Loading...
HRAB 10-16-07 Meeting AgendaCOUNTY of FREDERICK Department of Planning and Development 540/665-5651 FAX: 540/665-6395 MEMORANDUM To: Historic Resources Advisory Board From: Lauren E. Krempa, Planner I L- E � Subject: October 2007 Meeting Agenda Date: October 5, 2007 The Frederick County Historic Resources Advisory Board (HRAB) will be meeting on Tuesday, October 16th 2007 at 6:30 .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 September 2007 Minutes 2. Comprehensive Policy Plan Update 3. Future Projects 4. 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/dlw Attachments 107 North Kent Street, Suite 202 • Winchester, Virginia 22601-5000 Frederick County Historic Resources Advisory Board (HRAB) September 18, 2007, 6:30pm Held in the Board of Supervisors Executive Session Room of the County Administrative Building at 107 N. Kent Street, Winchester; VA Members Present: Rhoda Kriz (Chairman), Elizabeth Fravel (Vice -Chairman), Mary Turner, Martin Killingbeck, Claus Bader, Gary Oates (Planning Commission Liaison), Maral Kalbian (Consultant) Members Absent: Stacey Yost Staff. Lauren E. Krempa, Planner I Agenda Items: August 2007 Work session Summary, Comprehensive Policy Plan update Other: Possible uses for the old Gainesboro School The meeting began at 6:30 P.M. Chairman Kriz stated that the work session summary from the August 2007 meeting would be filed and no board action was required. The second agenda item was a discussion of the history chapter of the County's Comprehensive Policy Plan. Members reviewed the draft and provided the following revisions: Ms. Kalbian suggested that the "National Historic Park" label be removed from references to Belle Grove and Cedar Creek Battlefield. She also recommended that the key sites listed in the section pertaining to the Battlefield Network Plan match those key sites listed in the Frederick County Battlefield section. Chairman Kriz, Ms. Kalbian, Mr. Killingbeck, and Ms. Fravel discussed the rewording of the paragraph pertaining to the current Rural Landmarks Survey. Ms. Fravel suggested adding a sentence that the survey needs to be updated. Ms. Kalbian stated that the survey was not a comprehensive survey and that one should be done. Ms. Kalbian mentioned that in the new section pertaining to tax credits, the Federal Tax Credits are only applicable to income producing properties. Staff told members that the draft would be updated with their suggestions in time for the next meeting and that dates/times would be provided to drive through the potential districts. Staff also presented the HRAB with a draft map showing potential historic districts. The comments were as follows: Ms. Kalbian suggested that staff contact DHR to get the exact perameters of the existing historic districts. Mr. Oates suggested that all battlefields be giving a circle noting them as potential historic districts. Ms. Kalbian suggested that the district around Marlboro should be larger. Ms. Fravel suggested inclusion of Mount Pleasant and Mountain Falls on the map. Mr. Killingbeck suggested inclusion of Siler on the map. Ms. Kalbian suggested that all "bubbles" be noted as potential for state, national, or local historic districts as all of them could have potential for inclusion in any of these types of districts. The discussion item was proposals for use of the old Gainesboro School. Staff informed the Board that the Public Works committee was holding a public hearing at the new Gainesboro school but it conflicted with the HRAB's meeting time. Staff recommended providing a list of acceptable options to represent the HRAB's opinion as the school is considered an historic structure. Members suggested a Gainesboro community center, a welcome center to frederick county, a daycare or a before and after school center collaborated through Parks and Recreation, an adult education center, low income elderly housing, a library branch, or an archives center. Members unanimously agreed that the building should be preserved and that multiple uses for the benefit of the community were preffered. There being no other business the HRAB adjourned at 7:57 P.M. Item #2 Comprehensive Policy Plan Update Included in this agenda is the current version of the chapter found in the 2003 Comprehensive Policy Plan, a black lined version of the draft showing the addition and removal of text as discussed by the HRAB at the June, August and September 2007 meetings, and a "clean" version which shows how the chapter would read with all changes and updates made. One new section has been added to the draft to cover the protection of archeological resources. Members should specifically review this section as the HRAB has not yet seen any text changes related to archeology. In addition, a draft of the Potential Historic Districts Map is also included for review and recommendations. This draft reflects all recommended changes to date and the HRAB should come prepared to the October 2007 with any final changes or to endorse the draft. Following endorsement by the HRAB, this chapter will be presented to the Comprehensive Plans and Programs Subcommittee (CPPS) for review. Included in this agenda is a black line version of the draft showing all additions and revisions and a clean version of the draft showing how the text would read if all changes were endorsed by this Board. Black Line Version History Early European Settlement: For 12,000 years prior to English Settlement of the Shenandoah Valley, a sparse population of Indians Native Americans lived in this area, but many more traveled through these valleys on the "Indian War 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 the of this wilderness area were first shc.,,,, on a ^„ mapped by a Fr-enehmarench explorer, Samuel de Champlain. The first private English ownership of Frederick County was originally by 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 bu4 was taken eve by the Crew in 'til^ In 1649, King Charles 11 granted seven royalist supporters the land "bounded by and within the heads" of the 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 entire land grant. - ' - Wmm - - - 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 through 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 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These settlers were attracted by the fertile soils and the abundant forest and water resources. Initial Settlement and Organization: The Colonial Government of C-el�Virginia wanted this wilderness settled as quickly as possible, as a buffer against indians the Native Americans; 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. Frederick County — 1 Comprehensive Plan RMWATATA Wmm Frederick County — 1 Comprehensive Plan Black Line Version History Abraham Hollingsworth settled near the site of Abrams Delight, now located within the Winchester City limits, in about 1729. Owen Thomas and Jeremiah Smith came to rack 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, located on Route 11, approximately two miles south of Winchester. The Indian Path became the Great Wagon Road to Philadelphia and indians 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 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 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, e-alled Glen Burnie. By 4g4-3 the mid 1740s, the Frederick County Court admitted had acknowledged that Lord Fairfax's land grant did included the 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 The original Frederick County has since been divided into the following Counties*: In Virginia: Dunmore (now Shenandoah) - 1772 Page — 1831 Warren — 1836 Clarke —1836 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 --maintained a relationship with Winchester and Frederick County during and after his surveying expedition for Lord Fairfax betA,een he years of 748 effid 1765. Early during those years, he maintained a 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 Frederick County —2 Comprehensive Plan Black Line Version History Indian War, he was given a Commission by Governor Dinwiddie of Virginia and was later promoted to made Commander in Chief of the colonial forces with headquarters in Winchester. Washingto Burgesses in 1758 and 1761. 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. 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 Ding 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 so fnueh that it was ao_idea to buil` a la ge prise 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 the Frederick County area centered aretmd on small family farms and transportation and trade routes. By the i 770s, the Indian Warpath through Frederick County had transformed into the Great Wagon Road and forms what is now US Route 11. In addition to Route 11, other major roads were established through Winchester including what are now Route 50 West, 522 South, and Route 7 East. These four major roads provided avenues of transportation and made trade possible across the state of Virginia as well as major cities North and South of Virginia. As a result, Winchester and the surrounding area grew in terms of residential occupants and commercial occupants. r eeal afms tended to bspaalleF n t fafms to the east. Dtffing this period, wheat pr-oduetion beeame the eenler- of the leea4 economy, alone with eattle pr -ed etio in 1820, >y t fiftyf1 ill,ae1 G h along t a rmills n 7u numerous sawmills, tal l}r1 ether business aefivities—.(**information from this paragraph moved within text) Frederick County —3 Comprehensive Plan Black Line Version History Economic life was centered around Winchester and other local towns including Stephens City, Middletown, Kernstown, Gainesboro and Gore, which remain centers of economic and community growth today. 