apple production, with apples replacing wheat as the primary cash crop. Many new facilities were developed relating to apple production and processing. Later in the twentieth century, the local economy had diversified to include a range of different industrial activities. Activities continue to be based on the accessibility of the area and on north -south travel along the route that was once the Great Wagon Road and is now Route 1 I and Interstate 81. Historic Preservation There are quite a few historic sites in Frederick County. The following sites are listed on both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places: Belle Grove and Cedar Creek Battlefield Monte Vista Springdale House and Mill Complex Willow Shade Sunrise Rose Hill Hopewell Friends Meeting House County Poor House Willa Cather's Birthplace Newtown/Stephensburg District St. Thomas Episcopal Church (Middletown) In addition to these, there are approximately 50 sites in the County that have been preliminarily reviewed by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and deemed probably eligible for inclusion on the State and National Registers. Frederick County 2-4 Comprehensive Plan History Six battlefields of great national importance are located in Frederick County and Winchester. Battlefields: First and Second Battles of Winchester First and Second Battles of Kernstown Stephenson's Depot Fortifications/Entrenchments: Star Fort Parkins Mill Battery Nineteenth Corps Line Hilandale Earthworks/1864-65 Winter Line Third Battle of Winchester Cedar Creek Rutherford's Farm Fort Collier Carysbrook Redoubt Zig-Zag Trenches There are over 12,000 acres of land in battlefields that maintain high historic character. Without a concentrated and effective effort, most battlefield sites in Winchester and Frederick County will be lost to development during the next twenty years because of their location. Significant efforts are underway on the part of City and County government, the Kernstown Battlefield Association, the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation and others to protect local battlefield sites and create a battlefield park network. The Frederick County - Winchester Battlefield Task Force has produced a plan for a battlefield park network. The Task Force completed the Frederick County -Winchester Battlefield Network Plan in 1996, which was adopted by the Frederick County Board of Supervisors and the Winchester City Council. The plan describes goals for the network and includes strategies and actions to be undertaken to achieve these goals. A battlefield park network in Frederick County and Winchester will provide substantial economic and educational benefits. In order to take advantage of the potential of battlefield sites, a carefully planned, interconnected network of battlefield sites is needed. Significant, pristine portions of the Cedar Creek, Third Winchester and Kernstown battlefields will provide the "critical mass" and foundation for the battlefield network. Old Town Winchester will play a critical role with its sites and facilities. Other smaller sites will play an important role in the battlefield network as small parks or areas to be viewed along tour routes. Battlefield sites will be connected by carefully planned tour routes that will include vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian routes. Approaches to interpreting the history of the sites for visitors need to be carefully planned and should include a uniform approach and an interpretative center. Frederick County 2 - 5 Comprehensive Plan ---- Civil War Battle ells and Sites i Frederl�k County Planning E Developnent i �inChestvr. Virgiriu (As Defined by the NPS Shenandoah Valley Civil War Sites Study) History The Plan describes strategies to achieve the goals including: Providing information, assistance, and incentives to landowners Preparing resource management plans for specific sites Recommendations concerning local planning decisions Establishment of an "umbrella battlefield organization" to carry out actions described Local government assistance and state and federal involvement Establishing a primary interpretative center A coordinated sign system for tour routes Conducting special events for public awareness Contact and coordination with various interested individuals and groups In addition to the key sites at Cedar Creek, Kernstown, Third Winchester/Opequon, and Old Town Winchester, a number of other sites are included in the strategies including: Star Fort and other forts Stephenson Depot National and Stonewall Cemeteries Bowers Hill Ruthersford Farm Berryville Canyon Sheridan's Hospital 1864 Winter Line Frederick County 2 - 7 Comprehensive Plan History The Plan contains an Battlefield Action Plan that describes the specific actions that will need to be undertaken to achieve the goals of the plan. Table 1 Battlefield Action Program Summary ACTION 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 Establish 'Battlefield Organization" Complete Grim Farm acquisition Acquire Third Winchester key areas Q Resource plan for Kernstown Q Resource plan for Third Winchester Resource plan for Star Fort Battlefield special event Q Resource plan for Cedar Creek 10 Interpretative tour plan Q Implement Kernstown plan Q Develop interpretative center Q Additional acquisition at Cedar Creek Travel route signs Implement Star Fort plan Q Im lenient Cedar Creek plan Frederick County 2 - 8 Comprehensive Plan History Acquisition of the Grim Farm, as identified by the Battlefield Action Program, continues to be pursued. In joining efforts with the City and the Kernstown Battlefield Association, the County is actively working to acquire, protect, and preserve the 342 -acre Grim Farm. This property would be managed by the Kernstown Battlefield Association and opened to the public for Civil War interpretation and preservation of the historic landscape. The Rural Landmarks Survey of Frederick County, a comprehensive survey of all historic structures and sites in the County, was completed in 1992. It documents over 1800 properties and concludes that many are historically significant. Archaeological sites in the County have also been inventoried in recent studies. Methods to protect, enhance and preserve the especially significant sites are being pursued. A program for designation of historic properties was adopted in 1992 and is being administered by the Historic Resources Advisory Board. The HRAB is also pursuing an educational program to raise the public awareness about the County's historic resources, which includes a presentation on the Rural Landmarks Survey as a part of the County Schools' history curriculum. In addition to individual properties and battlefield sites, several areas of the County have been identified as having potential for historic districts. Any development proposal in these areas will need to address the historical significance of the site involved. Zoning or other regulatory methods can be used to help protect important historical sites. Methods are preferred which allow the property owner to decide whether to participate. In addition, incentives allowed by law for the rehabilitation, adaptive reuse, or restoration of historic structures should be considered. Care should be taken in the design and provision of streets and utilities in historic areas to maintain the historical integrity and character of historic areas. The protection of historic areas should be carefully considered in establishing new roads. Land use patterns should be planned that are harmonious with the historic environment. Historic preservation can play an important role in economic development. Tourism is an important local industry. The possibility of improving the attractiveness of the area to tourists should be considered in a systematic manner. The protection of historic resources will play an important role in this effort. Frederick County 2 - 9 Comprehensive Plan ---------------, I Frederlck County Planning & Development I Possible Historic Districts Winchester, Virginia —� 12-10-97 History Historic Preservation Policy A number of historic preservation issues have been identified, including the following: .Issues The need to develop methods to protect historic resources. The need to protect and promote the economic and cultural importance of historic resources. GOALfn 12ro.'e—g t«ts§ftrCe.in Frederick Count . Strom 1 - Maintain the inventory of historic sites and potential districts and promote the official designation of significant resources in the County. Strategy 2 - Study and adopt methods to preserve historic resources. Strom 3 - Incorporate historic resources in efforts to promote tourism. Implementation Methods: 1. Use the Rural Landmarks Survey as a source for determining properties and districts that would qualify for official recognition. Provide positive publicity and education about the recognized sites. Identify those which may be eligible for the State and National register and assist in the preparation and submission of nominations. 2. Develop a method for notifying owners of abandoned historic property of the significance of their property and urge them to maintain it. 3. Develop a mapping system, coordinated with other mapped property information, to assist in determining whether development proposals will impact historic resources. 4. Have the Historic Resources Advisory Board review development proposals which potentially impact significant historic resources. Provide the HRAB's information and recommendations to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. 5. Develop techniques for protecting and enhancing historic resources including zoning methods, impact analysis, conservation easements, and tax incentives for rehabilitation efforts. Strong support should be given to private initiatives such as voluntary compliance Frederick County 2-11 Comprehensive Plan History with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. 6. Develop requirements and methods for dedication of land and historic districts within significant developments affecting historic resources. Require that open space dedications for developments in battlefield areas be used to create battlefield parks. 7. Encourage the creation and regulation of historic districts. Consider participating in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources' "Certified Local Government" program. 8. Include concerns for historic preservation and tourism in economic development strategies. Promote the concept of a focused events to promote the County's heritage, including reenactments, tours, exhibits, and other activities. Develop ways to publicize sites and routes of interest that will not adversely impact private property owners. 9. Present educational programs, such as slide presentations and lectures, to promote historic preservation. 