Rivermont Drive Near Front Royal, VA
The last time I mentioned Front Royal, another blogger commented that the name was unusual. There are two popular theories about the origin of the name, which became the official name when the town was incorporated in 1788. However, the town existed in 1754 under the name of LeHewtown and (even less pretty) under the nickname of Helltown.
The theory that I favor is that the town was the frontier of British settlements in colonial times, and as such was the "le Front Royale" to the French-born neighbors who claimed rights to the territory on the other side of the nearby Allegheny Mountains. Bear in mind that the word "front" is still used militarily as in the book title, "All Quiet on the Western Front
."The other theory about the name is that a "Royal Oak" stood in the town and local militia were drilled using the command "Front the Royal Oak." This story is popular enough that several businesses in town use the name "Royal Oak."
In any case, Front Royal is nestled along the Shenandoah River in a mountain gap and has some beautiful scenery.
Linking to: Inspired Sunday
I really like this sky light, a wonderful photos!
ReplyDeletethat last scene is really beautiful. thanks for the versions on the name.
ReplyDeleteI like both stories of the name. the photo is wonderful, I like the steeple pointing up towards the heavens which appear to be opening for it.
ReplyDeleteI would go with the Royal Oak Story. Can you imagine living in a place called Helltown?
ReplyDeleteGreat post on Front Royal. we went thru there yesterday on the way to the park..Love the last scene and photo. Enjoy your week!
ReplyDeleteWe drove through Front Royal on our way to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
ReplyDeleteInteresting about the name.
ReplyDeleteI live in a kind of strange named town - Accident : )
What ever the name this is a beautiful area. Tom The Backroads Traveller
ReplyDeleteLovely chapel.. and captured so beautifully with that sunset.
ReplyDeletegorgeous sunset. the hubby & i always love Front Royal. a cute area. ( :
ReplyDeletei need to investigate Helltown. i have heard of it ...but never been.
Beautiful place.
ReplyDeleteInteresting stories of the name origin. The church is so quaint. I'm glad it's in such good condition.
ReplyDeleteHelltown as a placename?
ReplyDeleteOf course, there's a place up here called Swastika.
Beautiful shots!
Beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful setting for this church...
ReplyDeletelove your photos - beautiful both them :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous shot!
ReplyDeleteInteresting, Linda. I always wondered where Front Royal got its name... Beautiful photos of a beautiful place....
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
Looks a beautiful, peaceful, place. Love the steeple.
ReplyDelete