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, h h4ate b.,, anw r Route 1 ^^a 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. Farming in this region focused on several main crops which grew well in the soils of the area. During this period, wheat production became the center of the local economy, along with cattle farming, and by 1810, Frederick County was one of the largest producers of wheat in Virginia. Economic growth in the area was predominantly encouraged by agricultural activities and their industrial counterparts, such as milling and transporting of the locally grown products. By 1820, there were fifty flour mills in Frederick County along with numerous sawmills, tanneries, and other business activities. Growth in the area continued into the mid -nineteenth century, when the County was faced with Civil War and the turbulence that this area felt as a consequence of its location at the crossroads of many major roads and railroads. The American Civil War: In the early to mid -nineteenth century, issues were brewing in Frederick County which mirrored those across the Nation. As agriculture developed in the County, a clear division formed areas east of the Opequon (current day Clarke County), where slave labor constituted a majority of the population and areas west of the Opequon, where small family owned farms were the agricultural trend. In 1836, Clarke County split from Frederick County, largely over this issue. During the Civil War, Frederick County played a significant paft role in the Civil War, primarily due to its location at the intersection of many major roads. 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 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. However, Jackson but did succeed in keeping Union troops in the Valley from leaving to reinforce McClellan on the peninsula. This was the first major encounter of the War in this area. 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. The most critical effort of the Frederick County —4 Comprehensive Plan Black Line Version History campaign was the battle at Stephenson's Depot and a portion of the battlefield still remains intact today. 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 General Sheridan's Union troops were encamped just north of Cedar Creek. A surprise attack by the Confederates drove the Union troops to the north. General Sheridan, arriving from Winchester upon hearing of the attack, rallied his troops and attaeked dfiving the f back ae-ross Cedes C-rlaunched a massive counter attack which drove Early's troops back across Cedar Creek. The Confederate defeat at the Battle of Cedar Creek meant the loss of Confederate control of the crucial Shenandoah Valley for the remainder of the war. Thomas Bucannan Read wrote a poem, "Sheridan's Ride," to memorialize the stoic trip from Winchester to the battlefield. This Union victory, in combination with General Sherman's victory in Georgia, helped boost Union orale and helped to win President Lincoln win the reelection. Belle Grove and Cedar Creek ,Battlefield National 'i-Yistcric Pa—k: In 2002, the National Park Service created the Belle Grove and Cedar Creek Battlefield National Historic Park in an effort to protect the integrity of this important Battle of the Civil War. All park facilities remain under the operation of the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation and the Belle Grove Plantation or private ownership. The Battlefield Foundation sponsors reenactments of the Battle of Cedar Creek and other battles of importance throughout the year. Belle Grove operates as a history museum and guided tours are available. The Civil War took both a physical and economic toll on Frederick County and the surrounding area, as the primary "bread basket" of Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley was affected more by the Civil War than any other war fought on American soil. Reconstruction: After six major battles and countless minor skirmishes, the Civil War pefiod brought much destruction e bar- aship to Frederick County due to the e nt ' st. t ' ti +� uiiu eevnv"' , a �' .� u v�,lv lvvcrGlvi�r-liITiic Valley. Many farms, mills, and dwellings were damaged or destroyed, by the cannon fire from the battlefields or by soldiers raiding for food and supplies, and the county's economic productivity was greatly reduced. The Reco stfue+i ^. This period was characterized by a slow economic recovery from damages suffered, and but by the 1880's economic stability gradually returned. After the war, old economic activities resumed and new activities began. New businesses included a4annef�-, d-aiFy4ngfarm machinery, and shippin-g-the emergence of the apple production, tanning, dairying, machinery production, and shipping industries. These new avenues of commercial growth allowed Frederick County —5 Comprehensive Plan Black Line Version History the County's economy to rebound at a steady rate and by the 1880s some of the County's agricultural crop production levels had returned to those prior to the war. 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. There was also a tremendous building boom in the county during the pefiea ^rbetween 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 eansequenee ro : tdi of newer, more advanced transportation systems inel ,ding the aute,,.,obile and the rail,^^a 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. Centers of African American culture also developed during this period as a result of the segregation which followed the end of the Civil War. Communities such as Cedar Hill, Freetown, and Leetown became cores of the African American culture in Frederick County. To mediate the impact of segregation on daily activities, these communities developed public buildings and facilities such as schools and churches for their own use. indust-Fial aefivity also slew4y resumed after- the Givil Alan Aeear-ding !a one setffee, by , 1 -2 -r -ed -e -Fie -INE county had 37 mills, eight woolen faetor-ies, a steam elevcgor-, two iron foundries, fo� gleve faetefies, a boot and shoe faetoi-7y, ten b-reem f�etefies, fauf tanneries, a large paper- mill, thr . ("this paragraph moved to a new location within text) phenomena! rise in apple pr-eduetion, widi apples r-eplaeing w-hea4 as the pfimmy eash er-op. Many new f4eilities were developed relating to apple pr-oduetion and preeessing. Later- in �he twerAiet . route +hat . enee the G ea4 Wagon Roadand .� iiv vvRoute 11 .7 l + + + 41 u D Industrialization and World Wars: The majority of industrial growth at the turn of the century centered around apple processing and apple production. In addition to the apple production industry, several other 'large scale industrial operations developed in the area. Activities continued to grow in areas with accessibility to major roads such as Route 11 and eventually Interstate 81. In the early 1920s, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival was held to celebrate the area's largest cash crop. The festival is still held today to celebrate the importance of the orchards to the area's economy. During the First World War, Frederick County natives engaged in military action in Europe, Frederick County —6 Comprehensive Plan Black Line Version History including those who served with Company I, Second Regiment of the Virginia National Guard which stationed in France. Following the end of World War I, as the Country entered into the Great Depression, Frederick County experienced the same issues facing the rest of the Nation. Agricultural production, which was the prime market of the area, slowed and in some cases halted. During the Second W ld W POW On May 3, 1924, to celebrate the importance of the apple industry in Winchester and Frederick County, the first Shenandoah Apple Blossom festival was held. The festival has been held every year since, with the exception of its suspension during World War II to honor local residents and all Americans fighting overseas. Apple orchards and the industries related to their production dotted the Frederick County commercial and industrial markets as early as the 1890s. However, apple production replaced wheat as the predominant cash crop of the area in the early 20'h century when the mid -west emerged as the major wheat and grains producer for the Country. or ar, a camp was established M Winchester which held prisoners from military engagements throughout Europe and Africa. Following World War II, Frederick County grew both in population and in economic stability. Several new highways were established in the years following the War continuing to reinforce the County's economically advantageous location at the intersection of several major transportation routes. In the 1950s there was an increase in public services including education, which at one time had been among the worst in the state. In recent years, there has been a major shift from an agrarian community to one which has a strong manufacturing and industrial base. As a consequence of development and diversification, landscapes in Frederick County have changed more dramatically during this period more than any other. New residential communities have emerged in what were once rural areas and architectural styles have become more uniform. There is now a need for balance between surviving historic resources and landscapes with the new development occurring in this area. This balance is achieved by recognizing both the current development needs of the community and the historical and rural character of Frederick County's past. Frederick County Comprehensive Plan -7- Black Line Version Histo Historic Resources Frederick County 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 properties of historic significance. 