Wagon Town LbNA #41659

Stephens City (Newtown) was an important passage to the east since Route 277 originally connected to Alexandria and it was part of the Indian Road and Great Philadelphia Wagon Road. Up until the Civil War and the introduction of the railroads, the town thrived as the majority of the businesses were centered around the production of high-quality wagons. In 1883, Major J. M. McCue of Staunton, wrote the following in an article for a periodical called The Industrial South:

"This was particularly so with Newtown, which, for more than a half century, retained the supremacy in building and fitting out the immense wagons capable of sustaining 4,500 to 5,000 pounds of freight. The wood work of the best material was made sometimes by the same man who had them ironed. The pitch in front and rear of the bodies, surmounted with bows and sheet, was such that four or five men could shelter under the projection. The harness is very heavy and the traces, breast and tongue chains of twisted links, and tire and all the iron used was of the best bar, made by Miller, Arthur, Newman, Blackford, Pennybaker and others. They cost from $150 to $200."


FINDING THE BOX: Take exit 307 off of Interstate 81. Going west, pass the gas station SHEETZ and continue through the Main Street intersection. Pass Germain St and Water St. Turn right onto Grove St and enter the Green Hill Cemetery from this side. Follow road and continue on the gravel, passing between two large pine trees. Turn left and park immediately. Approximately 13 steps uphill from your car, you will find a row of broken, propped up tombstones. The box is hidden under the tombstones.