Update May 25, 2026: Pictured below is the marker that was placed on the front of the Shenandoah Museum. Unveiling ceremony was held on May 22, 2026 at 3:00p.m.
Inscription on the maker:
Religion In The Colonial Times
This area, known in colonial times as the South Branch Valley and today as Page County,
was the location of two attacks by Native Americans upon colonial settlers during the
French and Indian War. These attacks greatly influenced Virginia and started the chain
of events that would lead to American Independence.
In comparison to east of the Blue Ridge, this area, the South Branch of the Shenandoah
Valley, was relatively recently settled and was of less strategic importance in the 1700s.
Still, the residents of this area met the challenge and heeded the call to support the
Revolutionary cause. Some joined military units, serving with distinction, while others
provided material and financial support. Stories of local residents at the Boston Tea
Party and other key events during the war have been passed down through generations.
Many of the early settlers of the South Branch Valley came here for religious freedom.
This area had Mennonites, Dunkards, Brethren, Baptists, Lutherans, Anglicans and
Methodists. This microcosm of religion in the colonies shows why religious freedom
was a cornerstone of the Revolutionary movement. It also shows the difficulties of the
Revolution, as several of these religious sects were pacifists and refused to participate in
the fighting.
Many Page County residents today trace their ancestry to local patriots. It is with a
strong sense of pride that we still support the ideals and values of our founding fathers.
We are honored to present this history in support of the 250th anniversary of American
Independence.
VA250 Presented by the Page County VA250 Committee in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States.
On May 24 2026, at 4:00 p.m., there was a marker dedication ceremony at the St Peter Lutheran Church Fourth Street, Shenandoah, VA 22849.
Inscription on the maker:
St. Peter's Lutheran Church Organized 1733 at Naked Creek IN HONOR OF THE MEMBERS
WHO SERVED OUR NATION DURING THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Christopher Ammon Henry Armentrout George Argenbright Jacob Argenbright
Jacob Bear Adam Blose Stephen Conrad Michael Deck Henry Hammer Conrad Harnsberger
John Hartman Dietrich Kisling Jacob Lingle Henry Miller Henry Miller, Jr. Jacob Myers
William Henry Monger Susannah Monger Philip Myers William Pence Adam Price
Augustine Price Henry Price Ludwig Rhinehart
Dedicated May 24, 2026 The Shenandoah River Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution
Fort Harrison Sons of the American Revolution
Shown above is the ceremony program.
Below are a few photographs we took at this ceremony.
191 Hits May 25, 2026
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May 6, 2026:
I’m starting to get questions about what 250 events will be happening in Shenandoah, so I wanted to let you know what is planned:
On May 22, at 3:00 p.m. the Page County VA250 Committee will be unveiling a marker which will sit outside the Town of Shenandoah Museum. The County has 4 markers total with different themes, the theme for Shenandoah will be Religion. I am not aware the dates the other 3 markers will be unveiled, but if you are able come to our unveiling on May 22. There will be light refreshments.
On May 24, at 4:00 p.m., there will be another marker dedication at the St Peter Lutheran Church (199 N Fourth Street, Shenandoah, VA 22849). The Shenandoah River Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution are putting on this event. The Fort Harrison Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution will help with the program. The marker will have names of Revolutionary War Soldiers who were members of the St Peter Lutheran Church. There will be light refreshments.
Lora Turner
Museum Curator
Town of Shenandoah
(540) 652-8773