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 ofthese 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 already recognized on the National and State levels. Frederick County Battlefields: In addition to the many individual structures in Frederick County, six battlefields of great national importance are located in the Frederick County and Winchester area. 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. Virginia Landmarks Register CVLR) & National Register of Historic Places (NRHP): Civil War Battlefields: ➢ Cedar Creek Battlefield & Belle Grove* ➢ 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 Farm ➢ Sunrise ➢ Rose Hill Farm ➢ Old Stone C14ureh ➢ Onegtson Presbyterian Church Frederick Count v Cour' House ➢ Gnequon Historic 145istric' ➢ Yomagun ➢ Middletown Historic Diswict ➢ ON For e Farm ➢ Long Meadows ➢ Valley Mill arn. ➢ Fort Collier ➢ Crumley-Lynn-Lodge House ➢ Fort Colvin "also a National Historic Landmark ➢ 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 ➢ Zig Zag Trenches ➢ Fort Collier ➢ Hilandale Earthworks ➢ Parkins Mill Battery ➢ 1864-65 Winter Line ➢ Carysbrook Redoubt ➢ Camp Russell ➢ Nineteenth Corps Line Frederick County _ g Comprehensive Plan Black Line Version History (**this information moved to a new location within text) Frederick County Comprehensive Plan -9- Black Line Version 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 compFehefisiVe survey of all histerie structures built prior to 1940 in the County, was completed in 1992. It documents over 1800 properties and concludes that many are historically significant. A comprehensive survey should be done to update this survey and to capture those structures which were not included. Archaeological sites in the County have also been inventoried in recent studies and should continue to be surveyed during development. 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 historic properties (defined as fifty years or older) throughout the County. Structures which may not have been documented when the Survey was created in 1992 may now be considered significant. Methods of Historic Preservation: In an effort to mitigate the impacts of development on the County's remaining historical properties, the following voluntary methods are generally preferred: Historically sensitive development surrounding properties of greater significance ➢ Establishment of trails and pedestrian sensitive development near historic properties to encourage heritage tourism. Voluntary incorporation of properties into historic districts, Rural Community Centers, and/or use of the Historic Overlay Zoning District ➢ Establishment of Heritage Tourism elements within new and existing developments throughout the County ➢ Adaptive reuse of historic structures located ➢ 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 ➢ Cooperation with existing agencies and preservation groups to continue both public and private efforts in the County In combination with the actual structures located throughout the County, 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 las 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, as well as creating a much desired avenue for heritage tourism. The battlefields of Frederick County provide the opportunity for Frederick County —10 Comprehensive Plan Black Line Version History 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. Goals of the Battlefield Network Plan: Connecting urban neighborhoods, pristine wooded areas, ➢ Providing information, assistance, and and battlefields has become one of the county's important incentives to landowners tasks, which has evolved in the past few years. The idea of ➢ Preparing resource management plans New Urbanism design encourages connectivity between for specific sites neighborhoods and provides the opportunity for residential ➢ Recommendations concerning local and commercial areas to connect efficiently and planning decisions aesthetically to historical areas. This idea helps create an ➢ Establishment of an "umbrella y p battlefield organization" to carry out excellent recreational component for residents to readily actions described access not only battlefields, but historical landmarks. The ➢ Local government assistance and state implementation of a network of hiker/biker trails within and federal involvement the County's Battlefield sites will be connected by Establ➢ center carefully a primary interpretative carefully planned tour routes that will include vehicular, ➢ A coordinated sign system for tour bicycle and pedestrian routes. Methods appfeaehes to routes interpreting the history of the sites for visitors need to be ➢ Conducting special events for public carefully planned and should include a uniform approach awareness and an interpretative center. New residential development Contact and coordination with various interested individuals and groups planned within potential 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 provides connectivity to adjoining properties. Any management plans created for historically significant properties should provide pedestrian access. Walking trails and interpretive historic sites are encouraged in areas surrounding major battlefields. Frederick County Comprehensive Plan -11- Black Line Version History In addition to the key sites at individual Battlefields a number of other sites are included in the strategies and should be considered during all stages of development: ➢ Star Fort Ste .ev.ull C� Hilandale Earthworks ➢ Fort Collier ➢ Bowers Hill ➢ Nineteenth Corps Line ➢ Parkins Mill Battery ➢ Carysbrook Redoubt ➢ Stephenson Depot ➢ Berryville Canyon ➢ Sheridan's Hospital ➢ Zig Zag Trenches ➢ 1864 Winter Line Archeological Resources: Archeological resources are an important element of Frederick County's historical preservation program and should be considered during all phases of development. Preservation of archeological resources will become an integral part of the overall conservation of the County's historic resources. Archeological sites are generally defined as areas 50 years or older in which exist physical remains of past human activities. As such, archeological resources are important to the development of any public education or heritage tourism program and also provide a more detailed story of the history of Frederick County. Unlike standing structures, these resources are usually found within the earth and are easily overlooked or unrecognized during excavation and development. All known locations of historical importance have an archeological component which should be considered. Archeological surveys of properties surrounding known battlefields, encampments, and trenches may be appropriate during the earliest planning stages of development. There are many areas throughout the County which may have potential for important archeological surveys. More than 500 sites have already been identified and recorded but there are many more sites and archeological resources which undoubtedly remain undiscovered. Perhaps the most obvious of areas are those which surround battlefields where tools, weaponry, and domestic artifacts related to the everyday life of Civil War soldiers may be found. In addition, any standing historic structure, no matter its current condition, has an archeological story. Surveys of the property surrounding a standing structure may offer property owners a better vision of the historical importance of their property to the history of Frederick County. Attention to these resources should be paid in all areas of the county but especially in Eastern Frederick County where the majority of development and land disturbance occurs. In order to protect not only the structural but also the archeological resources of the County, archeological surveys, excavation, and public education will be very important as the County continues to develop. Heritage tourism efforts should provide a balance between these two important types of historic resources. Development proposals occurring on or near areas which are identified as archeological sites should perform surveys to determine the quality of the artifacts, if any, on the property prior to its development. Frederick County —12 Comprehensive Plan Black Line Version History Battlefield\ Fortification Map Frederick County Comprehensive Plan -13- Black Line Version History PreN,idingziriefmation, iEl inee'pAives to 1x*dOwrrcrs Preparing r-eseur-eemana- 0 .+ ,.1 ,, i fer- S ,.i fie s to EstablishmeF4 of an n n i e a .. „t ist. nee and state ,a federal 1 t v�ui by v�iiuu�ii� ui.�i.��uaivt A eeerdina4ed sign Rte,,, f r tour , „tos- r,,,,ducting s a1 o Hts f r r.,,hlie (** this paragraph moved to a new location within text) In addition to the key sites t r- d Gr -eek, Kemstev,�n, Third > and Old Town Winehester, a numbef of other sites are ifieluded i the strategies „h„a:„g.- Frederick County —14 Comprehensive Plan Black Line Version Hi, Battlefield 1VtTon PFOgfnm S mmmy A me TION 4995 49-96 P)47 4949 4949 Establish 1EEtT'efimOr-ganr•cctiofr rn Ea f 1 LVll Complete L 1Gqui1 e T-hiFd Win TIester4w-y-afeas R esoufpp plan fOF Kernstown uiov uiviJ plan laf Thifd Wil,ehestp Rpsp„Ynp plan f N Star Poo tfiel.l alevent, RULLli. Battlefield Reso rep „lar, for Cedar C 1 T t- tat . p t� r.la 111L1i11 V T Implement emstown „_aT Develop intpY„Yptatl<,p „+pN Additional asitio at Cedar rfe 1 T 1 rout Ctaf T.'„rt p imple-me ,t Ge aY Creek „lar 1111TJllillllil 11 VV Frederick County Comprehensive Plan -15- Black Line Version History ' -• - - and sites in the Cati�, was eompleted in 1992. it doeuffiefi4s ovef 1800 pr-opet4ies and eoneludes that many afe hister4eally signifieant. Arehaeologiea4 sites in the County have also been 4wepAorie in reeepA studies. Methods to pwteet, enhanee and preserve the espeeia4b, signifieant sites afe being pufsued. ("this paragraph moved to new location within text) Frederick County —16 Comprehensive Plan Black Line Version History Potential Historic Districts.