points of interest

The mission of the Augusta County Historical Society is to study, collect, preserve, publish, educate about, and promote the history of Augusta County and its communities. We have free rotating exhibits in our history gallery and a library and archives open to researchers.  Download the historic trail by selecting the historical society's logo above.

RR Smith Center for History and Art 

20 South New Street
Staunton, VA 24401

The Frontier Culture Museum is the biggest open-air living history museum in the Shenandoah Valley, as well as one of the highest rated family-friendly attractions and one of the top tourist destinations in Virginia. Costumed historical interpreters show the life and customs of the indigenous Native American tribes in Virginia, the arrival of the German, English and Irish settlers along the Great Wagon Road, and the painful journey of the enslaved Africans to the first permanent British colony in North America. Visitors may also interact with a blacksmith at an Irish Forge, woodworkers, tailors, and yarn spinners, and learn how the early settlers of America cooked and worked the land. 

1290 Richmond Road
Staunton, VA 24401

The Brownsburg Museum has welcomed visitors for 15 years to experience award-winning exhibitions about local history. The current exhibit, “Interwoven: Unearthed

Stories of Slavery” tells the moving story of an enslaved family from Brownsburg whose son emigrated to Liberia. The museum is free and run by volunteers. It is open the first and third weekends of the month from 1:00 – 4:00, and by appointment at your convenience by calling 774-279-9742. 

716 Brownsburg Turnpike

Brownsburg, VA 24415 

In 2016, everything changed on the land. That year marked the beginning of beekeeping and a growing concern for the surrounding environment. Land was set aside to create a wildflower meadow, and native, pollinator-attracting plants and trees were planted. The approach to using and treating the land shifted significantly. The aim was to establish a space for others to enjoy—a haven that attracts and sustains native pollinators and birds while providing a home for diverse wildlife.

1455 Brownsburg Turnpike

Fairfield, VA 24435

Tantivy is a family run working Lavender Farm with over a thousand Lavender Plants in the ground and forty varieties. The bath and culinary products are made on-site and sold in the gift shop. Along with lavender plants for sale, flower gardens, hiking trails, a waterfall, picnic tables, stunning views and cuddly critters Tantivy Lavender Farm has become a destination site. 

1350 Decatur Road

Fairfield, VA 24435 

 The Shenandoah Valley Agricultural Research and Extension Center provides research-based information on forage-based livestock systems to agricultural producers and Extension educators in Virginia and the mid-Atlantic. The historic McCormick Farm, birthplace of the McCormick grain reaper, offers educational programs for adults and youth on McCormick history, sustainable agriculture, and environmental and wildlife practices.

128 McCormick's Farm Circle
Raphine, VA 24472 

 Wade’s Mill is the oldest, continuously operating commercial grist mill in Virginia and has been stone-grinding grains since 1750. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register.

Wade’s Mill is a family owned and operated business dedicated to providing our customers with the highest quality products and service. We are committed to the craft of stone-ground milling and produce a variety of premium, preservative-free, whole grain stone-ground products.

55 Kennedy Wade's Mill Loop
Raphine, VA 24472