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Elkton, Virginia
Elkton, Virginia
Elkton, Virginia
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Elkton (formerly Conrad's Store) is an incorporated town in Rockingham County, Virginia, United States. It is included in the Harrisonburg Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 2,941 at the 2020 census[5] and 2,762 at the 2010 census. Elkton was named for the Elk Run stream.

Key Information

It is located along the South Fork of the Shenandoah River at the intersections of east-west U.S. Route 33 and north-south U.S. Route 340. The town celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2008.

History

[edit]

One of the first European-Americans to settle permanently in the area was Adam Miller (Mueller), a native of Germany.[6][7][8][9] In 1741, Miller purchased 820 acres (3.3 km2), including a large lithia spring, near Elkton and lived on this property for the remainder of his life.[10][11] He sold 280 acres (1.1 km2) of this property to his son-in-law, Jacob Baer, and the spring on Miller’s land is still known as Bear Lithia Spring.[12][13]

Conrads Store was a general store built by George Conrad about 1812. George Conrad was a son of Captain Stephen Conrad who served during the American Revolution. In 1816, Conrads Store became a United States post office with George Conrad as its first postmaster. During the American Civil War (1861–1865), Conrads Store operated as a Confederate post office. In September 1866, postal service was briefly discontinued at Conrads Store, and intermittently resumed and discontinued over the next decade until 1881 when the name, Elkton, was adopted as the name of new passenger station of the Shenandoah Valley Railroad. In January 1881, Elkton, Virginia was established as a post office. The Town of Elkton was officially incorporated on March 14, 1908.

An important building in the town's history is the Jennings House. Built in 1840 by Dr. Samuel B. Jennings, the house was transformed into a hospital during the Civil War. The historic Jennings House was converted to house the local government. In the Summer of 2016, local government offices & the Elkton Police Department were moved out of the Jennings building in favor of the Elkton Area Community Center. On December 11, 2020, the Jennings House was opened as the Elkton Town Hall after a nearly 8 month restoration process to restore the home and add modern amenities like updated electric, plumbing, HVAC, ADA compliant restrooms, and a wheelchair lift. The town Christmas tree can be found across the street from the house.

Located on Rockingham Street, the Miller-Kite House was the headquarters of General Stonewall Jackson at the start of the Shenandoah Valley Campaign during the Civil War. Now the house is a town landmark and museum, housing many items from the war and some of Jackson's personal belongings. In one of the second-story windows a cardboard cutout of the General watches the street. Many visitors report stories of ghosts or unusual behavior while in the house.

In addition to the Miller-Kite House, Bon Air and the Kite Mansion are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[14]

Geography

[edit]
Elkton with the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background

Elkton is located at 38°24′30″N 78°37′13″W / 38.40833°N 78.62028°W / 38.40833; -78.62028 (38.408298, −78.620321).[15] It is located on the northeast portion of Rockingham County, Virginia. Elkton is bordered by Page County to the north, the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east, the Massanutten Mountain range to the west, and the Merck manufacturing plant and MillerCoors brewery and distribution center to the south. Norfolk Southern's Virginia Division's rail line, Route 33, and the South Fork of the Shenandoah River all cut through the town. The general area is agricultural, filled with farm lands and rural scenes.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.4 square miles (3.6 km2), of which 1.4 square miles (3.5 km2) is land and 0.04 square mile (0.1 km2) (1.43%) is water.

US 33 is the largest and busiest road in Elkton

Transportation

[edit]

The main roads providing access to Elkton are U.S. Route 33 and U.S. Route 340. US 33 was realigned, and the old alignment through downtown Elkton is now US 33 Business.

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1910873—
19209053.7%
19309656.6%
19401,0508.8%
19501,36129.6%
19601,50610.7%
19701,5110.3%
19801,5200.6%
19901,93527.3%
20002,0425.5%
20102,72633.5%
20202,9417.9%
2019 (est.)2,903[3]6.5%
U.S. Decennial Census[16]

As of the census[4] of 2010, there were 2,762 people, 862 households, and 555 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,485.4 people per square mile (575.5/km2). There were 919 housing units at an average density of 668.5 per square mile (259.0/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 95.49% White, 2.74% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.24% Asian, 0.05% from other races, and 1.32% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.81% of the population.