- In istricts: In addition to individual properties and battlefield sites, several areas of the County have been identified as having potential for designation as historic districts. Any development proposal in these areas will need to address the historical significance of the site involved. Currently the county has four recognized historical districts: Newtown/Stephensburg, Opequon, Middletown and Bartonsville. However, a potential exists for more districts throughout the County. Property owners of historic properties should consider the possibility of these voluntary districts in order to preserve the historic and rural charm of their communities. 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. Rural historic districts, scenically cohesive rural areas that contain well preserved collections of historic buildings, should also be recognized. The potential for these rural historic districts exists in the western portions of the county which have retained the rural character and architecture of the county. The main focus of these districts is the overall environment in which the historic structures exist and therefore, the surrounding landscape of these districts should be carefully considered during development. In addition to recommending districts for inclusion on national and state levels, there are some areas of the County with high historic value which may not be eligible for national or state recognition due to the changing nature of the developments which surround them. These areas may be more appropriate for inclusion in local historic districts. Local historic districts should be initiated by a property owner or owners who seek to protect their historic properties from encroachment by development. These local districts, once created by the individual property owners, should be recognized with increased setbacks on adjoining properties, increased buffers and screening during development, and adaptive reuses of historic structures on adjoining properties. 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 important as commercial development seeks to locate in these more dense rural areas. Design standards should accommodate the historic character of the villages while still promoting growth in the rural community centers, as identified in the Land Use chapter of this plan. 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 Frederick County Comprehensive Plan - 17- Black Line Version History 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. Not all of the identified rural community centers will be ideal for the collocation of historic districts, however, whenever possible attention to historic integrity of the villages should be observed. Voluntary zoning and other regulatory methods can be used to help protect important historical sites. Methods are rof ffedY,FhiTa,- h aliew the property a [ef tE) deeide Whether -to pattieipate The Historic Overlay zoning district is an available option to property owners who seek 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 these 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. It would be appropriate that developments adjoining or in the immediate vicinity of historic districts, battlefields, or properties take into consideration the view shed from the historically significant elements involved. Building materials, architectural features, open space and landscaping should be considered which helps to create a harmonious blend of new development against the historical setting. Whenever possible, development materials should resemble those of the historic properties near by. Monuments or historical markers may be appropriate on properties where only the remnants of structures remain. Frederick County — 18 Comprehensive Plan Black Line Version History [POSSIBLE HISTORIC DISTRICTS MAP] Frederick County Comprehensive Plan -19- Black Line Version History Map of Rural Community Centers Frederick County —20 Comprehensive Plan Black Line Version Histo Heritage 'Tourism: Historic preservation can play an important role in economic development. "Tourism is an important local industry. The possibility of improving the attractiveness of the arca to tourists should be considered in a systematic manners and protection of historic resources will play an important role in this effort. The implementation of heritage 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. This type of 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/acknowledged 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. Willa Cather in Frederick County: Pulitzer Prize winning author, Willa Cather, was born in Frederick County near Gore in 1873. Her birthplace, known also as the Boak House (after her maternal grandmother who owned the property), is located on Route 50 West, not far from her childhood home, Willow Shade. The Cather family moved from Gore when Willa was nine, and her final novel, Sapphira and the Slave Girl, is her only novel based in Virginia. The novel is based on a family farm in Gore, not far from her birthplace and provides many references to local culture and landmarks. The close proximity of these three structures, which had a great significance in the life of this award winning and forward thinking author, provide an excellent opportunity for the implementation of a heritage tourism center. Similar efforts could be made in other areas of the county where several historic structures or properties exist in close proximity to one another. Walking and driving tours are an excellent way to capitalize on the historic properties located across the county and in concentrated areas, especially those located within potential historic districts. Adaptive Reuse of Historic Properties: In combination with elements of Heritage Tourism efforts, development proposals may also consider adaptive reuses of historic structures located within the proposed development. Many structures exist throughout the county which could provide advantageous cultural and recreational elements for residential and business developments alike. Frederick County Comprehensive Plan -2l - Black Line Version His Federal and State Tax Credit Programs: Tax credit programs are initiated by the property owner of a historic property and are based on ten basic principles of preservation, known as the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. The standards seek to protect the historical integrity of the structure while making allowances for reasonable modern needs, economic restraints, and technical feasibility. These programs provide a financial incentive for the protection of historic properties as well as promoting the inclusion of a property on the state or national registers. Virginia Tax Credit Program: Since 1997, the Commonwealth of Virginia has encouraged rehabilitation of historic properties through its tax credit program. The state offer up to 25% of the total eligible rehabilitation costs in dollar - for -dollar income tax reductions. These credits are only available for structures which are listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register (VLR), or are certified as eligible for listing on the VLR, or are certified as contributing to a district listed on the VLR. Federal Tax Credit Program: Like the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Federal Government also offers up to 20% of the total eligible rehabilitation costs in dollar -for -dollar income tax reductions. Unlike the Virginia program, these reductions are only available for income producing properties. Properties eligible for these credits must be listed on the National Register of Historic Places or contribute to a district listed on that register. Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation: 1. A property shall be used for its historic purpose or be placed in a new use that requires minimal changes to the defining characteristics of the building, its site, and environment. 2. The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided. 3. Each property shall be recognized as a physical record of its time, place, and use. Changes that create a false sense of historical development, such as adding conjectural features or architectural elements from other buildings, shall not be undertaken. 4. Most properties change over time; those changes that have acquired historic significance in their own right shall be retained and observed. 5. Distinctive features, finishes, and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a historic property shall be preserved. 6. Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature shall match the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities, and, where possible, materials. Replacement of missing features shall be substantiated by documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence. 7. Chemical of physical treatments, such as sandblasting, that cause damage to historic materials shall not be used. The surface cleaning of structures, if appropriate, shall be undertaken using the gentlest means possible. 8. Significant archeological resources affected by a project shall be protected and preserved. If such resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures shall be undertaken. 