Because of its location on the
Shenandoah River, which runs between the Blue Ridge and Massanutten
Mountains, Elkton was a prime location for the first permanent
settlement in the central Shenandoah Valley.
In 1716, Governor Alexandria
Spotswood crossed the Blue Ridge Mountains by way of Swift Run Gap.
From this vantage point, he looked down upon the Shenandoah Valley
and what is now the site of Elkton.
The movement of Germans
toward the western frontier prompted permanent settlement in
the Shenandoah Valley. In 1726, Adam Miller
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purchased 820 acres on the
Shenandoah River, which included Bear Lithia Spring. He was awarded
naturalization citizenship on March 13, 1741. This homestead, "Green
Meadows," is considered the first permanent settlement in the area.
The log structure still stands today just outside the town's limits.
Elkton was sparsely populated until
the Civil War. During this time, Elkton was known as Conrad's Store
and claimed only six homes. The old store, built about 1812, still
stands.
During the Shenandoah Campaign of
1862, which officially began and ended at Conrad's Store, two Elkton
homes were used as headquarters. The Miller-Kite House, a designated
National and Virginia Historic Place, was used by General
"Stonewall" Jackson. It has recently been restored by the Elkton
Historical Society to be used as a Civil War and Elkton Heritage
Museum. General Richard S. Ewell used the Dr. S.P.H. Miller home as
his headquarters prior to joining Jackson's forces. The Elkton
Municipal Building served as a hospital during the campaigns and is
documented to be haunted by a Union casualty.
In 1881, the name Conrad's Store was
changed to Elkton, presumably named for Elk Run Creek.
Although the town thrived as a railroad and business center offering
schools, churches, utilities and banks, it was not incorporated until
1908.
Early industries included
a leather tannery, wagon manufacturer, flour mill, cutlery company,
and two Lithia water companies among others.
During the 1930s construction of Skyline
Drive, Elkton served as a regional headquarters for the WCC. |
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