Frederick County, formed from Orange County in 1738,  is located at the northernmost part of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, and surrounds the City of Winchester. In the southern part of Frederick County are two incorporated towns - Stephens City and Middletown-  situated directly on Rt. 11, which was previously referred to as the Indian Path, the Great Wagon Road, and now the Wilderness Road, Virginia’s Heritage Migration Route. George Washington began his three careers as surveyor, military leader and politician in Frederick County.  At least six major battles were fought here during the Civil War, but the County records were never burned, and in recent years, the Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historic Park was created to protect the historically significant area. Agritourism, horticultural entrepreneurs, and apple production are vibrant in Frederick County.