Major ancestry groups reported by Elkton residents include: United States or American - 23.9%, German - 15.3%, English - 8.4%, Irish - 6.9%, Scotch-Irish - 4.6%, Dutch - 2.3%, Scottish - 2.2%, Norwegian - 1.2%, French - 1.6%, Welsh - 1.1%, Italian - 0.8%, Polish - 0.9%, French Canadian - 0.3%, Hungarian - 0.2%, Russian - 0.2%, Slovak - 0.2%, West Indian (excluding Hispanic groups) - 0.2%, Other ancestries - 12.1%.[17]

There were 862 households, out of which 28.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.9% were married couples living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.5% were non-families. 28.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 22.9% under the age of 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 30.6% from 25 to 44, 22.4% from 45 to 64, and 14.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $35,556, and the median income for a family was $41,500. Males had a median income of $30,032 versus $21,996 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,192. About 4.7% of families and 6.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.4% of those under age 18 and 7.7% of those age 65 or over.

Education

[edit]
Main article: Rockingham County Public Schools

Although incorporated towns may operate their own schools under Virginia law, Elkton area schools are operated by Rockingham County Public Schools, a Virginia public school division.

Elkton houses three public schools: Elkton Elementary School,[18] Elkton Middle School,[19] and East Rockingham High School. Elkton Elementary School was built in 1938 on West B Street to house Elkton High School, but its role changed when a new school was built. Elkton Middle School was originally Elkton High School, built in 1957 primarily for grades eight through twelve. Additions were built to the high school in 1967, building a ten-room annex for more classes; and the elementary school in 1972, replacing part of the original building. In 1980, a new high school, Spotswood Senior High School (now Spotswood High School), was built for eastern Rockingham County, Virginia, combining Montevideo and Elkton High Schools. The new school, located in Penn Laird, Virginia and literally on the Massanutten Mountain, housed grades 10-12. Ninth grade was added for the 1984-85 school year. Over the years, Elkton Elementary added programs such as Head Start for preschoolers. In the 1990s a baseball field, used for Elkton softball teams, was built next to the middle school. In the late 1990s, renovations were done to Elkton Elementary School, as well as the addition of a new playground was built specifically for the lower grades. In 2001, more construction took place as the old playground, with original wooden trucks and sharp metal edges, was replaced by softer and brighter rounded metallic structures. In 2005, more renovations were done to Elkton Middle School, such as changing the old band room into an addition to the cafeteria, building a new computer lab, and adding another gym separate from the main for public use, such as the Elkton Recreation League Basketball teams. In 2006 the fifth grade was moved from Elkton Elementary School to the middle school because of the extra space made by the renovations made in 2005. In 2010 the fifth grade was moved back to the elementary school.

In 2010, the County Board of Education opened a new high school for the eastern Rockingham area, East Rockingham High School, located in Solsburg beside River Bend Elementary School. Its attendance district encompasses the Elkton, McGaheysville, River Bend, and South River elementary school districts.

Events

[edit]
Elkton Field Day, July 4, 2018

Since 1908, the town has held a carnival called Elkton Field Day. It is held in early July and features rides, good food, yard sales, live bluegrass music, fireworks, and a greased pole climbing contest in which contestants try to retrieve prize money at the top of the 25 foot pole covered in hand soap. The event is sponsored by the Junior Order of the United American Mechanics in Elkton. The group gives out scholarships and help for those in need.[20]

Sports

[edit]

The town has a team in the Rockingham County Baseball League called the Elkton Blue Sox.[21]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Elkton, Virginia

