Front Royal, County seat in Warren County, Virginia.
Front Royal is a settlement in Warren County, Virginia, positioned where the Shenandoah River meets the Blue Ridge Mountains. The area offers several access points to Shenandoah National Park and trails along the forested slopes.
The settlement was founded in 1788 on land that once served as hunting grounds for the Iroquois Confederation. During the Civil War, the location saw several battles because it controlled access to the valleys leading north and south.
The Bing Crosby Stadium carries the performer's name because he helped fund construction and attended the opening in 1950. Several old buildings in the center recall the era when travelers stopped here before heading into the mountains.
The settlement serves as a gateway to Skyline Drive, which winds through the mountains. Many trails start nearby and lead to viewpoints, waterfalls, or forests within the national park.
The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute runs a research facility within the settlement that focuses on endangered species. Visitors can learn about ongoing programs, though access to most areas remains restricted.
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