10. Support the creation of a "Battlefield Organization" to oversee and coordinate regional preservation efforts. Assist the `Battlefield Organization" with the implementa- tion of the Frederick County -Winchester Battlefield Network Plan. GOAL'- Top mote �ire 'prt servation wtd prose f Mi . War.l3attl fold r sources: Strate1 - Develop a comprehensive approach to Battlefield protection and preservation. Strategy 2 - Develop a comprehensive approach to historic preservation which will result in a system of sites and battlefields dedicated or protected in a coordinated fashion. Strateay 3 - Use the strategies described in the Frederick County -Winchester Battlefield Network Plan to help create a battlefield network that will attract people from around the Nation and the World. Implementation Methods: 1. Develop a successful battlefield park network that preserves key sites, attracts tourists from around the world, and supports education. Frederick County 2-12 Comprehensive Plan History 2. Develop a community vision and consensus supporting the preservation and use of battlefield resources. 3. Provide for efficient, attractive and enjoyable vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle travel to, between, and within the key sites. 4. Preserve and protect the historic appearance and character of the key battlefield sites, their viewsheds, and their approaches. 5. Coordinate the battlefield efforts with efforts to protect and use resources from other historic periods. 6. Coordinate the battlefield efforts with efforts to protect and preserve natural, visual and environmental resources. 7. Develop a comprehensive approach to the interpretation and understanding of the sites and their history. 8. Develop long term funding sources for battlefield preservation. 9. Work closely with landowners and find ways to provide preservation benefits to landowners. 10. Encourage and coordinate with regional, state, and federal efforts to preserve battlefield sites. 11. Provide for the long term maintenance of the battlefield park network. 12. Coordinate with the overall planning efforts of the community. 13. Preserve and use key portions of the Cedar Creek, Kernstown, and Third Winchester as the foundation for a battlefield park network Frederick County 2-13 Comprehensive Plan Proposed Changes History Early European Settlement: For 12,000 years prior to English Settlement of the Shenandoah Valley, a sparse population of Native Americans lived in the area, but many more traveled through these valleys on the "Indian Path" from New York and Pennsylvania to winter in Georgia and South Carolina. The first Europeans to come through the Shenandoah Valley were Jesuit missionaries in 1632, and the details of this wilderness area were first mapped by a French explorer, Samuel de Champlain. The original English ownership of Frederick County was the Virginia Company, which was tasked with the settlement of the Virginia Colony by King James I. Ownership of the area returned to the Crown in 1624 when the Virginia Company's charter was revoked. In 1649, King Charles II granted seven royalist supporters the land "bounded by and within the heads" of the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers. By 1681, Thomas, the Second Lord Culpepper, owned most of this original land grant. After he died in 1689, his daughter married Thomas, the Fifth Lord Fairfax, and later, their son Thomas, the Sixth Lord Fairfax, inherited the entire land grant. Englishmen settled the piedmont, then pushed west by foot and horse through passes in the Blue Ridge, and many more German and Scotch -Irish settlers came down though the valleys from Philadelphia and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Some of the earliest settlers of this area were Quakers who built the Hopewell Friends Meeting House, which still stands near Clearbrook. These settlers were attracted by the fertile soils and the abundant forest and water resources. Initial Settlement and Organization: The Colonial Government of Virginia wanted this wilderness settled as quickly as possible, as a buffer against Indians; but Robert "King" Carter, Lord Fairfax's agent, was settling Fairfax's land slowly in large plantations. The Government of Virginia had chartered counties in the land grant as settlement spread up the Northern Neck and west through the land grant. Virginia began to argue that Fairfax's land grant ended at the Blue Ridge, and began granting up to 1,000 acres each to settler families west of the Blue Ridge. Virginia gave particular developers the right to recruit settlers and sell them up to 1,000 acres per family within a general "grant" area. Each parcel would revert to Virginia unless settled with a house and orchard within two years. Abraham Hollingsworth settled near the site of Abrams Delight in about 1729. Owen Thomas and Jeremiah Smith came to Back Creek in 1730 and settled on 806 acres granted in Thomas' name. Smith left and returned with a wife before 1741. His log cabin is now part of a house west of Back Creek and south of Route 50. In 1732, Jost Hite settled 16 families on his 5,000 acre "grant" and built Hite's Fort at Bartonsville. The "Indian Path" became the Great Wagon Road to Philadelphia and Native Americans were dispossessed westward by treaty and force of arms. Frederick County was created from western Orange County by the House of Burgesses on December 21, 1738 and was named after Frederick Frederick County Comprehensive Plan 1 Proposed Changes History Louis, the Prince of Wales and son of King George II, and originally spanned from the Blue Ridge Mountains to current day Ohio. In 1744, James Wood, County Surveyor for Orange County, platted a town at the County seat, which he named Winchester, after his birthplace. It consisted of 26 half -acre lots and three streets within 1300 acres, which he claimed as wilderness land owned by Virginia. Those streets are now Loudoun, Boscawen and Cameron. Winchester was officially chartered in 1752. County government in Virginia was originally by self-perpetuating courts. Frederick County's Court was proclaimed and