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Elkton is an in Rockingham County, , , situated in the heart of the along the south fork of the . With a of 3,073 as of 2024, it lies at the intersection of U.S. Routes 33 and 340, approximately 15 miles east of Harrisonburg and 50 miles west of Charlottesville, forming part of the Harrisonburg . Nestled between to the east and Massanutten Mountain to the west, the town's landscape features rolling hills, fertile valleys, and the Elk Run stream, for which it is named, supporting a blend of natural beauty and small-town community life. Originally settled in the late as Conrad's Store around , Elkton emerged as a commercial hub due to its strategic position along early turnpikes and the , facilitating trade and agriculture in the region. The community's name was officially changed to Elkton in 1881, and it was incorporated as a town by the in 1908. Significant development occurred in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with the Elkton Historic District—encompassing approximately 213 contributing resources dating from ca. 1816 to 1975—reflecting Federal, Victorian, and other architectural styles, and listed on the in 2023. Economically, Elkton remains tied to the Shenandoah Valley's agricultural heritage, including orchards and , while modern employment centers on (250 workers), and social assistance (236 workers), and accommodation and services (216 workers) as of 2023. The median household income stands at $61,385, with a rate of 7.56%, and the town's demographics are predominantly (90.9%), with 99.6% U.S. and a low foreign-born population of 1.01% as of 2023. Its proximity to natural attractions draws , supporting local and the Elkton Area Community Center, which hosts community events and programs.

History

Early Settlement

The Shenandoah Valley's fertile farmland drew early in the 1720s, particularly German immigrants seeking agricultural opportunities beyond the coastal regions of . These pioneers, often migrating southward from , established homesteads amid the valley's rich soils, which supported robust crop yields and livestock rearing. By the mid-1730s, the area hosted around 160 families, growing to nearly 10,000 Europeans within a decade, laying the groundwork for enduring communities west of the . Adam Miller, a German immigrant, is recognized as the first permanent white settler in the Elkton area, arriving around 1727 and securing a in 1741 for 820 acres near Bear Lithia Spring, west of the . This patent, issued under colonial governor William Gooch, formalized Miller's claim on land he had already improved through squatter rights, marking a pivotal expansion of European presence into the region. The settlement's historical significance is encapsulated in Elkton's , "The First Permanent Settlement West of the ," directly referencing Miller's pioneering grant and the broader influx of German families that followed. By the early 19th century, the area coalesced around key commercial nodes, including Conrad's Store, established around 1812 by George Conrad as a serving local farmers and travelers. This structure functioned as an early community hub, facilitating trade in goods like milled flour and ironware amid the valley's agrarian economy. In 1816, Conrad's Store became the region's first , with George Conrad appointed as , further solidifying its role in connecting isolated settlers to broader networks.

Incorporation and Development

The community originally known as Conrad's Store was renamed Elkton in January 1881, coinciding with the arrival of the Railroad, which established a station there and spurred growth from a rural crossroads into a more connected settlement; the new name derived from the nearby Elk Run stream and valley. This transition marked the shift from a store-centered hamlet, established around a built circa 1812, to a burgeoning oriented toward and . Elkton was officially incorporated as a on March 14, 1908, by an act of the , which granted it a and transitioned the community from an unincorporated village to a self-governing with defined boundaries and local authority. This formal establishment enabled the town to develop essential , including streets, utilities, and public services, while preserving its agrarian roots amid increasing commercial activity. Key historic structures from this period reflect Elkton's evolution, such as the Jennings House, an eight-room brick dwelling built in 1840 by Dr. Simeon B. Jennings, which served as a for wounded Confederate soldiers during the Civil War and was extensively restored between 2016 and 2020 before reopening as the town hall on December 11, 2020. Similarly, the Miller-Kite House, constructed in 1827 by Jr., functioned as Confederate General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson's headquarters during the 1862 Campaign and now operates as a museum housing Civil War artifacts. The , originating around as a modest cluster of homesteads and stores, expanded throughout the with additional residences, commercial buildings, and institutional structures that embodied Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian architectural styles. This growth included the Newtown , built in 1921 with funding from the Fund, Rockingham County, and local contributions to serve African American students during the segregation era; it operated until 1965 and stands as one of the few surviving Rosenwald schools in , highlighting the community's educational development.

