Winchester, Independent city in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, United States
Winchester is an independent city in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Sitting at 725 feet (221 meters) elevation, it reaches into neighboring West Virginia as part of its metro area.
The Virginia House of Burgesses granted the settlement its charter in 1752, officially renaming what had been Frederick Town. During the Civil War, control shifted back and forth between the two armies.
The name honors a town in England that held meaning for early colonial settlers. Today brick storefronts line the streets, while parks host weekend markets and outdoor concerts year-round.
Interstate 81 and US Route 11 cross the region, making it easy to arrive by car. Local buses run through the city, offering a simple way to move between neighborhoods.
The Apple Blossom Festival has drawn visitors from across the state each spring since 1924. Parades and fireworks mark the celebration, which runs for several days and honors the blooming apple trees.
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