The forest was established in 1917 as the Shenandoah National Forest and was formed through the combination of three separate purchase units called the Shenandoah, Potomac, and the Massanutten. In 1932, President Hoover renamed the forest the George Washington National Forest.

Visitors to the forest can have a direct experience of the area's past by visiting some of the historic sites.

Deerfield Ranger District: The Confederate Breastworks, located about 2 miles west of Mountain House on US 250, is the historic site where confederate soldiers constructed a long trench-like fortification to guard and protect this position on Shenandoah Mountain during the early part of the Civil War. There is a short loop trail following the remnants of the breastwork. The observation area affords an excellent view of the Cowpasture River Valley west of Shenandoah Mountain. Parking and toilet facilities are available.

Warm Springs Ranger District: Warwick Mansion was built in the late 1840's near the banks of the Jackson River in Hidden Valley by Judge James Woods Warwick. Under a special use permit, Ron and Pam Stidham of extensively renovated this ante-bellum mansion and now operate it by reservation as a Bed and Breakfast Inn. The site was used as the focal point for the 1992 filming of the movie Sommersby, starring Richard Gere and Jody Foster and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

From Warm Springs, take SR 39 west 3 miles. Turn right and take SR 621 north for 1 mile. Take FDR 241 for about 2 miles past the campground. You may view the mansion from the river but reservations are required to enter the gate to the Inn.

Pedlar Ranger District: Oronoco is the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp in the 1930's. The old concrete slabs are all that remains from this camp. The area is popular among fishermen and hunters for camping and can be reached by going east on U.S. 60 into Amherst County until its junction with SR 605. Turn left off U.S. 60 onto SR 605 and continue approximately 1/4 miles then turn to the left into the Oronoco camping area.

Lee Ranger District: A .2 mile trail leads to the Woodstock Tower, built for observation during the CCC era. Enjoy the view of the "Seven Bends of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River" below and the Great North Mountain to the west. The trail and tower are located off SR 758 about 5 miles east of Woodstock, Virginia.