The town of Stephens City has a long history spanning over two and a half centuries. From its beginnings in the 1730s and through the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, the town and its inhabitants witnessed and participated in events of national significance. After the Civil War into the twentieth century the town suffered through a forced name change and economic hardships associated with the general advancements in transportation technology. Today the town faces unprecedented growth along with other towns in the Northern Shenandoah Valley. Please click on the links below to read about the various eras of the town’s story. These pages are for those who are seeking a concise but thorough historical account of the history of Stephens City. If you have more specific questions, please contact us and we will be happy to try and answer them for you.
Reconstruction, the Railroad and a Name Change, 1866-1899