The town of Grottoes is conveniently located between the City of Harrisonburg and the City of Staunton connected by Interstate 81 and Route 11. Grottoes started out as a “bedroom community”; the people who lived there worked either in Harrisonburg or Staunton with a short commute. The town was settled in 1735 by John Thomas, John Taylor and William Beverly. In the early 1800s it became known as ‘Viola’. In 1888 the area name was changed to ‘The Grottoes’. In 1890 The Grottoes Company began developing the area and laid out the perimeters of the town as ‘Shendun’. By 1893 The Grottoes Company went bankrupt and the town started to fail. In the early 1900s locals started to revive the town. They ran businesses such as a woodworking plant, a dry good store, a real estate office, a bowling alley, a mill and a blacksmith shop. The locals preferred the name Grottoes and so the town began to prosper.

Many attribute the success of the town to Burn Castle, a local contractor who also served as the mayor. Mr. Castle developed a water system for the town of Grottoes that is second to none. Still today this water system is one of the town’s greatest assets. Estler Brothers Lumber became one of the largest lumber mills around. They provided lumber for all surrounding towns as far away as Monterey, Virginia. Grottoes also became the first town in Rockingham County to have street cars. Other successful businesses at that time were a brick factory, a metal factory and train depot. In 1948 Grottoes hired it’s first Fire Chief, Charles Stickley, who served the town for 20 years. He was succeeded as Fire Chief by his son, Bob Stickley, who served the town for another 17 years. Bob Stickley went on to become a Realtor, and is still very involved with the town. Today there are more than 100 businesses registered in the town of Grottoes.

Grand Caverns lures many visitors to Grottoes as America’s oldest show cave. The caverns housed many civil war soldiers with over 230 verified soldier signatures. Grand Caverns is open seven days a week to the public, and offers other activities such as hiking, swimming and mini golf.

The town continues to successfully grow. Ground breaking to begin in 2010; the town has approved development for 167 single family homes, 53 duplexes and 100 townhouses located on the northern edge of Grottoes.

If you come to visit or are looking for a great community to live in, Grottoes has much to offer. Before you leave, stop by the Smokin’ Pig and try the fried pickles! You won’t be disappointed.