9. New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The new work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment. 10. New additions and adjacent or related new construction shall be undertaken in such a manner that if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired. Eligible property owners may receive both the state and federal credits, totaling up to 45% of the eligible costs in tax reductions. Frederick County —22 Comprehensive Plan Black Line Version 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 r _ 1 resources in Frederick Counts, 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 3 - Incorporate historic resources in efforts to promote tourism. Strategy 4 — Develop a funding mechanism to allow the county to purchase and maintain historically significant properties and to assist current organizations already engaged in preservation. Strategy 5 — Recognize historic resources and the importance of protecting those resources from the negative impacts of development in long range planning efforts of the County. 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. Update the rural landmarks survey every ten years. 2. Develop a method for notifying owners of abandoned historic properties of the significance of their property and urge them to maintain it or include it in a historic district. Inform these property owners of the benefits associated with the state and federal tax credit programs. 3 Develop a mapping system Encourage the use of available GIS mapping systems coordinated with other mapped property information, to assist in determining whether development Frederick County Comprehensive Plan -23- Black Line Version History proposals will impact historic resources. 4. Have the Historic Resources Advisory Board review development proposals which potentially impact signifie all historic resources older than fifty years. 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 with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. Encourage developments near historic resources to reuse the structures or convert historic properties into recreational elements or open space elements of the development and encourage the use of pedestrian trails for access to historic properties and battlefields. 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 recognized historic districts at the state and federal levels. Areas in which property owners desire to create a historic district should be encouraged to enroll in the local districts, especially in those areas which are ineligible for listing on a state or national register. 8. Consider ways Frederick County could pursue eligibility for inclusion in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources' "Certified Local Government" program. 9. 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. 10. Present educational programs, such as slide presentations and lectures, to promote historic preservation. 11. Continue to support the activities of all or-eation of battlefield organizations teas they assist with, oversee and coordinate regional preservation efforts. Assist these battlefield organizations with the continued implementation of the Frederick County -Winchester Battlefield Network Plan. 12. Encourage development proposals near historic properties to mitigate impacts of the development on those structures. Frederick County —24 Comprehensive Plan Black Line Version His 13. Encourage the growth of heritage tourism by indicating appropriate areas for this enterprise and providing property owners with information to assist them in establishing heritage tourism. 14. Work with existing local preservation organizations and the Department of Historic Resources to promote preservation in Frederick County. GOAL - To promote the preservation and protection of Civil War Battlefield resources. Strategy 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. 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 Frederick County Comprehensive Plan -25- Black Line Version History environmental resources. %. 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 to 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 —26 Comprehensive Plan Black Line Version Hi. Frederick County Comprehensive Plan -27- • C: Clean Version Histo 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 War 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 French explorer, Samuel de Champlain. The first private English ownership of Frederick County was the Virginia Company, which was tasked with the settlement of the Virginia Colony by King James L Ownership of the area returned to the Crown in 1624 when the Virginia Company's charter was revoked. In 1649, King Charles 11 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 Scot -Trish settlers came down through 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 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 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 the Native Americans; 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. Abraham Hollingsworth settled near the site of Abrams Delight, now located within the Winchester City limits, 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, located on Route 11, approximately two miles south of Winchester. 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 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 Frederick County Comprehensive Plan -1- Clean Version History 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 laud 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 11 th 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, Glen Burnie. By the mid 1740s, the Frederick County Court had acknowledged that Lord Fairfax's land grant did include 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 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 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 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 was 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. 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, Frederick County Comprehensive Plan -2- Clean Version History 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. itis 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 and transportation and trade routes. By the 1770s, the Indian Warpath through Frederick County had transformed into the Great Wagon Road and forms what is now US Route 11. In addition to Route 11, other major roads were established through Winchester including what are now Route 50 West, 522 South, and Route 7 East. These four major roads provided avenues of transportation and made trade possible across the state of Virginia as well as ,major cities North and South of Virginia. As a result, Winchester and the surrounding area grew in terms of residential occupants and commercial occupants. Economic life was centered around Winchester and other local towns including Stephens City, Middletown, Kernstown, Gainesboro and Gore, which remain centers of economic and community growth today. 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 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. Farming in this region focused on several main crops which grew well in the soils of the area. During this period, wheat production became the center of the local economy, along with cattle farming, and by 1810, Frederick County was one of the largest producers of wheat in Virginia. Economic growth in the area was predominantly encouraged by agricultural activities and their industrial counterparts, such as milling and transporting of the locally grown products. By 1820, there were fifty flour mills in Frederick County along with numerous sawmills, tanneries, and other business activities. Growth in the area continued into the mid -nineteenth century, when the County was faced with Civil War and the turbulence that this area felt as a consequence of its location at the crossroads of many major roads and railroads. Frederick County Comprehensive Plan -3- Clean Version Histo The American Civil War: In the early to mid -nineteenth century, issues were brewing in Frederick County which mirrored those across the Nation. As agriculture developed in the County, a clear division formed areas east of the Opequon (current day Clarke County), where slave labor constituted a majority of the population and areas west of the Opequon, where small familN, owned farms were the agricultural trend. In 1836, Clarke County split from Frederick County, largely over this issue. During the Civil War, Frederick County played a significant role, primarily due to its location at the intersection of many major roads. 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 about 70 times during the course of the war, 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. However, Jackson did succeed in keeping Union troops in the Valley from leaving to reinforce McClellan on the peninsula. This was the first major encounter of the War in this area. 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. The most critical effort of the campaign was the battle at Stephenson's Depot and a portion of the battlefield still remains intact today. 