Front Royal Virginia

Welcome to Front Royal, Virginia where we are “Blending the Best of the Future with the Best of the Past".

We invite you to get out, explore and learn at our many historical sites, walk a section of the Appalachian Trail, paddle the picturesque Shenandoah, shop for the perfect gift, taste some Virginia wine or indulge in a delightful meal at one of our many restaurants.

Highlights of our area include:

Historical Main Street which is nestled in the heart of Front Royal and offers a variety of shops, restaurants, activities.

Head outdoors and enjoy the mountains and river.

Drive our Scenic Byways then get out and hike, bike or paddle.

The Civil war comes alive on the "Battle of Front Royal", driving tour that will peak your curiosity of the Civil War era in Front Royal.

Originally called LeHewtown (after Peter LeHew, a French Huguenot who purchased 200 acres here in 1754), the Town was later purchased by a group of real estate speculators who arranged to have it incorporated as Front Royal on November 15, 1788.

Rail service was established in 1854 with the construction of the Alexandria, Orange and Manassas Gap Railroad between Manassas and Riverton.

This line was soon extended to Strasburg in time to become a factor in the Battle of Front Royal on May 23, 1862 and throughout the Civil War.

Lumber, agriculture, manufacturing and grain mills provided employment in the region for decades after the Civil War.

The origin of the name "Front Royal" remains uncertain.

There are currently two versions as to its source of origin.

One being that, in early decades of European settlement, the area was referred to in French as "le front royal," meaning the British frontier.

French settlers, trappers, and explorers in the Ohio Territority of the mid-1700's were referring to the land grant made by King Charles II, then in control of Thomas, Lord Fairfax, Baron of Cameron.

In English, "le front royal" is translated to the "Royal Frontier."

However, the more colorful and legendary origin has it that during colonial days, a giant oak tree - the "Royal" Tree of England - stood in the public square where Chester and Main Streets now join.

It was there that the local militia, composed of raw recruits slow to learn military commands and maneuvers, were drilled.

On one occasion, the sorely tired drill sergeant became so exasperated by the clumsy efforts of his troops and their failure to follow his command that he hit upon a phrase that all could understand and shouted, "front the Royal Oak!"

Among the spectators was a Mr. Forsythe who had been a professional soldier.

He was so amused by the officer's coined order that he and his friends found much sport in telling the story, repeating "front the Royal Oak" until Front Royal was the resulting derivation.