Stokesville: Early History - Presentation by Dr. Clarence Geier on May 23

​Dr. Clarence Geier, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology at James Madison University, will reconstruct the town plan and the lumber industry that supported this North River Gap boom town.  Stokesville is located  at the foot of Shenandoah Mountain in western Augusta County. 

​According to the Stokesville historical marker:

​The village of Stokesville, established by 1901,
became a boomtown after the Chesapeake Western Railway was extended here in 1902. Tram lines into the mountains brought timber to the rail head. Lumber mills, bark tanneries, a stave and heading factory, and other enterprises attracted many workers, and the town's population reached 1500 by 1905. A passenger depot, post office, hospital, hotels, stores, and a church served the community.
Stokesville declined after 1910 as the area's timber supply dwindled.
​
A flood in 1949 destroyed most of its remaining structures."

The quiet community of Stokesville now serves as a gateway to the proposed Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic Area. 

Come and enjoy this rare opportunity to hear Dr. Geier present his research on Stokesville.
When:  Wed., May 23 at 7:00 p.m.
Where:  Bridgewater Municipal Building, Arey Assembly Hall, 201 Green St., Bridgewater, VA 22812