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. Virginia's richest valley was left desolate. In October of 1864, Jubal Early's Confederate troops were entrenched south of Cedar Creek. General Sheridan's Union troops were encamped just north of Cedar Creek. A surprise attack by the Confederates drove the Union troops to the north. General Sheridan, arriving from Winchester upon hearing of the attack, rallied his troops and launched a massive counter attack which drove Early's troops back across Cedar Creek. The Confederate defeat at the Battle of Cedar Creek meant the Belle Grove and Cedar Creek Battlefield National Historic Park: In 2002, the National Park Service created the Belle Grove and Cedar Creek Battlefield National Historic Park in an effort to protect the integrity of this important Battle of the Civil War. All park facilities remain under the operation of the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation and the Belle Grove Plantation or private ownership. The Battlefield Foundation sponsors reenactments of the Battle of Cedar Creek and other battles of importance throughout the year. Belle Grove operates as a history museum and guided tours are available. Frederick County Comprehensive Plan -4- Clean Version Hi, loss of Confederate control of the crucial Shenandoah Valley for the remainder of the war. Thomas Bucannan Read wrote a poem, "Sheridan's Ride," to memorialize the stoic trip from Winchester to the battlefield. This Union victory, in combination with General Sherman's victory in Georgia, helped to win President Lincoln the reelection. The Civil War took both a physical and economic toll on Frederick County and the surrounding area, as the primary "bread basket" of Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley was affected more by the Civil War than any other war fought on American soil. Reconstruction: After six major battles and countless minor skirmishes, the Civil War brought much destruction to Frederick County. Many farms, mills, and dwellings were damaged or destroyed by the cannon fire from the battlefields or by soldiers raiding for food and supplies, and the county's economic productivity was greatly reduced. This period was characterized by a slow economic recovery from damages suffered, but by the 1880's economic stability gradually returned. After the war, old economic activities resumed and new activities began. New businesses included the emergence of the apple production, tanning, dairying, machinery production, and shipping industries. These new avenues of commercial growth allowed the County's economy to rebound at a steady rate and by the 1880s some of the County's agricultural crop production levels had returned to those prior to the war. 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. There was also a tremendous building boom in the county 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. 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. Centers of African American culture also developed during this period as a result of the segregation which followed the end of the Civil War. Communities such as Cedar Hill, Freetown, and Leetown became cores of the African American culture in Frederick County. To mediate the impact of segregation on daily activities, these communities developed public buildings and facilities such as schools and churches for their own use. Frederick County Comprehensive Plan -5- Clean Version History Industrialization and World Wars: The majority of industrial growth at the turn of the century centered around apple processing and apple production. In addition to the apple production industry, several other large scale industrial operations developed in the area. Activities continued to grow in areas with accessibility to maior roads such as Rt 11 d On May 3, 1924, to celebrate the importance of the apple industry in Winchester and Frederick County, the first Shenandoah Apple Blossom festival was held. The festival has been held every year since, with the exception of its suspension during World War II to honor local residents and all Americans fighting overseas. Apple orchards and the industries related to their production dotted the Frederick County commercial and industrial markets as early as the 1890s. However, apple production replaced wheat as the predominant cash crop of the area in the early 20th century when the mid -west emerged as the major wheat and grains producer for the Country. ou e an eventually Interstate 81. In the early 1920s, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival was held to celebrate the area's largest cash crop. The festival is still held today to celebrate the importance of the orchards to the area's economy. During the First World War, Frederick County natives engaged in military action in Europe, including those who served with Company I, Second Regiment of the Virginia National Guard which stationed in France. Following the end of World War I, as the Country entered into the Great Depression, Frederick County experienced the same issues facing the rest of the Nation. Agricultural production, which was the prime market of the area, slowed and in some cases halted. During the Second World War, a POW camp was established in Winchester which held prisoners from military engagements throughout Europe and Africa. Following World War 11, Frederick County grew both in population and in economic stability. Several new highways were established in the years following the War continuing to reinforce the County's economically advantageous location at the intersection of several major transportation routes. In the 1950s there was an increase in public services including education, which at one time had been among the worst in the state. In recent years, there has been a major shift from an agrarian community to one which has a strong manufacturing and industrial base. As a consequence of development and diversification, landscapes in Frederick County have changed more dramatically during this period more than any other. New residential communities have emerged in what were once rural areas and architectural styles have become more uniform. There is now a need for balance between surviving historic resources and landscapes with the new development occurring in this area. This balance is achieved by recognizing both the current development needs of the community and the historical and rural character of Frederick County's past. Frederick County Comprehensive Plan -6- Clean Version History Historic Resources Frederick County 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 properties of historic significance. 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 already recognized on the National and State levels. Frederick County Battlefields: In addition to the many individual structures in Frederick County, six battlefields of great national importance are located in the Frederick County and Winchester area. 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. Virginia Landmarks Register (VLR) & National Register of Historic Places (NRHP): ➢ Cedar Creek Battlefield & Belle Grove* ➢ Saint Thomas Chapel (Saint Thomas Episcopal Church) Y 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 Farm ➢ Sunrise ➢ Rose Hill Farm ➢ Old Stone Church ➢ Opequon Presbyterian Church Y Frederick County Court House Y Opequon Historic District ➢ Homespun ➢ Middletown Historic District ➢ Old Forge Farm ➢ Long Meadows ➢ Valley Mill Farm Y Fort Collier ➢ Crumley-Lynn-Lodge House ➢ Fort Colvin *also a National Historic Landmark 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 ➢ Fort Collier ➢ Parkins Mill Battery ➢ Carysbrook Redoubt Nineteenth Corps Line ➢ Zig Zag Trenches ➢ Hilandale Earthworks 1864-65 Winter Line ➢ Camp Russell Frederick County Comprehensive Plan -7- Clean Version His Frederick County Comprehensive Plan -8- Clean Version Hi, 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 survey of all structures built prior to 1940 in the County, was completed in 1992. It documents over 1800 properties and concludes that many are historically significant. A comprehensive survey should be done to update this survey and to capture those structures which were not included. Archaeological sites in the County have also been inventoried in recent studies and should continue to he surveyed during development. 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 historic properties (defined as fifty years or older) throughout the County. Structures which may not have been documented when the Survey was created in 1992 may now be considered significant. Methods of Historic Preservation: In an effort to mitigate the impacts of development on the County's remaining historical properties, the following voluntary methods are generally preferred: ➢ Historically sensitive development surrounding properties of greater significance ➢ Establishment of trails and pedestrian sensitive development near historic properties to encourage heritage tourism. ➢ Voluntary incorporation of properties into historic districts, Rural Community Centers, and/or use of the Historic Overlay Zoning District ➢ Establishment of Heritage Tourism elements within new and existing developments throughout the County ➢ Adaptive reuse of historic structures located ➢ 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 ➢ Cooperation with existing agencies and preservation groups to continue both public and private efforts in the County In combination with the actual structures located throughout the County, 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 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, as well as creating a much desired avenue for heritage tourism. The battlefields of Frederick County provide the opportunity for collocation of recreational facilities with the Parks Frederick County Comprehensive Plan -9- Clean Version History 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 Goals of the Battlefield Network Plan: areas, and battlefields has become one of the county's ➢ Providing information, assistance, and important tasks, which has evolved in the past few incentives to landowners n years. The idea of New Urbanism design encourages Y Preparing resource management plans g $ for specific sites connectivity between neighborhoods and provides the ➢ Recommendations concerning local opportunity for residential and commercial areas to planning decisions connect efficiently and aesthetically to historical areas. ➢ Establishment of an "umbrella This idea helps create an excellent recreational battlefield organization" to carry out actions described component for residents to readily access not only ➢ Local government assistance and state battlefields, but historical landmarks. T he and federal involvement implementation of a network of hiker/biker trails within ➢ Establishing a primary interpretative the County's Battlefield sites will be connected by _ center carefully planned tour routes