Known first as frederick town, winchester was the first english town west of the blue ridge mountains. beautiful in all seasons, it is breathtaking in spring with its apple blossoms and lacy dogwoods. winchester is not only beautiful but also historically significant. this ancient place has been prized by everyone from the nearby paleo and woodland indians to the europeans and americans who fought over it. at the north end of the shenandoah valley, winchester has stood sentinel over the rest of the valley as an important strategic center during both the french and indian war and the civil war. this is the town where george washington got his military and political start and built fort loudoun during the french and indian war. during the turbulent times of the civil war, winchester changed hands more than 70 times. many of this city's sons and daughters, such as explorer adm. richard e. byrd and country singer patsy cline, have achieved the world's respect. this book is filled with the story of winchester from an early frontier town to the thriving place it is today.