organized in 1743, and its officials took their oaths of office on November 11th of that year. The Frederick County Court first met at the surveying office of its clerk, James Wood, at the site on which he later built his estate, ealled Glen Burnie. By the mid 1740s, the Frederick County Court had acknowledged that Lord Fairfax's land grant did included Frederick County, despite previous arguments that the Fairfax lands ended at the Blue Ridge Mountains. At the age of 16, George Washington was a member of a surveying party that came to Frederick County for Lord Fairfax in 1748. In 1749, Lord Fairfax moved to Frederick County and built his home, Greenway Court, at White Post, in present-day Clarke County. He accepted Wood's 1,300 acre claim and other additional lots at Winchester. Eventually, eleven other counties would be created from the 3,824 square miles included in the original Frederick County. The original Frederick County has since been divided into the following Counties*: In Virginia: Dunmore (now Shenandoah) - 1772 Page — 1831 Warren — 1836 Clarke — 1836 In West Virginia: Hampshire — 1753 Berkeley — 1772 Hardy —1776 Jefferson — 1801 Morgan — 1820 Mineral — 1866 Grant — 1866 *from Frederick County, Virginia: History Through Architecture by Maral S. Kalbian George Washington maintained a relationship with Winchester and Frederick County during and after his surveying expedition for Lord Fairfax. Early during those years, Washington operated his surveying office in Winchester and oversaw the construction of Fort Loudoun. Washington's first elected office was as a representative of Frederick County in the House of Burgesses 1758. He served in this post for 15 years. During the French and Indian War, he was given a Commission by Governor Dinwiddie of Virginia and later promoted to Commander in Chief of the colonial forces with headquarters in Winchester. The location of the headquarters for the western campaign helped to stimulate growth in Winchester throughout the French and Indian War which in turn led to improvements along trade/travel roads, the creation of additional lots in Winchester, and the formation of Stephensburg, which is now Stephens City. Frederick County Comprehensive Plan 2 Proposed Changes History The American Revolution in Frederick County: Although there were no battles or military engagements in Frederick County during the Revolutionary War, the area was very important in the effort. Prior to the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, a group of protesters met in Winchester to protest King George's taxes on the colonies. They drafted the Frederick County Resolves and promised not to purchase English wares until their grievances were resolved. During the war, General Daniel Morgan, who lived in eastern Frederick County (now Clarke County), and his "Long Rifles" played a prominent role in many battles of the Revolutionary War, including the Battle at Cowpens in South Carolina. His regiment of expert riflemen was one of two from Virginia. Several local citizens furnished the troops with food and supplies, including Isaac Zane Jr. who supplied the army with ammunition made at his ironworks in Marlboro. Many prisoners captured during the War were held in Winchester and Frederick County. By 1779, the number of British prisoners held in Winchester had increased beyond the capacity of the existing prison and a larger one was built. A barracks was built four miles west of Winchester to hold these prisoners whose number had increased to 1,600 by the year 1781. After the Revolution, the trade routes established during the French and Indian War continued to develop and provide avenues for trade between farmers in Frederick County and those in Eastern Virginia. Winchester grew as a travel and commercial hub in Western Virginia. Early National Period: During the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, life in Frederick County centered on small family farms. Local farms tended to be smaller than plantations and farms to the east. During this period, wheat production became the center of the local economy, along with cattle production and by 1820, there were fifty flour mills in Frederick County along with numerous sawmills, tanneries, and other business activities. Economic life was centered around Winchester and other local towns including Stephens City, Middletown, Kernstown, Gainesboro and Gore. There were a large number and diversity of craftsmen and merchants in these towns. The strongest influence on the local economy was the Great Wagon Road, which became U.S. Route 11, which carried settlers and travelers from Philadelphia, south through the Valley and to the west. Activity associated with this road made Winchester one of the largest towns in western Virginia. Civil War: Frederick County played a significant part in the Civil War. The northern Shenandoah Valley supplied food, livestock, horses, and soldiers to the southern cause. The Valley was also important because of its strategic location in relation to Washington D.C. The town of Winchester changed hands in the war about 70 times, an average of once every three weeks for four years. Major local battles included the First Battle of Kernstown in March of 1862, during which Frederick County Comprehensive Plan 3 Proposed Changes History General Stonewall Jackson suffered his only tactical defeat during the Valley Campaign but did succeed in keeping Union troops to the Valley fro��� lcavir�g to reinforce McClellan on the peninsula. In May of 1862, Jackson's army defeated the Union troops at the First Battle of Winchester. In the Second Battle of Winchester in 1863, confederate