History with the Hills

George Washington was a skilled dancer, whiskey distiller and avid dog lover, but never had wooden teeth. Thomas Jefferson was a true Renaissance man, loved books and food.

George Washington is a complex man, who never lived in the White House. He suffered from numerous diseases, but did not have wooden teeth. Thomas Jefferson was a true Renaissance man, wine expert, foodie and loved books. Washington & Jefferson Podcast

Virginia isn’t called the “Mother of Presidents” for nothing. Eight U.S. presidents were born in the Old Dominion, a record that still stands today. In this podcast, Lonnie and Carrie have a lively discussion concerning the breakdown of the “Virginia Dynasty” and the leaders who followed. Mother of Presidents

Constructed by the Carson Lime Company, the Old Riverton Post Office and Grocery is one of just two commercial buildings still standing from Riverton’s heyday.

It served as a hotel and a doctor’s office and changed hands many times, but if those walls could talk, imagine the stories they would tell.

The only mystery more compelling than ‘who done it?’ is ‘why name it?’ Discover the bill behind Duck Street. Duck, Duck, Goose! You’re it!

Samuel Carson, an Irish immigrant who established the dominant Carson Lime Company in Riverton in 1868, commissioned this home as a physical symbol of his success.  

Nestled at the northern edge of Front Royal, Virginia, where the North and South Forks of the majestic Shenandoah River converge, lies a hidden gem of history and architecture: the Riverton Historic District. https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/sample-nominations.htm  

Nestled in the rolling hills of southern Warren County, a site that has cared for military horses to endangered species. This is the story of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, as it is known today.

Lord Dunmore was the last Royal Governor of Virginia. Abolitionists loved him, but Patriots thought of him as a terror.  He used his strategies before their time.

A timeless song is sung for the first time publicly at a local festival. Clarke County Historical Society TBT

It’s April Fools Day 1950, but Front Royal is getting ready for one of its biggest events in history.   https://blueridgecountry.com/newsstand/magazine/curios-star-struck-in-front-royal-virginia/

During the Prohibition era, this quiet valley was home to countless homemade distilleries, producing spirits that would go on to become as legendary as the mountains themselves.

Laura Ratcliffe had “royal” blood in her veins, but did she fall for the bad boys or was it just a business arrangement?

Ever heard the saying if those walls could talk, imagine if this road could talk. It has been traveled by the Natives of the area, the colonists, and now us. https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/valley-turnpike.htm

We are all familiar with Admiral Byrd from Winchester, but did you know his friend Igloo? Learn about how this friendship came to be and grew and its tragic ending. https://americacomesalive.com/admiral-

Camp Roosevelt, located in Virginia’s George Washington National Forest, is a site rich in history and intrigue. Established in the 1930s as a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp, it played a vital role during the Great Depression by providing jobs for young men while also working on conservation projects.

Indian Alley in Winchester is a hidden gem steeped in rich history and captivating stories. Originally a meeting place for Indigenous tribes, this narrow passageway is not just a physical space; it’s a cultural crossroads that has witnessed centuries of change.

The Legend of Molly May is a cold case from the 1700’s. She lived in the area of Warren County that is now called Harmony Hollow and witnessed a crime, but why didn’t she come home?

They came to the valley for a better life and ended up building what would become a popular historical property in Frederick County.

Cherry smash soda was a delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavors, with a refreshing fizz to boot! Second only to Coca-Cola during its heyday!

Was Richard Dale the original Houdini? Listen to his story and tell us what you think, talented swindler or an early Houdini?   Richard Dale’s tale

The commercial beginnings of that bright yellow soda instead of the Smokey Mountains. Learn about its beginning during the Great Depression.   The Untold Truth of Mountain Dew

The Locust Pin Factory was vital during WWII and at one time was the longest employer in Front Royal.   Warren Sentental Archives Northern VA Daily Archives

For everything, there is a season from Ecclesiastes 3, which helped create a Revolutionary War hero. Was it Peter or Frederick who preached this infamous sermon?  Pulpit to Battlefield: Pastor and General ‘Devil Pete’ Muhlenberg

You are familiar with John Marshall, but what about his brother James? Did you know that Warren County was the home to the Nation’s fourth Chief Justice?   https://encyclopediavirginia.or https://www.warrencountyva.gov/press-releases/donation-of-happy-creek-manor-property-to-county  

Did you know Warren County had its own Woodstock? Or that we had a cult here? Not that big, and not as well known, but at least one famous family was a part of it. Resources: https://www.facebook.com/111381873717547/posts/the-arquettes-in-winchesterdavid-arquette-was-raised-on-the-skymont-subud-commun/113435783512156/ https://www.dhr.virginia.gov/VLR_to_transfer/PDFNoms/093-5023_Milford_Battlefield_2004_Final_Nomination.pdf https://virginialiving.com/peace-love-and-subud/

Was the first Thanksgiving really in Massachusetts? This podcast may make you rethink what you were taught in elementary school.   Virginia History & Culture Museum   The Washingtonian Magazine

Did you know that Warren County had Native American residents? That we once held a historic record? Or that there was a Native American Museum once operating in the county with living history? Resources: Thunderbird Museum – a museum about the distant past, now sadly also in the past Flint Run Archaeological District (Thunderbird Archaeological […]

Grace White Sherwood was the last person in Virginia to be accused of being a witch. What is her story and what became of her? Find this out in today’s episode of History with Hills.

Did you know that Stonewall Jackson has at least two graves in Virginia? Hear the story of the well-known Civil War general and his strange tales of life and death. Resources: https://www.npr.org/2012/06/28/155804965/the-curious-fate-of-stonewall-jacksons-arm https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/grave-of-stonewall-jackson-s-arm https://www.fowb.org/news/publications/the-legend-of-stonewall-jacksons-arm/

We take a look at the life of Confederate spy Belle Boyd, after the war.  Did she marry? Did she have any children Where is she buried?   Resources: https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/isabelle-boyd https://www.britannica.com/biography/Belle-Boyd https://www.lva.virginia.gov/public/dvb/bio.asp?b=Boyd_Belle