First marker speaks to religious freedom as cornerstone of Revolutionary cause
By Randy Arrington
SHENANDOAH, May 22 — Despite the ongoing rain that cancelled many Memorial Day weekend events, including the annual parade, the clouds held off just long enough on Friday afternoon for the Town of Shenandoah to unveil Page County’s first of four historical markers planned by the local VA250 Committee titled “Religion in Colonial Times”
The historical marker was attached to the First Street side of the Shenandoah Museum near its entrance. It draws on its theme from Fourth Street’s St. Peter Lutheran Church. Founded in 1733, the Shenandoah church is the second-oldest Lutheran church in Virginia.
“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,” reads a section of the newly dedicated marker.
Rod Graves, chairman of the Page County VA250 Committee, noted the importance that religious freedom played in the formation of the country and its government.
“Our founding fathers…Thomas Jefferson and James Madison…believed in religion as an inalienable right, with strict restriction from government interference…creating the separation of church and state laid out in the First Amendment [to the U.S. Constitution],” Graves said. He referenced quotes from both Jefferson and Thomas Paine, noting, “Our founding fathers warned of the dangers of mixing government and religion…They were very religious, but believed in having their own journey. Spiritual freedom is key to our political liberty.”
Rebecca Armstrong, of the Page County Economic Development and Tourism office, coordinates the local VA250 program through a $40,000 allotment of Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) funds. Most of the funding goes toward the creation of the four historical markers being designed by local Marine combat veteran and artist Joe Winslow, who not only has his work in the White House but was also a model for D.C.’s World War I memorial dedicated in the fall of 2024. Winslow also serves as treasurer of the local VA250 Committee.
Armstrong has served as a guide and government liaison for the Page County VA250 Committee since its inception two years ago. Page County was the first to apply to be a part of the VA250 program after receiving endorsement from the Board of Supervisors. Armstrong also served as master of ceremonies on Friday, an event which also included several musical numbers by the Page Patriotic Singers.
“The spirit of America was built on courage and the belief that freedom was worth fighting for…against the greatest nation in the word…because they believed in liberty and having a voice in government,” said Lora Turner, curator of the Shenandoah Museum. Much of the program was held inside due to the weather, before heading out side for the unveiling.
“For 250 years, the United States of America has shown as a beacon of courage and hope and carried forward the spirit of liberty,” Turner continued. “May we continue to move forward with pride in our country and hope for the future and belief in liberty for all.”
The historical marker unveiled outside also told a general history of the area during colonial times. Written in part by Luray attorney and councilman Charles Butler, it outlines the nature of the land well before Page County formed in 1831.
“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,” the marker reads.
“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.”
The marker concludes by noting: “Many Page County residents today trace their ancestry to local patriots. It is with a strong sense of pride that we will 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.
“Presented by the Page County VA250 Committee in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States.”
More dedications planned by the local VA250 committee:
- Sunday, June 14 at 2 p.m. — Luray Caverns — Commemorate America’s 250th at Luray Caverns with the Hill and Valley Garden Club during a special VA250 dedication at the Blue Star Memorial. Garden club members will unveil a new flower landscape in celebration of the nation’s anniversary. The event will feature special speakers and performances by the Page County Community Choir’s Patriotic Ensemble.
- Saturday, June 27 at 1 p.m. — “Colonial Agriculture” — Ed Good Memorial Park, Stanley. Marker will be in a base of mountain stone created by local artisan Clyde Jenkins.
- Saturday, July 4 at 4 p.m. — “Colonial Industry” — Luray near North Loop of Hawksbill Greenway, also near planned expansion to historic Isabella-Redwell Furnace, where Luray traces its roots to and the symbol of the marker’s theme of industrial history dating back to the 1700s. Marker will have a base of limestone created by Clyde Jenkins.
- Labor Day – Monday, Sept. 7 (time TBD) — Page County Courthouse, marker will honor local soldiers of the Revolutionary War. Marker will have a base of limestone created by Clyde Jenkins.
For more information, visit the Page County VA250 webpage
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