that will include will A coordinated sign system for tour vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian routes. Methods to routes ➢ Conducting special events for public interpreting the history of the sites for visitors need to awareness be carefully planned and should include a uniform ➢ Contact and coordination with various approach and an interpretative center. New residential interested individuals and groups development planned within potential 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 connectivity to adjoining properties. Any management plans created for historically significant properties should provide pedestrian access. Walking trails and interpretive historic sites are encouraged in areas surrounding major battlefields. Frederick County Comprehensive Plan -10- Clean Version History In addition to the key sites at individual Battlefields a number of other sites are included in the strategies and should be considered during all stages of development: ➢ Star Fort ➢ Bowers Hill ➢ Nineteenth Corps Line ➢ Fort Collier ➢ Berryville Canyon ➢ Carysbrook Redoubt Parkins Mill Battery ➢ Zig Zag Trenches ➢ Sheridan's Hospital ➢ Stephenson Depot ➢ Hilandale Earthworks ➢ 1864 Winter Line Archeological Resources: Archeological resources are an important element of Frederick County's historical preservation program and should be considered during all phases of development. Preservation of archeological resources will become an integral part of the overall conservation of the County's historic resources. Archeological sites are generally defined as areas 50 years or older in which exist physical remains of past human activities. As such, archeological resources are important to the development of any public education or heritage tourism program and also provide a more detailed story of the history of Frederick County. Unlike standing structures, these resources are usually found within the earth and are easily overlooked or unrecognized during excavation and development. All known locations of historical importance have an archeological component which should be considered. Archeological surveys of properties surrounding known battlefields, encampments, and trenches may be appropriate during the earliest planning stages of development. There are many areas throughout the County which may have potential for important archeological surveys. More than 500 sites have already been identified and recorded but there are many more sites and archeological resources which undoubtedly remain undiscovered. Perhaps the most obvious of areas are those which surround battlefields where tools, weaponry, and domestic artifacts related to the everyday life of Civil War soldiers may be found. In addition, any standing historic structure, no matter its current condition, has an archeological story. Surveys of the property surrounding a standing structure may offer property owners a better vision of the historical importance of their property to the history of Frederick County. Attention to these resources should be paid in all areas of the county but especially in Eastern Frederick County where the majority of development and land disturbance occurs. In order to protect not only the structural but also the archeological resources of the County, archeological surveys, excavation, and public education will be very important as the County continues to develop. Heritage tourism efforts should provide a balance between these two important types of historic resources. Development proposals occurring on or near areas which are identified as archeological sites should perform surveys to determine the quality of the artifacts, if any, on the property prior to its development. Frederick County Comprehensive Plan -11- Clean Version Hi, Battlefield\ Fortification Map Frederick County Comprehensive Plan -12- Clean Version His Potential Historic Districts.- In istricts:In addition to individual properties and battlefield sites, several areas of the County have been identified as having potential for designation as historic districts. Ariy development proposal in these areas will need to address the historical significance of the site involved. Currently the county has four recognized historical districts: Newtown/Stephensburg, Qpequon, Middletown and Burtonsville. However, a potential exists for more districts throughout the County. Property owners of historic properties should consider the possibility of these voluntary districts in order to preserve the historic and rural charm of their property. 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. Rural historic districts, scenically cohesive rural areas that contain well preserved collections of historic buildings, should also be recognized. The potential for these rural historic districts exists in the western portions of the county which have retained the rural character and architecture of the county. The main focus of these districts is the overall environment in which the historic structures exist and therefore, the surrounding landscape of these districts should be carefully considered during development. In addition to recommending districts for incl»sion on national and state levels, there are some areas of the County with high historic value which may not be eligible for national or state recognition due to the changing nature of the developments which surround them. These areas may be more appropriate for inclusion in local historic districts. Local historic districts should be initiated by a property owner or owners who seek to protect their historic properties from encroachment by development. These local districts, once created by the individual property owners, should be recognized with increased setbacks on adjoining properties, increased buffers and screening during development, and adaptive reuses of historic structures on adjoining properties. Along with identified historical districts and potential historic districts, the county has identified rural community centers (villages) throughout the county (see Land Use Chapter). Maintaining the historical integrity of these areas will be important as commercial development seeks to locate in these more dense rural areas. Design standards should accommodate the historic character of the villages while still promoting growth in the rural community centers, as identified in the Land Use chapter of this plan. Below is a listing of the Rural Community Centers within Frederick County: ➢ Reynolds Store ➢ Gore ➢ Star Tannery ➢ Albin ➢ Cross Junction ➢ North Mountain/Shawneeland ➢ Armel ➢ Clearbrook/Brucetown ➢ Gainesboro ➢ Stephenson ➢ Round Hill .Frederick County Comprehensive Plan -13- Clean Version History 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. Not all of the identified rural community centers will be ideal for the collocation of historic districts, however, whenever possible attention to historic integrity of the villages should be observed. Voluntary zoning and other regulatory methods can be used to help protect important historical sites. The Historic Overlay zoning district is an available option to property owners who seek 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 these 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. It would be appropriate that developments adjoining or in the immediate vicinity of historic districts, battlefields, or properties take into consideration the view Cheri frnm tlhe hictnriralll' significant elements involved. Building materials, architectural features, open space and landscaping should be considered which helps to create a harmonious blend of new development against the historical setting. Whenever possible, development materials should resemble those of the historic properties near by. Monuments or historical markers may be appropriate on properties where only the remnants of structures remain. Frederick County Comprehensive Plan -14- Clean Version History [POSSIBLE HISTORIC DISTRICTS MAP] ** Red circle = potential for state/national level ** Blue circle = potential for local level ** Green circle = potential for both "Black outlines = already acknowledged Frederick County Comprehensive Plan -15- Clean Version His hiclude nzap of Rural Communiiy Centers Frederick County Comprehensive Plan -16- Clean Version History Heritage Tourism.- Historic ourism: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 and protection of historic resources will play an important role in this effort. The implementation of heritage 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. This type of 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/acknowledged 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. Willa Cather in Frederick County: Pulitzer Prize winning author, Willa Cather, was born in Frederick County near Gore in 1873. Her birthplace, known also as the Boak House (after her maternal grandmother who owned the property), is located on Route 50 West, not far from her childhood home, Willow Shade. The Cather family moved from Gore when Willa was nine, and her final novel, Sapphira and the Slave Girl, is her only novel based in Virginia. The novel is based on a family farm in Gore, not far from her birthplace and provides many references to local culture and landmarks. The close proximity of these three structures, which had a great significance in the life of this award winning and forward thinking author; provide an excellent opportunity for the implementation of a heritage tourism center. Similar efforts could be made in other areas of the county where several historic structures or properties exist in close proximity to one another. Walking and driving tours are an excellent way to capitalize on the historic properties located across the county and in concentrated areas, especially