troops successfully attacked and defeated Union troops occupying forts on the western side of Winchester. Union troops were again defeated at the second battle of Kemstown in 1864. At the Third Battle of Winchester, General Philip Sheridan's Union troops successfully attacked confederate troops at Winchester. With the high numbers of losses on both sides, a new war of attrition was to begin in the Valley from which the southern forces would never recover. For three weeks in 1864, Sheridan's troops undertook the infamous "Burning" to end Confederate strength in the Valley. Union troops burned 2,000 barns, 120 mills, and a half a million bushels of grain and confiscated 50,000 head of livestock in the Valley. Virginia's richest valley was left desolate. In October of 1864, Jubal Early's Confederate troops were entrenched south of Cedar Creek. The Union troops were encamped just north of Cedar Creek. A surprise attack by the Confederates drove the Union troops to the north. General Sheridan rallied his troops and attacked, driving the Confederates back across Cedar Creek. This victory helped boost Union morale and helped President Lincoln win reelection. The Civil War period brought much destruction and economic hardship to Frederick County, due to the county's strategic location in the Valley. Many farms, mills, and dwellings were damaged or destroyed, and the county's economic productivity was greatly reduced. The Reconstruction period was characterized by a slow economic recovery from damages suffered, and by the 1880's economic stability gradually returned. After the war, old economic activities resumed and new activities began. New businesses included a tannery, dairying, farm machinery, and shipping. Reconstruction: There was a tremendous building boom in the county during the period r between 1880-1900. In addition to new construction, older structures were often enlarged and "updated" using modern building techniques and styles. This growth occurred in both rural areas and in small communities that had previously developed in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. New communities were also formed as a result of newer, more advanced transportation systems including the automobile and the railroad. Among the communities that experienced growth during this period were Meadow Mills, Hayfield, Gore, Mountain Falls, Mount Williams, Gravel Springs, Gainesboro, Albin, Brucetown, White Hall and Armel. Industrial activity also slowly resumed after the Civil War. , by 1890, Frederick County had 37 mills, eight woolen factories, a steam elevator, two iron foundries, four Frederick County Comprehensive Plan 4 Proposed Changes History glove factories, a boot and shoe factory, ten broom factories, four tanneries, a large paper mill, three newspapers, a book bindery, eight cigar factories, three marble yards, and two furniture factories. Industrialization: In the early twentieth century, there was rapid industrial growth in Frederick County. There was a phenomenal rise in apple production, with apples replacing wheat as the primary cash crop. Many new facilities were developed relating to apple production and processing. Later in the twentieth century, the local economy had diversified to include a range of different industrial activities. Activities continue to be based on the accessibility of the area and on north -south travel along the route that was once the Great Wagon Road and is now Route 11 and Interstate 81. World Wars to Present Day: Create narrative here. Frederick County Comprehensive Plan 5 Proposed Changes History Historic Properties Frederick Coun!y Landmarks: There are many sites of historic significance in Frederick County which are recognized on the local, state, and national levels. In 1992, Frederick County instituted its Historic Plaque program which recognizes local historic properties which remain in high- quality condition and retain their historic character. Each year, the County's Historic Recourses Advisory Board (HRAB) accepts nominations for the Plaque program and chooses new recipients to add to the growing list of recognized properties. Many of these properties are also recognized on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places. The box to the right provides a list of these structures which are recognized. In addition, the Cedar Creek Battlefield and Belle Grove National Historic Park is also listed on the National Landmarks Register. It is the only site in Frederick County listed on this register. Frederick County Battlefields: In addition to the many individual structures in Frederick County, there are six battlefields of great national importance are located in the Frederick County and Winchester area. Virginia Landmarks Register (VLR) & National Register of Historic Places (NRHP): ➢ Cedar Creek Battlefield & Belle Grove National Historic Park* ➢ Saint Thomas Chapel (Saint Thomas Episcopal Church) ➢ Willa Cather Birthplace ➢ Hopewell Friends Meeting House ➢ John Hite House (Springdale) ➢ Springdale Mill Complex ➢ Monte Vista ➢ Willow Shade ➢ Newtown/Stephensburg Historic District ➢ Frederick County Poor Far ➢ Sunrise ➢ Rose Hill Far ➢ Old Stone Church ➢ Opequon Presbyterian Church ➢ Frederick County Court House ➢ Opequon Historic District ➢ Homespun ➢ Middletown Historic District ➢ Old Forge Farm ➢ Long Meadows ➢ Valley Mill Farm ➢ Fort Collier Y Crumley-Lynn-Lodge House ➢ Fort Colvin. These Battlefields are accompanied by several fortifications and entrenchments which help to enhance the historic character of the county and display a picture of Frederick County during the American Civil War. Civil War Battlefields: ➢ First & Second Battles of Winchester ➢ Battle of Cedar Creek ➢ Third Battle of Winchester ➢ Stephenson's Depot ➢ First & Second Battles of Kernstown ➢ Rutherford's Farm Civil War Fortifications & Entrenchments: ➢ Star Fort ➢ Nineteenth Corps Line ➢ Fort Collier ➢ Zig Zag Trenches ➢ Parkins Mill Battery ➢ Hilandale Earthworks/1864-65 Winter ➢ Carysbrook Redoubt Line Frederick County Comprehensive Plan 6 Proposed Changes History Historic Preservation Frederick County has a large number of properties which are not recognized on state and national registers but contribute to the overall historic character and charm of the County. Over the years, the number of historic properties in the County has dwindled as the County has expanded and natural elements have taken their toll on delicate structures and materials. Protection and preservation of the remaining historical properties and structures will be of utmost importance in years to come. The Rural Landmarks Survey of Frederick County, a comprehensive survey of all historic structures and sites in the County, was completed in 1992. It documents over 1800 properties and concludes that many are historically significant. Archaeological sites in the County have also been inventoried in recent studies. Methods to protect, enhance and preserve the especially significant sites are being pursued. As the number of historic properties is diminished, special attention should be paid to all properties older than fifty years during development and redevelopment of properties. What was once a non- contributing structure may now be the only remaining example of its kind, and protection of these types of resources is now more important than when originally surveyed. The County's HRAB should review all rezoning proposals involving structures of older than fifty years in addition to proposals involving structures listed as potentially significant by the Rural Landmarks Survey. H RABMYWpu , ity's historic resources. which includes Preferred Methods of Historic Preservation: ➢ Establishment of trails and pedestrian sensitive development near historic properties to encourage heritage tourism. ➢ Voluntary incorporation of properties into historic districts and/or Rural Community Centers ➢ Utilization of Historic Overlay zoning district ➢ Establishment of Heritage Tourism elements within new and existing developments ➢ Adaptive reuse of historic structures located on parcels intended for development ➢ Incorporation of historic structures in Conservation Easements or in dedicated public park land ➢ Utilization of Federal and State tax credits to encourage rehabilitation of historic structures ➢ Incorporation of historic structures into dedicated parkland ➢ Historically sensitive development surrounding properties of greater significance There are over of land in battlefields that maintain high historic character. Without a concentrated and effective effort, most battlefield sites in Winchester and Frederick County will be lost to development during the next twenty years because of their location. Significant efforts are underway on the part of City and County government, the Kernstown Battlefield Association, the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation and others to protect local battlefield sites and create a battlefield park network. The Frederick County - Winchester Battlefield Task Force has produced a plan for a battlefield park network. The Task Force completed the Frederick Frederick County Comprehensive Plan 7 Proposed Changes History County -Winchester Battlefield Network. Plan in 1996, which was adopted by the Frederick County Board of Supervisors and the Winchester City Council. The plan describes goals for the network and includes strategies and actions to be undertaken to achieve these goals. A battlefield park network in Frederick County and Winchester will provide substantial economic and educational benefits, as well as creating a much desired avenue for historic tourism. The battlefields of Frederick County provide the opportunity for collocation of recreational facilities with the Parks and Recreation Department. Battlefield parks should be considered as a method of meeting the County's growing need for green space and parkland. In order to take advantage of the potential of battlefield sites, a carefully planned, interconnected network of battlefield sites is needed. Significant, pristine portions of the Cedar Creek, Third Winchester and Kernstown battlefields will provide the "critical mass" and foundation for the battlefield network. Old Town Winchester will play a critical role with its sites and facilities. Other smaller sites will play an important role in the battlefield network as small parks or areas to be viewed along tour routes. Connecting urban neighborhoods, pristine wooded areas, and battlefields has become one of the county's important tasks, which has evolved in the past few years. The idea of New Urbanism design encourages connectivity between neighborhoods and provides the opportunity for residential and commercial areas to connect efficiently and aesthetically to historical areas. This Providing information, assistance, and incentives to landowners Preparing resource management plans for specific sites Recommendations concerning local planning decisions Establishment of an "umbrella battlefield organization" to carry out actions described Local government assistance and state and federal involvement Establishing a primary interpretative center A coordinated sign system for tour routes Conducting special events for public awareness Contact and coordination with various interested individuals and