The Lee Highway - Warrenton to New Market

Warrenton:
The Lee Highway leaves US 29 in Warrenton. As US 29 heads south with US 15 along a freeway east of the city limits, the Lee Highway follows Business US 29 to US 211 where it will continue east towards the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley. Within Warrenton, Business US 211 follows the original alignment of the Lee Highway and US 211 through the city.

Washington:
The small town of Washington is a unique contrast to the larger city that sits only 65 miles to the east that serves as our nation's capital. Washington, VA (as numerous road signs read for the town) is actually the first 'Washington' in our country. The town was laid out by George Washington himself in 1749. His original two-block by five-block plot still exists today. Today, the town is best know for the five-star inn and restaurant known as The Inn at Little Washington. The inn is world famous for it's fine food, accommodations, and hospitality.

The original Lee Highway follows Business US 211 through Washington.

Business US 211 West heads towards Washington. (William Lawson; May 2003)

Luray:
The Lee Highway continues west of Washington, past the town of Sperryville, as it ascends the Blue Ridge Mountain at Thorton's Gap. At Thorton's Gap, the Lee Highway meets the very scenic Skyline Drive. Located completely within Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive is one of the most scenic routes in the Eastern United States. After leaving the gap, the Lee Highway winds down the Blue Ridge into the Page Valley and into Luray. The original Lee Highway follows Business US 211 into Luray.

Luray Caverns is one of the more notable of the many caverns in Virginia. The largest caverns in the Eastern U.S. were discovered on August 13, 1878 by a local tinsmith and four companions. The caverns, which are located west of Luray, are open throughout the year.

Luray is the county seat of rural Page County. Founded in 1812, Luray is surrounded by a wealth of recreation activities, American History, and natural wonder. Downtown Luray is home to numerous shops, restaurants, and inns.

Just west of Luray is an old alignment of the Lee Highway through Hamburg. About one mile west of US 211 Business' return to the highway, Hamburg Road (Secondary Route 766) bears off to the right from West US 211. Hamburg is a quiet village that is overlooked on most maps. Within the village, the Hamburg grocery is a historic structure that gives a glimpse of what a rural grocery was like in the early 20th century. The grocery is open on Saturday's during the summer or by appointment.

The Hamburg Grocery. (Mike Roberson; March 2006)

New Market:
From the Luray Area, the Lee Highway continues over the Massanutten Mountains and into the Shenandoah Valley and New Market. Here, the Lee Highway leaves US 211 in downtown New Market to continue its journey south and west through Virginia along US 11.

New Market saw one of the more heroic battles in the Civil War Shenandoah Valley campaign. The Battle of New Market, May 15, 1864, was a Confederate victory which saw young cadets from the nearby Virginia Military Institute called into battle for the Confederacy. In this battle, 257 cadets, aged from 12-17, would be held in reserve only to be used in an emergency. With the center of the Rebel line falling apart, the cadets were hastily called into duty. The cadets would hold the line and later turn to the aggressor attacking and later capturing Union positions. From wounds suffered in the battle, ten cadets were lost, including Thomas Garland Jefferson - a descendent of the former President. 45 others were wounded. Today, these cadets are honored by VMI at New Market Battlefield State Historical Park. The military institute operates the site and accompanying museum.

There is an old piece of the Lee Highway leading into New Market from the West. Old Cross Road (Secondary Route 1002) was the original alignment of the Lee Highway and US 211 for many years. The old alignment quickly changes landscape from small rolling hills to the center of the small town. The old Lee Highway meets US 11 and US 211 in the heart of New Market, a left turn continues you on your journey down the Lee Highway.