The Beginning

In the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia on what is known today as the Lee Highway or Rt.11, is a quiet little village known as Steeles Tavern. No history of the village would be complete without the story of the man for whom it was named – David Steele.

Surviving the battle of Guilford Court House, NC in 1781, David Steele, age 22, with his young wife settled in a house by the side of the road between Staunton and Lexington, VA, where they provided lodging to the few passing travelers. Soon afterward stagecoaches began running regularly, and they too stopped at the home to change horses and to eat and drink. Thus the small village of Steeles Tavern was born. Gradually a country store, post office, town hall, Presbyterian Church, two flour mills, cooper shop, blacksmith shop, and a two-room schoolhouse were added to land owned by the Steeles.