groups idea helps create an excellent recreational component for residents to readily access not only battlefields, but historical landmarks. The implementation of a network of hiker/biker trails within the County's Battlefield sites will be connected by carefully planned tour routes that will include will vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian routes Approaches to interpreting the history of the sites for visitors need to be carefully planned and should include a uniform approach and an interpretative center. New residential development planned within historical districts or located near historical landmarks and/or battlefields should provide access to the historical resources, via pedestrian and bicycle trails. It will be imperative for the county to receive dedicated trails/greenways, within new developments that fit the above criteria. A decade ago, the county created an initiative within the Frederick County -Winchester Battlefield Network Plan, to provide a trail network that provides connectivity to different sites. Currently, only a small portion of the battlefield land has been traversed by trails, and even a smaller portion providing Frederick County Comprehensive Plan 8 Proposed Changes History connectivity to adjoining properties. Any management plans created for historically significant properties should provide pedestrian access. In addition to the key sites at Cedar Creek, Kernstown, Third Winchester/Opequon, and Old Town Winchester, a number of other sites are included in the strategies including: ➢ Star Fort and other forts Stephenson Depot ➢ National and Stonewall Cemeteries ➢ Bowers Hill ➢ Rutherford's Farm ➢ Berryville Canyon ➢ Sheridan's Hospital ➢ 1864 Winter Line "Provide brief history/descriptions of major sites here" Frederick County Comprehensive Plan 9 Proposed Changes History Battlefield\ Fortification Map Frederick County Comprehensive Plan 10 Proposed Changes History Potential Historic Districts: In addition to individual properties and battlefield sites, several areas of the County have been identified as having potential for historic districts. Any development proposal in these areas will need to address the historical significance of the site involved. Currently the county has three recognized historical districts: Newtown/Stephensburg, Opequon, and Middletown. However, the potential for more districts within the County is available. Property owners of historic properties should consider the possibility of creating these voluntary districts in order to preserve the historic and rural charm of their area Development in areas surrounding possible historic districts, historic properties, or battlefields should occur in a way which is harmonious with the character of the area. Along with identified historical districts and potential historic districts, the county has identified rural community centers (villages) throughout the county (see Land Use Chapter). The historical integrity of these areas will be key, as commercial development seeks to locate in these more dense rural areas. Design standards should accommodate the character of the villages. Below is a listing of the Rural Community Centers within Frederick County: Reynolds Store Star Tannery Cross Junction Armel Gainesboro Round Hill Gore Albin North Mountain/Shawneeland Clearbrook/Brucetown Stephenson These identified Rural Community Centers may be appropriate areas for property owners to also create historic districts and encourage not only small commercial growth but also provide tourism opportunities. Zoning or other regulatory methods can be used to help protect important historical sites. Methods are pf ed�'�z w the pr-apeI4 ier- to The Historic Overlay zoning district is an available option to property owners who want to protect the historic resources on their property. This option is voluntary but provides a more regulated approach to the preservation of structures and may be appropriate in areas seeking to establish a historic district. In addition, incentives allowed by law for the rehabilitation, adaptive reuse, or restoration of historic structures should be considered. Care should be taken in the design and provision of streets and utilities in historic areas to maintain the historical integrity and character of historic areas. The protection of historic areas should be carefully considered in establishing new roads. Land use patterns should be planned that are harmonious with the historic environment. rrederick County Comprehensive Plan 11 Proposed Changes History [POSSIBLE HISTORIC DISTRICTS MAP] Frederick County Comprehensive Plan 12 Proposed Changes History Include map of Rural Community Centers Frederick County Comprehensive Plan 13 Proposed Changes History Historic Tourism: The implementation of historic tourism in Frederick County will be beneficial in many ways, beginning with an increase in protection of historic sites and structures. There are several areas throughout Frederick County which benefit from a cluster of historic sites and battlefields and should be considered as potential historic districts which could then incorporate a historic tourism component within the district. Historic tourism will also encourage development, both of the economy and of the built environment, however all development within close proximity to historic structures, properties, battlefields and potential historic districts should be done with attention paid to maintaining the character of the history of the area. Additional buffers, pedestrian trails, interactive educational centers, and adaptive reuse of historic properties all encourage tourism and promote growth