The natural resources included extensive iron ore deposits, hardwood, high-grade limestone, and waterpower.

The Shenandoah Iron Works, which was owned and operated by Daniel and Henry Forrer, was also located along the riverbanks.

Other historical structures were also built including Stephens Cottage, the South Fork House, Mt.

These men continued the iron works; however, they introduced modern tools and machinery that were patented in order to improve production.

On September 28 and 29, 1870, the inevitable happened when flood waters decimated the entire developed portion of Shenandoah.

Between 30 and 60 buildings were completely destroyed or washed away as the water of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River billowed its way through town.

Despite the wrath of the flood, William Milnes was able to take charge of the town and rebuild with relative ease.

At the time of the flood, the entire country was experiencing prosperity due to an industrial boom.

Milnes' persistence led to the Shenandoah Valley Railroad being built along with the installation of a telegraph line.

Through the work of William Milnes, Shenandoah became the midpoint between Roanoke, Virginia and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and enabled town industries to ship out their goods through means other than the river.

Milnes took advantage of the railroad's presence and erected the Big Gem Cast Iron Furnace.

The area in and around Front Street became the town's commercial hub as business were constructed facing the rail yard.

Front Street became a thriving "Main St. Community," as hundreds of people would come to the downtown to shop and watch the trains pass by.

In 1957, however, Norfolk and Western Railroad closed its major maintenance and operations facilities along the Front Street corridor.

In 1890, the town name was changed from Milnes to Shenandoah City by an Act of the General Assembly.

Most of the structures that were built by the Land and Improvement Company are no longer visible due to fires which are also a distinct feature of the town's history.

Floods in 1896 washed away the river bridge, and yet another fire destroyed the town bank.

Most of the town's growth has occurred along the Route 340 corridor, which runs the entire length of Page County.

The town would like to revive "Old Front Street," develop the Big Gem Furnace tract, and play on its rich railroad history and proximity to such popular tourist destinations as Luray Caverns, Massanutten Resort, and the Shenandoah National Park.