Lawmakers Promote Shenandoah VALOR Act for West Virginia

The proposed legislation seeks to expand a national historic district into the state's Eastern Panhandle.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in National Parks

Screen-print poster illustration showing layers of Appalachian mountain ridges and hills, evoking the heritage of West Virginia. — Lawmakers have introduced the Shenandoah VALOR Act to integrate West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle into a federally recognized historic district. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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U.S. Representative Riley Moore and U.S. Senator Jim Justice have officially promoted the Shenandoah VALOR Act. This legislation aims to extend the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District into West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle.

Why it matters

The proposal is designed to bolster local preservation efforts and stimulate tourism across the Eastern Panhandle. By integrating the region into the existing historic district, the act seeks to secure federal support for area battlefields.

The Shenandoah VALOR Act stands for the Shenandoah Valley Access, Legacy and Outdoor Recreation Act. The initiative specifically targets the expansion of historical protections and recreational assets in West Virginia.

The players

Riley Moore

Riley Moore is a U.S. Representative who is advocating for the inclusion of West Virginia sites in federal historic districts.

Jim Justice

Jim Justice is a U.S. Senator who joined the push to support the Shenandoah VALOR Act to benefit the Eastern Panhandle.

Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation

The foundation works to protect and interpret the battlefield sites located within the Shenandoah Valley.

The details

Legislators joined representatives from the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation in Washington for an event titled Stand Up for West Virginia's Battlefields. The effort focuses on preserving regional history while enhancing the economic impact of local tourism.

On October 27, 2026, legislators and foundation leaders promoted the Shenandoah VALOR Act.

Travel Outlook

The proposed expansion of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District into West Virginia signals a shift toward regional tourism growth. This move mirrors past efforts to link historic sites into unified cross-state travel corridors.

Residents and tourists in the Eastern Panhandle should monitor this legislative progress to anticipate new site developments and preservation projects. The expansion could eventually lead to improved visitor amenities and access to historical landmarks across the region.

The takeaway

The Shenandoah VALOR Act highlights a strategic effort to link West Virginia's historic sites with broader national preservation networks. Residents can support these efforts by engaging with local historic societies and monitoring upcoming legislative hearings regarding the act.