those located within potential historic districts. Adaptive Reuse of Historic Properties: In combination with elements of Heritage Tourism efforts, development proposals may also consider adaptive reuses of historic structures located within the proposed development. Many structures exist throughout the county which could provide advantageous cultural and recreational elements for residential and business developments alike. Frederick County Comprehensive Plan -17- Clean Version H Federal and State Tax Credit Programs. - Tax credit programs are initiated by the property owner of a historic property and are based on ten basic principles of preservation, known as the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. The standards seek to protect the historical integrity of the structure while making allowances for reasonable modern needs, economic restraints, and technical feasibility. These programs provide a financial incentive for the protection of historic properties as well as promoting the inclusion of a property on the state or national registers. Virginia Tax Credit Program: Since 1997, the Commonwealth of Virginia has encouraged rehabilitation of historic properties throuah its tax credit program. The state offer un to 25% of the total eligible rehabilitation costs in dollar -for -dollar income tax reductions. These credits are only available for structures which are listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register (VLR), or are certified as eligible for listing on the VLR, or are certified as contributing to a district listed on the VLR. Federal Tax Credit Program: Like the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Federal Government also offers up to 20% of the total eligible rehabilitation costs in dollar -for -dollar income tax reductions. Unlike the Virginia program, these reductions are only available for income producing properties. Properties eligible for these credits must be listed on the National Register of Historic Places or contribute to a district listed on that register. Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation: 1. A property shall be used for its historic purpose or be placed in a new use that requires minimal changes to the defining characteristics of the building, its site, and environment. 2. The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided. 3. Each property shall be recognized as a physical record of its time, place, and use. Changes that create a false sense of historical development, such as adding conjectural features or architectural elements from other buildings, shall not be undertaken. 4. Most properties change over time; those changes that have acquired historic significance in their own right shall be retained and observed. 5. Distinctive features, finishes, and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a historic property shall be preserved. 6. Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature shall match the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities, and, where possible, materials. Replacement of missing features shall be substantiated by documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence, 7. Chemical of physical treatments, such as sandblasting, that cause damage to historic materials shall not be used. The surface cleaning of structures, if appropriate, shall be undertaken using the gentlest means possible. 8. Significant archeological resources affected by a project shall be protected and preserved. if such resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures shall be undertaken. 9. New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The new work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment_ 10. New additions and adjacent or related new construction shall be undertaken in such a manner that if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired. Eligible property owners may receive both the state and federal credits, totaling up to 45% of the eligible costs in tax reductions. Frederick County Comprehensive Plan -18- Clean Version 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 and cultural resources in Frederick County Strategy I - 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 3 - Incorporate historic resources in efforts to promote tourism. Strategy r — Develop a funding mechanism to aiiow the county to purchase and maintain historically significant properties and to assist current organizations already engaged in preservation. Strategy 5 — Recognize historic resources and the importance of protecting those resources from the negative impacts of development in long range planning efforts of the County. 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. Update the rural landmarks survey every ten years. 2. Develop a method for notifying owners of abandoned historic properties of the significance of their property and urge them to maintain it or include it in a historic district. Inform these property owners of the benefits associated with the state and federal tax credit programs. 3. Encourage the use of available GIS mapping systems coordinated with other mapped property information, to assist in determining whether development proposals will impact historic resources. Frederick County Comprehensive Plan -19� Clean Version History 4. S. Have the Historic Resources Advisory Board review development proposals which potentially impact all historic resources older than fifty years. Provide the HRAB's information and recommendations to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. 6. 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 with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. 7. 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. Encourage developments near historic resources to convert historic properties into recreational elements or open space elements of the development and encourage the use of pedestrian trails for access to historic properties and battlefields. R. Encourage the creation and regulation of recognized historic districts at the state and federal levels. Areas in which property owners desire to create a historic district should be encouraged to enroll in the local districts, especially in those areas which are ineligible for listing on a state or national register. 9. Consider ways Frederick County could pursue eligibility for inclusion in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources' "Certified Local Government" program. 10. Include concerns for historic preservation and tourism in economic development strategies. Promote the concept of 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. 11. Present educational programs, such as slide presentations and lectures, to promote historic preservation. 12. Continue to support the activities of all battlefield organizations as they assist with, oversee and coordinate regional preservation efforts. Assist these battlefield organizations with the continued implementation of the Frederick County -Winchester Battlefield Network Plan. 13. Encourage development proposals near historic properties to mitigate impacts of the development on those structures. Frederick County Comprehensive Plan -20- Clean Version History 14. Encourage the growth of heritage tourism by indicating appropriate areas for this enterprise and providing property owners with information to assist them in establishing heritage tourism. 15. Work with existing local preservation organizations and the Department of Historic Resources to promote preservation in Frederick County. GOAL - To promote the preservation and protection of Civil War Battlefield resources Strategy 1 - Develop a comprehensive approach to Battlefield protection and preservation. Stratefy 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. 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. Frederick County Comprehensive Plan -21- Clean Version History 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 to find ways to provide preservation benefits to landowners. 10. Encourage and coordinate witil 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 -22- -'- iia. tonsv fet �Oii', ws, at Stephens City Legend Existing Potential Existing & Potential 4. C� ; 9 — IH i�LU iv Districts i At 27 Factory 'Gr H tollgate me'Qakj �ou 011 4 2dgeway -A-rrfii-..li;; r.. !, 3 Nineveh 6=L=6iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiil Middletown'; J ws, at Stephens City Legend Existing Potential Existing & Potential 4. C� ; 9 — IH i�LU iv Districts i At 27 Factory 'Gr H tollgate me'Qakj �ou 011 4 2dgeway 00.51 2 3 Nineveh 6=L=6iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiil Miles Frederick County Comprehensive Plan Map ��cK gC�G Frederick County Dept of Planning & Development 107 N Kent St, Winchester, Virginia 22601 WWW.CO.FREDERICK.VA.US 540665-5651 = • :7 Item # 3 Future Projects Staff is seeking ideas for future projects and activities that the HRAB is interested in pursuing, in addition to the ongoing process of reviewing rezoning applications and updating the Comprehensive Policy Plan chapter. Possible future projects for this board which staff has begun to consider include, but are not limited to, the following: Development of an HRAB website 2007 Plaque Program Nominees Discussion/nomination of properties to the state/national registers Development of driving tour program and other heritage tourism initiatives J;, Public information and involvement initiatives Any input from members of the board on the above topics and other specific projects would be appreciated. Members should come prepared with any ideas for 'items which need HRAB attention in the months to follow. Members with specific interests in individual items who are willing to head any project(s) should contact staff prior to the October 16"' meeting.