Geography

Physical Setting

Elkton is situated at 38°24′28″N 78°37′25″W in the northeastern portion of Rockingham County, Virginia, within the broader region. The town encompasses a total area of 3.21 square miles, consisting of 3.16 square miles of land and 0.046 square miles of water, reflecting its compact footprint amid the valley's rolling terrain. As part of the Harrisonburg , Elkton benefits from its position in a landscape shaped by agricultural plains and forested ridges, contributing to its role as a gateway community in the region. The town's topography is defined by its borders with prominent natural features: the rise to the east, providing a dramatic eastern boundary, while the flows along its western edge, influencing local and . This positioning places Elkton in a transitional zone between the valley floor and higher elevations, with elevations around 971 feet supporting a mix of developed and open spaces. The proximity to the Swift Run Gap, located just east of the town off , offers direct access to , enhancing the area's appeal for and underscoring its integration with surrounding protected landscapes. Elkton's 22827 extends beyond the town limits to include portions of nearby communities such as Massanutten and McGaheysville, facilitating regional connectivity in Rockingham County.

Climate

Elkton experiences a (Köppen Cfa), characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. This classification reflects the region's transition from the more temperate to the warmer , with seasonal contrasts moderated by its location in the . Average temperatures in Elkton vary significantly by season, with summer highs reaching around 83°F (28°C) in July, often accompanied by high humidity that can make conditions feel warmer. Winter lows average about 24°F (-4°C) in , with occasional dips below freezing but rarely extreme cold snaps. The annual average high temperature is approximately 64°F (18°C), providing a balanced suitable for outdoor activities year-round. Annual precipitation totals about 42 inches, distributed fairly evenly but with peaks in spring and summer due to convective thunderstorms and frontal systems. Winter brings occasional snowfall averaging 16-19 inches, typically in short-lived events that accumulate lightly on the valley floor. The Shenandoah Valley's moderate is influenced by surrounding mountain barriers, including the to the east, which shelter Elkton from coastal storms and excessive humidity while allowing for consistent airflow. However, state climate assessments indicate increasing variability from , including warmer overall temperatures (rising more than 1.5°F since 1900) and more frequent heavy events, though the risk of severe extremes remains relatively low compared to coastal .

Demographics

Elkton's population has experienced steady but modest growth in recent decades, reflecting broader trends in rural Virginia communities. The 2000 U.S. Census recorded 2,042 residents in the town. By the 2020 Census, this figure had risen to 2,941, marking a 44.0% increase over the 20-year period. The most recent estimates indicate further expansion, with the population reaching 2,973 in 2023 and 3,073 in 2024, for an overall growth of approximately 50.4% since 2000 at an average annual rate of 1.6%. This gradual increase is driven by the town's strategic location in the , about 15 miles east of Harrisonburg, which offers access to regional employment centers and amenities in the Harrisonburg . Additionally, recent industrial expansions, notably Merck & Co.'s $3 billion investment in a new facility at its Elkton campus—announced in October 2025 and projected to create up to 500 jobs by 2028—have bolstered local economic appeal and contributed to population stability and growth. As of 2020, Elkton's stood at 940.3 people per across its 3.2 s of land area. The median age was 39 years in 2023. remains affordable relative to national norms, with a median home value of $232,300 in 2023 and a of 90.2, approximately 10% below the U.S. average. The is overwhelmingly native-born, with 99.6% U.S. citizens and only 1.01% foreign-born residents in 2023.

