Two nationalities invaded the Great Valley almost simultaneously: the Germans and Scotch-Irish--both fine, sturdy, healthy and thrifty stock which is reflected in marked degree among the present inhabitants of the region. Their real interest in the new settlements may truthfully be said to have begun about 1730 when land grants were obtained. About two years later the actual move into the country and the house building commenced in earnest. The German settlers located chiefly along the territory extending from Winchester to Staunton. The Scotch-Irish on the other hand selected Staunton and the valley south of the town for their claims. No nice distinction can be made so easily, for we shall find the two groups interspersed all along the entire length of the Valley. But generally speaking their domains may be defined thus. So much fighting during the wars of our country could not have been fought in this section of the State without leaving in its wake the stories of chivalry, courage and accomplishment, a few of which are included. It is our desire that the trips along the Skyline Drive and in the Great Valley country may be enriched and the imagination stirred because of the accounts included in this small book. Table of Contents PAGE KNIGHTS OF THE GOLDEN HORSESHOE 1 Progress to the Mines 2 ADAM MILLER AND HIS NEIGHBORS 5 JOIST HITE, THE PIONEER 7 GERMAN NEIGHBORS, Quakers 9 Dunkards 11 THE SCOTCH-IRISH IN THE VALLEY 12 INDIANS 15 INDIAN TALES 18 THE MOORE MASSACRE 20 WASHINGTON'S BOYHOOD FRIEND--LORD FAIRFAX 24 WINCHESTER--THE FRONTIER TOWN OF THE VALLEY 26 THE VALLEY PIKE 31 BERRYVILLE 33 FRONT ROYAL 34 FLINT HILL 36 THE SKYLINE DRIVE 37 STRASBURG 40 ORKNEY SPRINGS 42 STEPHENS CITY 42 MIDDLETOWN 43 THE STORY TELLER OF THE VALLEY--SAMUEL KERCHEVAL