Steeles Tavern: McCormick History and Routes

When planning a trip to Steeles Tavern, historical connections and named road routes can appeal to different interests. Topics range from Cyrus Hall McCormick’s reaper and the history of early travelers to a road designated as a Virginia Byway and a scenic drive along Route 11 and neighboring roads.

McCormick and the History of the Reaper

Cyrus Hall McCormick (1809–1884) developed the first effective reaper at Walnut Grove. According to the historical account of Steeles Tavern Manor, he gave its first public demonstration in 1831 in an oat field in front of the tavern. These two details point to different stages in the story: its development at Walnut Grove and its public demonstration at the tavern.

The log workshop where the first reaper was built and the adjacent log mill are open to the public. Both buildings give the technological story a tangible architectural connection. A memorial area honoring McCormick at the Shenandoah Valley Agricultural Research and Extension Center is also designated a National Historic Landmark and Virginia Wayside.

Early travelers are also part of the historical story. According to the historical account of Steeles Tavern Manor, after the Battle of Guilford Court House in 1781, David Steele settled with his young wife in a house on the road between Staunton and Lexington. There, he hosted the few travelers who passed by. Alongside the history of the reaper, this brings the hospitality of the time on a road between two towns into focus.

Mill Day and the Marl Creek Interpretive Trail

The annual Mill Day at the Shenandoah Valley Agricultural Research and Extension Center takes place on the first Saturday in October each year. The McCormick grist mill is operated during Mill Day. If you would like to plan your trip around this date, check the details for the specific event day before setting out.

At the 19th McCormick Farm Mill Day, on October 4, 2025, the Marl Creek Interpretive Trail was open for hiking. A description of the 2021 Mill Day highlights the trail’s autumn scenery and a meadow with native flowers for pollinators. If you plan to visit the trail on a specific event day, check the details for that date.

Virginia Byway and Scenic Drive

Virginia Route 56 is designated a Virginia Byway. It runs from the Blue Ridge Parkway in Augusta County to Route 11 at Steeles Tavern in Rockbridge County. It was designated on December 18, 1997. Both its Byway status and its named endpoints provide clear reference points for route planning.

The North Rockbridge Trail is a scenic drive through Steeles Tavern along Route 11 and surrounding side roads. The routes are described with different points of reference: for Virginia Route 56, the focus is on its Byway designation and endpoints; for the North Rockbridge Trail, it is on the drive through town along Route 11 and side roads. This lets you consider whether you would rather plan around the designated route and its endpoints or the described drive through town.

Where to Stay in Steeles Tavern

Steeles Tavern Manor is a Virginia manor house dating from 1916, set on a 51-acre property. The manor has a pond where fishing is permitted, a walking trail, a swimming pool, a fire pit, and outdoor terraces; amenities may change. The construction date places the building in time; the other details describe its amenities.

Explore more destinations: Verona, Fishersville.

For the broader travel overview: Augusta County.