Composition and Ancestry

Elkton's is predominantly White, reflecting broader trends in rural communities. According to the 2019-2023 (ACS) 5-year estimates, the racial composition consists of 91.29% White, 0.64% Black or African American, 6.56% multiracial, 1.51% some other race, with no reported residents identifying as Asian, American Indian and Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprise 6.09% of the , primarily Puerto Rican at 91.71% of that group. Ancestry among Elkton residents highlights a strong connection to English and European roots, consistent with historical settlement patterns in the . The leading reported ancestries are English (24.2%), European (21.6%), American (14.9%), German (11.1%), and Irish (4.3%), based on 2023 ACS data. These figures underscore a heritage shaped by early colonial and immigrant waves, with "American" ancestry often denoting deep-rooted families tracing back several generations. Household structures in Elkton emphasize -oriented living, with 56.5% of the 1,239 households classified as family households and the remainder non-family units occupied by individuals. Approximately 50% of households are headed by married couples, contributing to a stable fabric. The foreign-born remains low at 1.0%, aligning with rural Virginia's limited immigration patterns and a high proportion of U.S.-born residents (approximately 99.0% citizens by birth). Socioeconomic indicators reveal moderate challenges tied to education levels. The poverty rate stands at 7.6% in 2023, lower than state and national averages. Educational attainment for adults 25 and older shows 90.5% holding at least a or equivalent, while 16.1% have a or higher, indicating opportunities for further workforce development in this small town setting.

Economy

Major Industries

Elkton's economy has historically been rooted in , leveraging the fertile soils of the for , crop production such as corn and hay, and operations. Small-scale , including and plastics fabrication, emerged alongside retail serving local needs, while the town's rural charm and proximity to have fostered tourism as a supplementary sector. As of 2023, key employment sectors in Elkton include educational services at 15.5%, and social assistance at 14.6%, and accommodation and food services at 13.3%, with accounting for 11.8% and retail trade for 9.3%. Major employers prior to 2025 encompass local public schools, small retail and service businesses, and Merck & Co.'s vaccine facility, which has operated in Elkton since the mid-20th century, producing lifesaving drugs and for nearly 85 years. The town's median household income stood at $61,385 in 2023, supported by an unemployment rate of approximately 3% and a about 4% below the national average, enhancing affordability for residents.

Recent Economic Developments

In October 2025, announced a $3 billion expansion of its manufacturing campus in Elkton, Virginia, marking a significant milestone in the town's economic landscape. The project includes groundbreaking for a new for , focused on production and capabilities, building on the company's nearly 85-year presence in the area. This initiative is projected to create up to 500 new permanent jobs, along with additional construction positions, enhancing employment opportunities in the . The expansion received strong support from state incentives, including a $5 million Virginia Investment Performance grant and a $4 million Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund grant administered by the Virginia Economic Development (VEDP), as well as workforce training through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program. U.S. Senators and praised the investment for bolstering the Shenandoah Valley's pharmaceutical sector, highlighting its role in advancing vaccine production for global health needs like and childhood immunizations. Broader economic impacts include a substantial boost to Rockingham County's through capital investment and job growth, positioning Elkton within national biopharma trends emphasizing high-tech and in life sciences. This aligns with industry-wide shifts toward expanded domestic production capabilities amid regulatory and technological advancements. Complementing these efforts, Elkton's 2024 Comprehensive Plan update prioritizes sustainable growth by integrating and enhancements to support diversified and community vitality.

Government

Municipal Structure

Elkton, Virginia, operates under a council-manager form of government, where legislative authority is vested in an elected town council and executive functions are handled by an appointed town manager. The town council comprises six members elected at-large on a staggered basis for four-year terms, alongside a mayor elected for two-year terms, ensuring continuity in governance. This structure allows the council to set policy while the town manager oversees operational implementation. The town manager, currently Greg Lunsford, is responsible for administering town affairs, supervising departments and employees, managing town property, preparing and executing the annual budget, and performing other duties as directed by the . Key council committees focus on specific areas, including , & , and Personnel & Safety, providing oversight to align municipal operations with community needs. Public services in Elkton are coordinated through departments managed by the town manager, encompassing , utilities such as and sewer, and and to support and growth. The town's annual operating for fiscal year 2025 totals $9,143,137, funding these essential services alongside general government functions, public safety, and utilities. Elkton's Town Hall is housed in the historic Jennings House, an 1840s-era brick dwelling originally built for Dr. Simeon B. Jennings that served as a Civil War hospital; it underwent extensive restoration and reopened in December 2020, preserving its architectural significance while accommodating modern municipal needs.

