Shenandoah is a 1965 American movie set during the Civil War. It stars James Stewart and features Doug McClure, Glenn Corbett, Patrick Wayne, and in their first movie roles, Katharine Ross and Rosemary Forsyth.
The movie was directed by Andrew V. McLaglen. The song “Oh Shenandoah” is an important part of the movie’s music.
The story is about a man named Charlie Anderson, who is a farmer in Virginia. He wants to stay out of the war and remain neutral.
But his life changes when his youngest son, Boy, is captured by Union soldiers. This forces Charlie to face the war and make hard decisions.
Where Was Shenandoah Filmed?
The movie was filmed in several beautiful locations, mostly in Virginia and California, that captured the atmosphere of the Civil War period. Some of the most important filming locations include:
Earnest Bridge (formerly Adams Bridge)
The movie features Earnest Bridge, which was originally built in 1903 and spanned the Mohawk River. In the 1930s, it was rebuilt and renamed “Earnest” after a local resident.
During the filming of Shenandoah, the bridge was temporarily altered to reflect the Civil War era. After filming ended, it was returned to its original design in 1965.
The bridge can still be visited today. To get there, go east on Marcola Road for about 14 miles (22.5 km) and turn onto Paschelke Road.
Walt Disney’s Golden Oak Ranch
This ranch, located at 19802 Placerita Canyon Road in Newhall, California, was used for some of the movie’s outdoor scenes. The ranch is known for its scenic views and was often used for filming Westerns and historical films.
Santa Clarita, California
Santa Clarita, a city near Newhall, provided several backdrops for the movie. Its open landscapes and historic locations made it an ideal place to film many of the outdoor scenes.
Wildwood Regional Park, Thousand Oaks, California
The park in Thousand Oaks, California, with its beautiful natural settings, served as another filming location. It added to the film’s authentic feel by providing the perfect rural environment for the characters.
Janss Conejo Ranch, Thousand Oaks, California
Another location in Thousand Oaks, the Janss Conejo Ranch, was used for various scenes in Shenandoah. Its vast landscapes and rustic charm helped bring the story to life.
Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia
For the more scenic and rugged landscapes, the film also used the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. These mountains are famous for their beauty and their importance in American history, particularly during the Civil War.
Official Trailer
![Shenandoah (1965) Original Trailer [FHD]](https://4filming.com/wp-content/cache/flying-press/gFB8JtN1nzc-hqdefault.jpg)
FAQ
Q: Where was Shenandoah filmed?
A: The film was shot in a mix of Virginia and California. Key locations included Earnest Bridge in Mohawk Valley, Walt Disney’s Golden Oak Ranch in California, and Wildwood Regional Park in Thousand Oaks.
When Did the Filming of Shenandoah Take Place?
A: Filming for Shenandoah began on August 11, 1964. The movie captured the beauty of Virginia and the rugged landscapes of California, giving the film a realistic and historic feel. The production used both outdoor locations and studio sets to create an authentic environment for the story.
Q: What is Earnest Bridge, and how is it related to the movie?
A:Earnest Bridge, originally known as Adams Bridge, was used to represent a Civil War-era bridge in the film. The bridge was temporarily altered to reflect the time period, then restored after the filming ended.
Q: Can I visit the filming locations?
A:Yes, many of the filming locations can be visited today, including Earnest Bridge and Walt Disney’s Golden Oak Ranch. You can find Earnest Bridge by going east on Marcola Road for 14 miles and turning onto Paschelke Road.