Fort Edward Johnson — Attraction in Craigsville

Awesome area to hike and fascinating history of the second battle of Stonewall Jackson's Shenandoah Valley Campaign. Jackson was a military genius. Make sure to visit Fort Johnson west of Head Waters VA where Jackson and Johnson continued on to McDowell to stop the Union advance to Richmond. The war might have ended with Confederate defeat after a year into it if it wasn't for this battle and Jackson's campaign. Jackson tactically lost the first battle of this campaign but it was a strategic win and this battle at McDowell and the events leading up to it allowed Jackson to initially display his military genius. Particularly interesting is leading up to this battle Jackson marched his troops towards Richmond to make the Union think he was leaving the valley when he then placed them all on to a train to Staunton to head back west along with Johnson and Ewill's reinforcements to take on Federal troops at McDowell. Check out my YouTube video about Jackson and the Battle of McDowell if your interested. "running...

Very well preserved breastworks from the American Civil War, a nice but short walking trail, beautiful views, and a touching profile of one of the soldiers from Georgia who spent part of his time at the fort.

You probably wouldn't spend even a whole morning or afternoon there, but there are longer hiking trails nearby for those who are interested. If you like driving through twisty mountain gaps this is a pretty...

Beautiful little stop on 250 at the western edge of the Shenandoah Valley. There's a lovely vista of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west, access to an extensive trail complex and a vault toilet good for bathroom emergencies. There are no trashcans - signs say to take your trash with you. A picnic table would be nice. It's a beautiful place to enjoy a bite to eat before tackling the switchbacks heading...