Locust Grove, Orange County, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Locust Grove
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|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| State | Virginia |
| County | Orange County |
| Population | |
| • Total | 12,696 |
| Area code(s) | 540 |
Locust Grove is a community in eastern Orange County, Virginia, United States. It's not a city or town with its own government, but a group of neighborhoods. The area's name comes from the many Black Locust trees that grow there.
Locust Grove has grown a lot. In 2000, about 7,605 people lived there. By 2010, the population had jumped to 12,696. This makes it the largest community in Orange County. While it used to be centered around two main roads, most people and businesses are now found along State Route 3.
Contents
A Look Back: Locust Grove's History
Early Days and the Enchanted Castle
Locust Grove was started in 1714 by Lieutenant Governor Alexander Spotswood. He created it as a settlement for German families. At that time, this area was considered the very edge of the "wilderness" in Virginia.
Spotswood built a large home near the Rapidan River. He called it Porto Bella, meaning "Lovely Harbor." Later, in 1732, another important person, William Byrd II, nicknamed it Spotswood's "Enchanted Castle." After Spotswood died in 1740, people in the area took apart the house to use its materials for their own homes.
Locust Grove During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, the Rapidan River was an important dividing line. It separated the Confederate (Southern) and Union (Northern) armies. A place called Germanna Ford, where a road crossed the river, was used often by the Union army.
Many famous battles happened near Locust Grove. These include the Battle of Chancellorsville, Mine Run, the Wilderness, and Spotsylvania Court House. The Battle of the Wilderness took place right in parts of Locust Grove from May 5 to May 7, 1864. The Union Army's main commander, Ulysses S. Grant, even had his headquarters nearby.
Exploring Locust Grove's Geography
Locust Grove is made up of five smaller areas, often called hamlets. Each has its own unique features.
- Germanna: This area is next to the Rapidan River. It includes Germanna Ford, a visitor center, and the remains of Spotswood's old "Enchanted Castle." It's also home to a campus of Germanna Community College.
- The Wilderness: This part of Locust Grove holds important Civil War history. You can find Ellwood Manor here, where General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson's left arm is buried. There's also the Wilderness Battlefield exhibit.
- Flat Run: Located between the Wilderness and Germanna, this area is known for the Lake of the Woods. This is a large housing community built around a man-made lake. It also has Meadows Farms Golf Course, which has one of the longest golf holes in the U.S.
- Gold Dale: West of the main roads, Gold Dale is mostly farmland. It's home to Locust Grove Primary School. An old road called Orange/Old Plank Road, which was used a lot during the Civil War, runs through this area.
- Indiantown: This is the largest part of Locust Grove, but it's mostly undeveloped and covered in woods. It's bordered by the Rapidan River to the north.
Modern Development in Locust Grove
Locust Grove has seen a lot of new building and growth. One big change was the arrival of a Walmart Supercenter. There was some discussion about where to build it, especially since the area is close to the historic Wilderness battlefield. Eventually, Walmart chose a new location in the Germanna area, and it opened in 2013.
The community continues to grow, with new homes and businesses being built. Local leaders and residents often discuss how to balance this growth with keeping the area's natural and historic feel.
