Inn at Narrow Passage | 30 Chapman Landing Rd, Edinburg, Virginia 22824 | 540-459-8000
Nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley near Woodstock, Virginia, the Inn at Narrow Passage stands as a living testament to America's colonial past. This historic property, dating back to the mid-18th century, has witnessed the birth of a nation, survived the ravages of war, and evolved through centuries while maintaining its historic charm and significance. Today, it welcomes guests to experience a piece of American history while enjoying modern comforts in a picturesque setting.
The story of the Inn at Narrow Passage begins around 1740, when the first structure was built on the property. Located along the Great Wagon Road (now Route 11), the site was strategically positioned at a natural "narrow passage" where the Shenandoah River cuts through the mountains, creating a natural corridor that indigenous peoples had used for centuries. This geographical feature gave the inn its distinctive name.
The original structure served as a frontier outpost and tavern, providing rest and refreshment for weary travelers making their way through the Shenandoah Valley. In this era, the valley was the western frontier of colonial settlement, with the Allegheny Mountains forming a natural barrier to westward expansion.
During the French and Indian War (1754-1763), the Inn at Narrow Passage gained strategic importance. The building served as both a refuge for settlers fleeing Native American raids and as a supply depot for colonial militias. Historical records suggest that a young George Washington, then a colonel in the Virginia militia, may have visited the inn during his surveying expeditions and military campaigns in the region.
The narrow passage itself was a critical point of defense, as it provided one of the few navigable routes through this section of the valley. Control of this passage was essential for military movements, making the inn and its surroundings a site of significant strategic value.
By the time of the American Revolution, the Inn at Narrow Passage had established itself as an important stopover on the Great Wagon Road. The road was the primary north-south route through the valley, connecting the backcountry of Pennsylvania to the Carolinas. The inn provided accommodation and sustenance for the increasing number of settlers moving through the valley, as well as for revolutionary troops.
Local accounts suggest that the inn may have hosted several prominent revolutionary figures, though documentation from this period remains limited. What is certain is that the Shenandoah Valley, and by extension the inn, was crucial to the revolutionary cause as a source of provisions and as a strategic corridor for troop movements.
The early 19th century saw expansions and renovations to the original structure. The current main building of the inn dates primarily from this period of growth, showcasing typical Federal period architecture with its symmetrical façade and refined detailing.
During the Civil War, the Shenandoah Valley became known as the "Breadbasket of the Confederacy" due to its agricultural productivity. It was also the site of numerous military campaigns, most notably those led by Confederate General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson in 1862 and Union General Philip Sheridan in 1864.
The Inn at Narrow Passage witnessed firsthand the ravages of war. Historical accounts indicate that the inn was used as a headquarters by Confederate officers during portions of the Valley Campaign. Later, as Union forces gained control of the region, it served as a temporary field hospital.
One of the most dramatic moments in the inn's Civil War history occurred during Sheridan's "Burning Campaign" in the autumn of 1864, when Union forces systematically destroyed crops, barns, mills, and other resources throughout the valley to deny them to the Confederate army. Remarkably, the Inn at Narrow Passage was spared from destruction, possibly due to its use as a medical facility at the time.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought challenges to the inn. With the advent of railroads and later automobiles, the old wagon roads diminished in importance. The once-bustling inn fell into a period of decline, serving various purposes including as a private residence and farm building. Following the war, Innkeeper Daisy Maginus turned the Inn into a girls boarding school.
By the mid-20th century, the historical significance of the property was recognized, and efforts began to preserve and restore it. In the 1970s, a comprehensive restoration project was undertaken, bringing the inn back to its former glory while adding modern amenities necessary for its new life as a bed and breakfast. No government money was used to restore the property.
The Inn at Narrow Passage represents an excellent example of early American architecture, with elements spanning from the colonial to the Federal periods. The original portion of the inn, with its thick stone walls and small, deep-set windows, reflects the defensive concerns of frontier life. Later additions showcase more refined Federal style elements, including elegant woodwork and proportional symmetry.
The property features several outbuildings that tell the story of daily life throughout its history. These include a summer kitchen, smokehouse, and various farm structures that have been preserved as part of the historic complex. The interior of the main building features original woodwork, period fireplaces, and wide-plank flooring that speaks to its 18th-century origins.
Throughout its long history, the Inn at Narrow Passage has hosted many notable guests. While some accounts are based on local tradition rather than documented fact, the inn's guest book through the centuries would make for fascinating reading.
In addition to George Washington's rumored visits during the French and Indian War, local historians believe that Thomas Jefferson may have stopped at the inn during his travels through the valley. During the Civil War, Confederate Generals Stonewall Jackson and Turner Ashby are believed to have used the inn periodically.
In more recent times, the inn has welcomed politicians, authors, and artists drawn to its historic ambiance and beautiful setting. Each has contributed to the ongoing story of this remarkable property.
The Inn at Narrow Passage has inspired writers and artists for generations. Its evocative name and rich history have made appearances in regional literature and historical accounts of the Shenandoah Valley. The term "Narrow Passage" itself has entered the local lexicon as a geographical reference point with historical significance.
The inn is featured in several guides to historic accommodations in Virginia and has been the subject of articles in publications focused on American history and heritage tourism. Its unique combination of historical significance and continued operation as a hospitality venue makes it a compelling subject for those interested in living history.
Today, the Inn at Narrow Passage continues its centuries-old tradition of hospitality while serving as a steward of local history. Operating as a bed and breakfast, it offers guests the opportunity to stay in rooms that have sheltered travelers since the colonial era.
The property has been carefully maintained to preserve its historical integrity while providing modern comforts. Period furnishings, historical photographs, and interpretive displays throughout the inn help visitors understand its place in American history.
The Inn at Narrow Passage stands as more than just a historic building; it represents a living connection to the full sweep of American history. From its origins as a frontier outpost to its present role as a heritage tourism destination, the inn embodies the evolution of the nation.
Visitors to the Inn at Narrow Passage don't simply observe history—they participate in it, becoming part of a continuum of travelers who have found shelter and hospitality at this special place for nearly three centuries. In doing so, they help ensure that this irreplaceable piece of American heritage continues to thrive and tell its story for centuries to come.
As you walk the grounds of the Inn at Narrow Passage today, listen carefully, and you might just hear the echoes of history—the clatter of colonial wagons, the urgent discussions of revolutionary patriots, the commands of Civil War officers, and the everyday conversations of countless travelers who, like you, found themselves passing through this historic narrow passage in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley.