Leadership and Elections

Josh Gooden has served as mayor of Elkton since 2018, winning re-election in November 2024 for a fourth two-year term by defeating challenger Wayne Printz with 61.1% of the vote. Gooden, a long-time council member prior to his mayoral tenure, oversees the town's council-manager government framework. As of 2025, the Elkton Town Council consists of six members elected at-large: Vice Mayor Phillip "Rick" Workman (term expires December 31, 2026), Virginia Fulginiti (2026), Aaron Napotnik (2026), Rachel Michael (2028), Jan Hensley (2028), and Louis Heidel (2028). In the 2024 election, Hensley, Michael, and Heidel were re-elected to the three open council seats, securing 23.8%, 22.9%, and 21.5% of the votes, respectively, amid a field of five candidates. Elkton's elections are non-partisan and held in November of even-numbered years, with the and council terms staggered over two years to ensure continuity. The 2024 mayoral race, a rematch between Gooden and former Printz, highlighted local issues such as and infrastructure needs. The council operates through specialized committees, including those focused on , and , and personnel and public safety, to address key governance areas. Elkton integrates with Rockingham County for various services, such as emergency response and social support through the Elkton Area United Services (EAUS), which has served eastern Rockingham County since 1972.

Infrastructure

Transportation

Elkton is primarily served by two major U.S. highways that facilitate regional connectivity in this rural area of Rockingham County. runs east-west through the town, providing direct access from Harrisonburg to the west and extending eastward to the Swift Run Gap entrance of near Elkton. offers north-south access, paralleling the South Fork of the and linking Elkton to areas like Waynesboro to the south and Front Royal to the north. The town is approximately 15 miles east of , the primary north-south corridor through the , with access via from Harrisonburg. To enhance safety and traffic flow along this corridor, the (VDOT) completed the Route 33 Arterial Management Plan in , which outlines strategies such as intersection improvements and access management between Harrisonburg and Elkton without major widening. Average daily traffic on through Elkton is around 10,000 vehicles, reflecting moderate volumes typical of rural arterials with a mix of local, commuter, and tourist traffic. There is no passenger rail service in Elkton, with the nearest stations located in Staunton (about 40 miles southwest) and Charlottesville (about 35 miles southeast). The closest commercial airport is (SHD), situated approximately 21 miles west near Weyers Cave. Due to the area's rural character and limited public transit options, vehicle dependency is high, with about 95% of commuters traveling by personal —86% driving alone and 9% carpooling—resulting in an average commute time of 28 minutes. Rideshare services like are available but operate on a limited basis in Elkton, often requiring connections through nearby Harrisonburg for reliability.

