Winchester is located to the west of the Blue Ridge Mountains wherein it was founded in the year of 1744 and as such has emerged as the oldest city in the region. The city of Winchester is exactly located at the northern head of the Shenandoah Valley, wherein it serves as the cultural, economic and industrial center of the region to the west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city of Winchester spreads across a total area of 9.3 square miles and has a current total population of 26000. Winchester’s significance is owing to the fact, that the city has a rich cultural heritage with a huge historical lineage to back it. The independent city of Wisconsin also has the added responsibility of serving as the county seat of Frederick County.
The region around Winchester was first inhabited around 1000 A.D. when the Shawnee tribes settled in the area but European civilization infiltrated the region around Winchester in 1606 A.D. However, the area came under scrutinizing by the Swiss in 1705A.D. It was Governor William Gooch, who finally encouraged civilization to settle in the place in around 1720. Within a few years, Winchester was housing the extra population of New York City and Pennsylvania; the settlers were mostly of German origin. The immense land grant in the area made it the home of many German Quaker families. The region gained the status of Frederick town in 1738. Winchester served as an important center of many battles that were continuously waged during the American Civil War. These days Winchester has gained considerable significance as the site of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival.