Although named after American Revolution General Anthony Wayne, this independent city is just as well-known for its many important historical markers of the Civil War. On March 2, 1865, Waynesboro was the site of the last battle of the Civil War for the Confederate Lt. General Jubal A. Early. The Battle of Waynesboro lasted only 20 minutes and was a final blow for the Confederate Army in the Shenandoah Valley. Some of the buildings from this period still show their scars from this battle. The Waynesboro Confederate Monument in the center of the cemetery lists and commemorates their names and states. Historical homes in the area include the Plumb House, one of Waynesboro’s oldest dwellings and the Coiner-Quesenbury House, built in 1806 and believed to be the first brick house built in the town. Waynesboro offers magnificent vistas from over 100 overlooks and 682 miles of hiking trails.
The highest peak is Hawksbill Mountain at 4,051 feet. The part of the Blue Ridge Mountains that extends into Virginia makes up Shenandoah National Park. Although the scenic Skyline Drive is likely the most prominent feature of the Park, almost 40% of the land area has been designated as wilderness and is protected as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Waynesboro is also known for being the home of American artist P. Buckley Moss, whose paintings depict rural landscapes and life in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. The P. Buckley Moss Museum, also in Waynesboro, attracts 45,000 visitors annually. Satisfy your own inner artist with a tour of the Shenandoah Valley Art Center. Waynesboro is home to the corporate headquarters of nTelos (a regional wireless and telecommunications company). Other manufacturers like General Electric, Invista, Benger Laboratory (where spandex was invented) and a large Wayn-Tex textile mill have a site in Waynesboro. Staying at one of the Choice Hotels in Waynesboro, VA is a great way to discover the Shenandoah Valley and more while still having a peaceful place to relax at the end of the day. Book a room with us today!