Utilities and Services

Elkton has prioritized and infrastructure to enhance and connectivity. In 2020, the town partnered with the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission and the Virginia Department of Transportation to develop the Elkton Project, a comprehensive master plan aimed at prioritizing investments in sidewalks and safe pathways throughout the community. The town is also designated as an Community by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, recognizing its efforts to support trail access and pedestrian-friendly amenities near the iconic long-distance hiking route. Public parks and trails provide recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. Key facilities include the Elk Run Trails system behind the Elkton Area Community Center, offering multi-use paths for walking, , and , as well as a paved walking trail adjacent to the at Elkton Landing. Additional amenities encompass Stonewall Memorial Park with its and pocket parks scattered throughout town, fostering community engagement with natural surroundings. Utilities in Elkton are overseen by the town's Department in coordination with Rockingham County. The is drawn from wells, with ongoing improvements including well development, storage tanks, and distribution lines to ensure reliable service. is distributed by the Electric , a member-owned utility serving the northern region. Sewer services are managed municipally, with connections requiring town approval and compliance with state standards. Broadband internet access has expanded in recent years, with fiber-optic services available from providers like Glo Fiber covering nearly 100% of the town and cable options from reaching about 75% of households. Regional initiatives support further deployment to unserved areas, aligning with broader efforts to enhance rural connectivity. Public services emphasize essential support without fixed-route transit. Waste management includes weekly curbside refuse collection on Fridays, with bulk item pickups available by appointment through . Emergency response relies on volunteer organizations, including the Elkton Volunteer Fire Company, established in 1927, and the associated volunteer rescue squad, which handle fire, medical, and rescue incidents. For transportation, Way to Go, Inc., a nonprofit serving , provides demand-response rides primarily for medical appointments and essential trips to low-income residents. Sustainability features prominently in the town's 2024 Comprehensive Plan, which promotes to protect natural resources and improve . Initiatives focus on expanding parks, developing new and walking trails, and creating connections between recreational spaces, such as linking pathways to riverfront areas like Elkton Landing.

Education

Public Schools

Elkton, Virginia, is served by the Rockingham County Public Schools (RCPS) district, which oversees K-12 for the region and enrolls approximately 11,600 students across 23 schools county-wide as of the 2024-2025 school year. The district emphasizes a comprehensive that includes core academics, and technical (CTE), and extracurricular opportunities to prepare students for postsecondary . Within Elkton, public education is provided through three main schools: Elkton Elementary School (pre-kindergarten through grade 5), Elkton Middle School (grades 6-8), and East Rockingham High School (grades 9-12). Elkton Elementary, located at 302 B Street, serves 269 students as of the 2024-2025 school year with a focus on foundational skills and has undergone recent renovations as part of broader county infrastructure improvements. Elkton Middle, at 21063 Blue and Gold Drive, enrolls 561 students as of the 2024-2025 school year and offers a well-rounded program including gifted education and extracurricular activities to support academic and social development. East Rockingham High, situated at 250 Eagle Rock Road and opened in 2010, serves 821 students as of the 2024-2025 school year and provides advanced coursework such as Advanced Placement classes alongside vocational training. Collectively, these schools educate approximately 1,650 students from Elkton as of the 2024-2025 school year. RCPS prioritizes STEM education and vocational programs through its CTE initiatives, which offer hands-on experiences in areas like , , and sciences to equip students with industry-relevant skills and certifications. At East Rockingham High, these efforts are complemented by clubs, teams, and participation in Valley District athletics, including sports such as football, soccer, and , fostering both competitive and collaborative growth. The high school maintains a four-year on-time graduation rate of 95 percent, reflecting strong academic outcomes. In response to educational challenges following the , RCPS has invested significantly in technology, including a 2025 budget amendment allocating approximately $2 million for equipment upgrades and capital projects to enhance access district-wide. These enhancements support hybrid and remote capabilities while integrating tools for STEM-focused instruction across Elkton's schools.

Community Learning Resources

The Elkton Community Library, a branch of the Massanutten Regional Library system serving Rockingham County and surrounding areas, provides residents with access to a wide range of educational materials and programs. Located at 106 North Terrace Avenue, the library offers books, audiobooks, and digital resources through platforms like OverDrive for e-books and audiobooks, enabling online learning and research. Community events include story times, clubs, English conversation groups, and family fun sessions focused on early literacy and skill-building, fostering for all ages. Elkton residents can explore through dedicated museums that emphasize cultural and historical . The Elkton Welcome Center & , situated at 306 West Spotswood Avenue, features community-built exhibits showcasing Elkton area cultures, histories, and traditions, serving as an entry point for visitors and locals to engage with the town's heritage. Nearby, the Miller-Kite House at 310 East Rockingham Street highlights Civil War-era artifacts, including items associated with General , who used the site as headquarters during the 1862 Shenandoah Valley Campaign; it operates Sundays from to , offering guided insights into this pivotal period. Adult education opportunities in Elkton are supported by the Rockingham County office of Cooperative Extension, which delivers practical in , natural resources, and family sciences. Programs include workshops on , production, , and applicator , equipping residents with skills for sustainable farming and home management. For and families, nearby summer camps provide ; Keezlenutten Farm in Keezletown offers horse day camps for ages 6 and up, emphasizing riding skills and animal care, while Camp Horizons in Harrisonburg runs overnight programs for ages 6-17, incorporating adventure, arts, and in a natural setting. Elkton benefits from partnerships with (JMU) in Harrisonburg, approximately 20 miles away, which extends outreach through community engagement initiatives like volunteer programs and educational collaborations with local organizations such as Elkton Area United Services. These ties support supplemental learning without any higher education institutions located directly in Elkton.

