Sixty-six miles of U.S. Route 15, stretching from the Potomac River in Loudoun County to the town of Orange, have been designated an official Virginia Byway by the Commonwealth Transportation Board. The byway is part of the four-state, 175-mile “Journey Through Hallowed Ground” corridor that runs from Gettysburg, Pa., to Monticello.
A Virginia Byway is a particularly scenic route or one with high cultural value that gives travelers access to areas of scenic, historic, recreational, cultural, natural or archaeological significance, according to the Governor’s office. There are nearly 3,000 miles of Virginia Byways in the Commonwealth. A Virginia Byway designation can limit placement of outdoor advertising signs to help preserve and protect the route’s scenic integrity, but it does not affect land-use controls or road improvements or maintenance.
Said Gov. Timothy M. Kaine: “This road, with its beautiful scenic vistas and incredible historic sites, is a treasure.” He’s absolutely right. It is. For more information about Virginia Byways, click here.
(Photo credit of Indian burial mound off Rt. 15 in Loudoun County: “History of Loudoun County, Va.”)
