Our Community
Our Covered Bridge

Just south of Mount Jackson (Meems Bottom), the longest remaining covered bridge in Virginia stretches 191 feet in a single span carried by the famous wooden Burr Arch. Meems Bottom Bridge was constructed in 1892-93 by Franklin H. Wissler to provide a more convenient access to his apple orchards and Strathmore Farm. He built it with strict attention to proper drainage of rain and surface water, and topped it with a roof. Mr. Wissler deeded the bridge to the Highway Department in the 1930's in return for assuming its maintenance. It was placed on the Virginia Landmark Register, and the National Historic Register in April 1975.
A noteworthy landmark in the center of town is the old Union Church of red brick. It is believed that Mrs. Steenbergen was instrumental in establishing the church around 1825. Within the old cemetery surrounding Union Church is the grave of Daniel Gray, a Revolutionary soldier.
In 1835, "Martin's Gazetteer" reported that Mount Jackson contained eight dwelling houses, a Presbyterian church, a school, a mercantile store, a tavern, a tanyard, a smith shop and a boot factory.
Roads played an important role in the growth of the town. The Valley Turnpike (Route 11) was built between 1830 and 1840 on the bed of the old stage road which was over an earlier wagon road of the pioneers who had traveled on Indian trails.
State Road 263, running west out of Mount Jackson, was originally named Howard's Lick Turnpike. It ran along Mill Creek past Rinkerton and Mt. Clifton and so on northwest across the Allegheny's to Howard Lick in West Virginia. However, the twelve miles between Mount Jackson and Orkney Springs have long been known as Orkney Grade.
As the turnpike reaches Supin Lick Ridge, the road dips down in the settlement of Basye, the primary recreational center around Mount Jackson. Bryce Resort offers winter skiing, excellent golf, water sports, hunting, and a 2400-foot hard-surfaced airport.
Orkney Springs (circa 1774), a historic resort, is a few miles west of Basye, nestled at the base of the Great North Mountain. For many years it was the popular resort, noted for its medicinal waters. City residents, escaping the heat of summer, came from miles for its treatment. Also, grand tournaments were frequently held there.
The Manassas Gap Railroad was completed as far as Mount Jackson by 1858. During the Civil War, armies of both the North and the South used the railroad to transport troops and supplies.
General Thomas J. (Stonewall) Jackson's Valley Campaign in the spring of 1862 took place largely in Shenandoah County. He established headquarters in the Rude House on Rude's Hill south of Mount Jackson and Camp Buchanan at Red Banks. One wonders if he knew Andrew Jackson had been a guest there a few years earlier.
With the establishment of Confederate hospitals early in the war in Mount Jackson, as well as in the Old Union Church and private homes, Mount Jackson became an important hospital center throughout the war. Another prominent landmark at the north end of town if the Confederate Monument and Cemetery where many of the casualties were buried.
References from The Town of Mount Jackson Website
In 1835, "Martin's Gazetteer" reported that Mount Jackson contained eight dwelling houses, a Presbyterian church, a school, a mercantile store, a tavern, a tanyard, a smith shop and a boot factory.
Roads played an important role in the growth of the town. The Valley Turnpike (Route 11) was built between 1830 and 1840 on the bed of the old stage road which was over an earlier wagon road of the pioneers who had traveled on Indian trails.
State Road 263, running west out of Mount Jackson, was originally named Howard's Lick Turnpike. It ran along Mill Creek past Rinkerton and Mt. Clifton and so on northwest across the Allegheny's to Howard Lick in West Virginia. However, the twelve miles between Mount Jackson and Orkney Springs have long been known as Orkney Grade.
As the turnpike reaches Supin Lick Ridge, the road dips down in the settlement of Basye, the primary recreational center around Mount Jackson. Bryce Resort offers winter skiing, excellent golf, water sports, hunting, and a 2400-foot hard-surfaced airport.
Orkney Springs (circa 1774), a historic resort, is a few miles west of Basye, nestled at the base of the Great North Mountain. For many years it was the popular resort, noted for its medicinal waters. City residents, escaping the heat of summer, came from miles for its treatment. Also, grand tournaments were frequently held there.
The Manassas Gap Railroad was completed as far as Mount Jackson by 1858. During the Civil War, armies of both the North and the South used the railroad to transport troops and supplies.
General Thomas J. (Stonewall) Jackson's Valley Campaign in the spring of 1862 took place largely in Shenandoah County. He established headquarters in the Rude House on Rude's Hill south of Mount Jackson and Camp Buchanan at Red Banks. One wonders if he knew Andrew Jackson had been a guest there a few years earlier.
With the establishment of Confederate hospitals early in the war in Mount Jackson, as well as in the Old Union Church and private homes, Mount Jackson became an important hospital center throughout the war. Another prominent landmark at the north end of town if the Confederate Monument and Cemetery where many of the casualties were buried.
References from The Town of Mount Jackson Website