Community Life

Annual Events

Elkton Field Day is a longstanding annual festival held in early August at Blue Ridge Park, featuring carnival rides, a , live music, food vendors, a , and , attracting families from the town and surrounding areas. The event, which spans four days, originated in the early shortly after the town's incorporation in 1908 and has been organized by local groups such as the Elkton Junior Order to foster community unity through family-oriented activities. Supported by the town's Department, it draws over a thousand attendees annually, including visitors from Rockingham County. Another key event is the Elkton Autumn Days Arts and Crafts , an annual two-day gathering in mid-October along B Street in Elkton, showcasing over 180 artisans, home-cooked foods, live such as performances, and family-friendly activities. Now in its 39th year as of 2025, the festival highlights local craftsmanship and has grown into a major fall attraction tied to Rockingham County's harvest season celebrations. Holiday traditions include the annual Parade, typically held in early along West Spotswood Trail, featuring floats, marching bands, and themed elements like a "Who-Ville" motif inspired by , followed by a lighting ceremony and old-town festivities from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. This event, organized by the town, emphasizes seasonal community spirit and draws local participants and spectators. Elkton residents also participate in the Rockingham County Fair, held annually in mid-August in nearby Harrisonburg, which features agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, rides, and grandstand events as Virginia's largest county fair.

Sports and Recreation

Elkton supports a variety of amateur and school-based sports teams that foster community engagement. The Elkton Blue Sox, an amateur team, compete in the Rockingham County League, playing home games at Stonewall Memorial Park. East Rockingham High School fields athletic programs in the Valley District of the , with prominent teams in football and that draw local crowds during the fall and winter seasons. The town's parks and recreational facilities span over 100 acres within its limits, providing ample space for outdoor activities along the and near the . Riverside Park offers direct access to the South Fork , featuring picnic shelters, benches, seasonal restrooms, and opportunities for and shallow-water . Stonewall Memorial Park serves as a central hub with a large , covered picnic areas, basketball and courts, volleyball facilities, baseball and fields, and a walking trail suitable for casual hikes and picnics. Nearby, Lake Arrowhead Recreation Park in Luray provides additional options with its 39-acre lake for , picnic shelters, and trails, complementing Elkton's local offerings. Through the Elkton Parks & Recreation department and affiliated organizations, residents participate in ongoing youth sports leagues, including the Elkton Community Little League, which provides and programs for boys and girls aged 4 to 16, serving around 340 players annually across multiple teams. Fitness classes and community wellness activities are available at the Elkton Area Community Center, which includes an indoor walking track and spaces for group exercise sessions. As the 50th designated Community by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Elkton promotes with access to the renowned footpath and local paths like the Elk Run Trails behind the community center, encouraging amid scenic valley landscapes. Local breweries enhance casual social recreation for adults, blending relaxation with community gatherings. Elkton Brewing Company, a family-owned nano-brewery in a historic 1890 building, offers artisan beers and a welcoming taproom atmosphere for patrons to unwind. Brewhaha Brewing Company, Virginia's first brewhouse, combines with live entertainment in an outdoor-friendly setting, serving as a hub for lighthearted leisure.

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