Fort Defiance, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fort Defiance
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Census-designated place
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 Fort Defiance, Virginia
Location in Virginia
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| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| County | Augusta County |
| Elevation | 1,286 ft (392 m) |
| Population
(2002)
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| • Total | 780 |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
24437
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| Area code(s) | 540 |
Fort Defiance is a small community in Augusta County, Virginia, United States. It is an "unincorporated area." This means it is not a separate town or city with its own government. Instead, it is part of the larger Augusta County. Fort Defiance is also part of the Staunton–Waynesboro area.
Contents
History of Fort Defiance
The area now known as Fort Defiance has a long history. It began with the establishment of the Augusta Stone Church in 1740. This church is still in use today.
French and Indian War Connection
During the French and Indian War (1754–1763), Augusta County was the western edge of the country. A local story says that the Augusta Stone Church was used as a safe place during this time. The first church building was made of logs. It stood near a historic cemetery.
After a big battle in 1755, where General Edward Braddock was defeated, people decided to make the Old Stone Presbyterian Church stronger. They turned it into a fort to protect themselves. This fortified church was then called Fort Defiance. The community itself did not get the name Fort Defiance until the late 1800s.
Places to See
Fort Defiance has a few interesting historical spots:
- Augusta Military Academy: This was once a military school. It was one of the first schools in the country to use the JROTC program. You can find a historical marker about it.
- Augusta Stone Church: This church is the oldest Presbyterian Church in Virginia that has been used continuously. It has been a place of worship for a very long time.
- Willow Spout: This is a historical marker about a special willow tree. It was planted in the mid-1800s over a spring. Water would come out of a spout placed in the tree's side.
Education in Fort Defiance
Students in Fort Defiance attend schools run by Augusta County Public Schools. The community is home to several schools:
- Clymore Elementary School
- Stewart Middle School
- Fort Defiance High School
These schools are all located within the Fort Defiance area.
