National Register of Historic Places listings in Fauquier County, Virginia facts for kids
Welcome to Fauquier County, Virginia! This area is full of amazing history. Many important places here are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list kept by the United States government. It helps protect buildings, sites, and districts that are important to American history.
When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized for its historical, architectural, or archaeological value. It helps people learn about the past and keep these places safe for the future. In Fauquier County, there are 69 such places! One of them is even a National Historic Landmark, which is an even higher level of historical importance.
Contents
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is like a hall of fame for historic sites across the United States. It includes buildings, structures, objects, sites, and districts. These places are chosen because they tell important stories about our country's past.
Why are places listed?
Places are listed for many reasons. They might be important because:
- They are connected to important events in history.
- They are linked to famous people.
- They show a special type of architecture or design.
- They might hold important information about history or prehistory.
Being on the list helps preserve these places. It also makes them eligible for certain grants and tax benefits.
Historic Places in Fauquier County
Fauquier County has a rich history, especially from the time of the American Civil War and early American life. Many of its historic places are old homes, farms, and even entire towns!
Homes and Estates
Many beautiful old homes in Fauquier County are on the National Register. These homes often show how people lived long ago.
Ashleigh
Ashleigh is a historic home located near Delaplane. It was added to the National Register in 1973. It's a great example of old Virginia architecture.
Belle Grove
Another interesting home is Belle Grove, also near Delaplane. It was listed in 2006. These homes often have unique designs and stories.
The Hollow
The Hollow, located in Markham, is very special. It was the boyhood home of John Marshall. He became the Chief Justice of the United States from 1801 to 1835. That's a very important job! He helped shape the laws of our country.
Gen. William Mitchell House
This house near Middleburg is a National Historic Landmark. It's named after General William "Billy" Mitchell. He was a pioneer in military aviation. He believed that air power would be very important in future wars. His ideas were quite ahead of his time!
Historic Districts
Sometimes, it's not just one building that's historic, but a whole area! These are called "historic districts." They include many buildings that together show the history of a town or a rural area.
Upperville Historic District
The entire village of Upperville is a historic district. It stretches for about one mile along U.S. Route 50. Walking through Upperville is like stepping back in time.
Warrenton Historic District
The main parts of Warrenton, including streets like Main, Waterloo, and Winchester, form a large historic district. This area has many old buildings that tell the story of the county seat.
Rural Historic Districts
Fauquier County also has many "rural historic districts." These are large areas of countryside with historic farms, roads, and landscapes. They show how farming and rural life developed over time. Examples include the Broad Run-Little Georgetown Rural Historic District and the Carters Run Rural Historic District.
Other Notable Sites
Beyond homes and districts, other unique places are listed.
Beverley Mill
Beverley Mill is an old gristmill located near The Plains. Gristmills were very important long ago for grinding grain into flour. This mill has been around since the 1700s!
Old Fauquier County Jail
In Warrenton, you can find the Old Fauquier County Jail. It's located in the Courthouse Square. This building tells a story about law and order in the past.
Auburn Battlefield
The Auburn Battlefield near Catlett is a significant site from the American Civil War. Many battles were fought in Virginia, and this battlefield helps us remember those important events.
Thoroughfare Gap Battlefield
Another Civil War site is the Thoroughfare Gap Battlefield. It's located where Interstate 66 and State Route 55 meet. This area was important for troop movements during the war.