Members of the First Settlers of the Shenandoah Valley are men and women who lineally descend from pioneer ancestors (First Settlers) who arrived in the Shenandoah Valley prior to 31 December, 1799. First Settlers also include the “Knights of the Golden Horseshoe” members of Lieutenant Governor Alexander Spotswood’s party of government officials and gentry, Native Americans, soldiers and servants who crossed into the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, 5 September 1716.
The Shenandoah Valley region is defined as western Virginia, from Winchester to Roanoke, Virginia, which is bordered by the Blue Ridge mountains to the east and the Allegheny mountains to the west, as well as the eastern panhandle of West Virginia and Maryland, "Gateway to the Shenandoah Valley".
During the Charter Membership period, applicants will be automatically endorsed by the Governor General. Following the Charter Term, membership will be by invitation only. Of note, previously approved lineage society applications may be submitted in the stead of full genealogical documentation.