About Us

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in central Shenandoah County, Edinburg exemplifies the quaint, small town atmosphere of the Shenandoah Valley.

History

Edinburg, incorporated in 1852, exemplifies the quaint, small town atmosphere of the valley. Along its streets are antique, craft, and gift shops as well as art galleries. A great time to visit Edinburg would be the third weekend in September when the town holds its Edinburg Ole' Time Festival.

Edinburg was settled in the latter part of the 18th century by Germans and Swiss whom the rich soil, beautiful countryside and plentiful water of the Shenandoah River and Stony Creek attracted. Edinburg was first named Shryock (after a settler) and then "Edenburg," a reference to the Garden of Eden. In the early 1800's Philip Grandstaff settled on Stony Creek. Grandstaff built a gun factory that made guns for the War of 1812. On that site a roller mill was built in 1848 by his son, George. Scots-Irish settled here to work the iron furnaces and Union Forge. Edinburg, a name changed by the federals was incorporated in 1852. Edinburg was the site of 12 skirmishes during the Civil War and the mill escaped Sheridan's torch by the efforts of two local girls. The 1870's brought a revival of trade and the town was prosperous and lively. Edinburg was the mecca for the nearby CCC boys. However, Edinburg did not continue to grow as a commercial center. Consequently, the town has retained much of its 19th century charm with lovely Victorian homes. Distinctive Edinburg architectural features include unusual porches, beautifully crafted hand-carved woodwork and locally crafted stone walls. The town boasts an interesting museum in the old town hall building.