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1. Balthis House
Chester Street is the oldest street in Front Royal. Balthis House is known to be the oldest surviving building on this street. The house’s kitchen is the only known detached kitchen in Front Royal, making it especially unique. The house’s original frame was built between 1787 and 1802. It was originally owned by two trustees listed on Front Royal’s 1788 charter. Since then, the house has been home to a war hero and a famed educator, among others.
The Balthis family bought the property in 1838. They used the building as both their home and their successful blacksmith business. During their time as owners, they built the two additions to the house that are still intact today. You can visit this historic home Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April through October and Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March. Tickets to the house are $10 for adults and include a guided tour to Balthis House and Belle Boyd Cottage. Tickets for kids are free.
2. Battle of Front Royal Driving Tour
The Battle of Front Royal Driving Tour will take you along the path that General Stonewall Jackson took as he figured out what his next move would be after the Battle of Front Royal, also known as the Battle of Brother Against Brother. You can stop at the visitor center to pick up a copy of the self-guided driving tour or download it from the website. The tour has 10 stops, the first being Asbury Chapel, where the Confederate advance halted on May 23, 1862. The last stop is at Fairview, where the battle ended in Colonel Kenly’s defeat.
3. Belle Boyd Cottage
The Belle Boyd Cottage is connected to the famous Confederate spy, Belle Boyd. The cottage is in the courtyard behind Fishback Hotel where Union officers would stay during the war when they held the town of Front Royal. While living in the little five-room cottage, Belle was able to spy on the Union army in service to the Confederates. In addition to Belle Boyd, the cottage also hosted many famous politicians and military leaders, like President Franklin Pierce and General Fitzhugh Lee.
4. Ivy Lodge Museum
When visiting Warren Heritage in Front Royal, your first stop will be the Ivy Lodge Museum. This museum is home to both permanent and rotating exhibits that display the history of Warren County and Front Royal and the town’s local events and people. From the county’s early colonists to its agriculture and industry, you’ll get a glimpse of this little town’s story. Admission to Ivy Lodge is free.
If you’re looking to dive into some local history, Front Royal, Virginia, is full of great places where you can enjoy an afternoon learning about the town’s historical past.
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