Connecting history today and building tomorrow.
ICYMI: Brandy Hawkins Boies message to Shenandoah Rail Trail supporters on Oct 11 (subscribe here to get these in your inbox!)
I’m Brandy Hawkins Boies, Mayor of Strasburg, Virginia, and more recently a new board member for the nonprofit Friends of the Shenandoah Rail Trail. The nonprofit was formed to support the towns and counties working together toward the trail with engagement and fundraising. I am delighted to be able to help move the trail forward wearing both hats!
Cooler weather means fall is here, and the Shenandoah Valley is beautiful this time of year. It’s the perfect season for scenic drives, walks, or bike rides. Festivals are happening all around the Valley, like Broadway’s Autumn Festival & Antique Car Show, Edinburg's Ole Time Festival, and here in Strasburg we’re gearing up for our Halloween Scarecrow Stroll, and those are just the few that have made it to my calendar!
We’re excited for the future Shenandoah Rail Trail, which will make exploring the Valley’s history and culture even more fun. This trail will connect towns and create a safe, fun way for people to get to local events, all while learning about the region’s rich history.
This mural in Vienna along the W&OD Trail depicts a vision of the W&OD Railroad traveling through Vienna, created in 2001 by Harris Miller, with support of the Vienna Arts Society and Vienna resident volunteers.
As I shared in my Northern Virginia Daily commentary earlier this year, I had the privilege of experiencing this firsthand on the W&OD trail in Vienna, where the spirit of the former railroad comes alive through vibrant murals, informative signage, and meticulously preserved artifacts. History and recreation were intertwined, offering a glimpse into a bygone era while fostering a deeper appreciation for our shared heritage.
Our Shenandoah Rail Trail follows the path of the old Manassas Gap Railroad, built in the 1850s. After the Civil War interrupted its construction, the line was extended to Harrisonburg in 1868. Now, the rail is no longer used between Broadway and Front Royal, and won't be for the foreseeable future—we have a chance to turn it into an amazing trail for all to enjoy.
Last year we gathered ideas from the community on how to showcase history along the trail. People suggested everything from signs and artwork to museums and preserved artifacts. Visitors to Strasburg could learn why we were also called Pot Town. What else? We’d love to hear more of your ideas!
And don’t forget to show your support by contributing here, forwarding this email to a friend or grabbing a sticker to show you’re sticking around for the Shenandoah Rail Trail.
Together, we’ll create a trail that celebrates the Shenandoah Valley’s history for everyone to enjoy.
Until then, as Don says, keep pedaling!
Brandy
Pictured at top is a color postcard from the Herb Parker Postcard Collection at the Shenandoah County Library, showing a picture of the Southern Railway Passenger Depot in Woodstock, Virginia. Can you picture this recreated as a mural somewhere in downtown Woodstock?