in the area in a way which is consistent with the historical character of the County. **HRAB: Continue to develop ideas for discussion for August Meeting which we could use as our recommended methods of preservation, then each preferred method will get its own section within this chapter describing the idea more fully** Frederick County Comprehensive Plan 14 Proposed Changes History Historic Preservation Policy A number of historic preservation issues have been identified, including the following: Issues < The need to develop methods to protect historic resources. < The need to protect and promote the economic and cultural importance of historic resources. GOAL - To protect the historic resources in Frederick County Strategy 1 - Maintain the inventory of historic sites and potential districts and promote the official designation of significant resources in the County. Strategy 2 - Study and adopt methods to preserve historic resources. Strategy 2 - Incorporate historic resources in efforts to promote tourism. Stratey 3 — Develop a funding mechanism to allow the county to purchase historically significant properties to ensure their preservation. Implementation Methods: 1. Use the Rural Landmarks Survey as a source for determining properties and districts that would qualify for official recognition. Provide positive publicity and education about the recognized sites. Identify those which may be eligible for the State and National register and assist in the preparation and submission of nominations. 2. Develop a method for notifying owners of abandoned historic properties of the significance of their property and urge them to maintain it. 3. Develop a mapping system, coordinated with other mapped property information, to assist in determining whether development proposals will impact historic resources. 4. Have the Historic Resources Advisory Board review development proposals which potentially impact significant historic resources. Provide the HRAB's information and recommendations to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. 5. Develop techniques for protecting and enhancing historic resources including zoning Frederick County Comprehensive Plan 15 Proposed Changes History methods, impact analysis, conservation easements, and tax incentives for rehabilitation efforts. Strong support should be given to private initiatives such as voluntary compliance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. 6. Develop requirements and methods for dedication of land and historic districts within significant developments affecting historic resources. Require that open space dedications for developments in battlefield areas be used to create battlefield parks. 7. Encourage the creation and regulation of historic districts. Consider participating in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources' "Certified Local Government" program. S. Include concerns for historic preservation and tourism in economic development strategies. Promote the concept of a focused event to promote the County's heritage, including reenactments; tours, exhibits, and other activities. Develop ways to publicize sites and routes of interest that will not adversely impact private property owners. 9. Present educational programs, such as slide presentations and lectures, to promote historic preservation. 10. Support the creation of a ABattlefield Organization@ to oversee and coordinate regional preservation efforts. Assist the ABattlefield Organization@ with the implementation of the Frederick County -Winchester Battlefield Network Plan. GOAL - To promote the preservation and protection of Civil War Battlefield resources. Strate 1 - Develop a comprehensive approach to Battlefield protection and preservation. Strategy 2 - Develop a comprehensive approach to historic preservation which will result in a system of sites and battlefields dedicated or protected in a coordinated fashion. Strategy 3 - Use the strategies described in the Frederick County -Winchester Battlefield Network Plan to help create a battlefield network that will attract people from around the Nation and the World. Implementation Methods: 1. Develop a successful battlefield park network that preserves key sites, attracts tourists from around the world, and supports education. Frederick County Comprehensive Plan 16 Proposed Changes History 2. Develop a community vision and consensus supporting the preservation and use of battlefield resources. 3. Provide for efficient, attractive and enjoyable vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle travel to, between, and within the key sites. 4. Preserve and protect the historic appearance and character of the key battlefield sites, their view sheds, and their approaches. 5. Coordinate the battlefield efforts with efforts to protect and use resources from other historic periods. . 6. Coordinate the battlefield efforts with efforts to protect and preserve natural, visual and environmental resources. 7. Develop a comprehensive approach to the interpretation and understanding of the sites and their history. 8. Develop long term funding sources for battlefield preservation. 9. Work closely with landowners and find ways to provide preservation benefits to landowners. 10. Encourage and coordinate with regional, state, and federal efforts to preserve battlefield sites. 11. Provide for the long term maintenance of the battlefield park network. 12. Coordinate with the overall planning efforts of the community. 13. Preserve and use key portions of the Cedar Creek, Kernstown, and Third Winchester as the foundation for a battlefield park network Frederick County Comprehensive Plan 17