Orange County, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Orange County
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Orange County Courthouse
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Location within the U.S. state of Virginia
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 Virginia's location within the U.S. |
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| Country |  United States |
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| State |  Virginia |
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| Founded | 1734 | |
| Named for | William III of England | |
| Seat | Orange | |
| Largest town | Orange | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 343 sq mi (890 km2) | |
| • Land | 341 sq mi (880 km2) | |
| • Water | 2.5 sq mi (6 km2) 0.7% | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 36,254  |
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| • Density | 110/sq mi (40/km2) | |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) | |
| Congressional district | 7th | |
Orange County is a county in the Central Piedmont region of Virginia. In 2020, about 36,254 people lived here. Its main town, or county seat, is Orange.
Orange County is home to Montpelier. This is a large, 2,700-acre estate. It belonged to James Madison, the 4th President of the United States. He is often called the "Father of the Constitution" because of his important role in writing it. In 2024, Orange County will celebrate its 290th birthday!
Contents
History of Orange County
For thousands of years, different groups of Native Americans lived in this area. When Europeans first arrived, the Ontponea tribe lived here. They were a part of the Siouan-speaking Manahoac people.
The first European settlement was Germanna in 1714. Governor Alexander Spotswood brought 12 German families to live there. In August 1734, Orange County was officially created. It was formed from parts of Spotsylvania County.
At first, Orange County was very large. Its western border reached the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes. This was done to encourage more people to settle westward. It also helped Virginia claim land against the French. But this huge size didn't last long. In 1738, much of the western land became Augusta County.
Orange County did not have any major battles during the American Revolution. However, two groups of 50 men from the county joined the Culpeper Minutemen. They fought in battles like the Battle of Great Bridge.
Over time, new roads and railroads were built. This helped Orange County's farms grow many different crops. In 1838, Greene County was created from the western part of Orange. The town of Orange became official in 1834. It had been the county seat for almost 100 years. The town of Gordonsville became official in 1870.
During the Civil War, some fighting happened here. The Battle of Mine Run and the Battle of the Wilderness were fought in the eastern part of the county. The Battle of the Wilderness was a big turning point in the war. After the war, farming changed. There was more focus on raising livestock and dairy. This was because these activities needed less physical labor.
Agriculture remained very important. In 1991, a large area of 31,200 acres was named the Madison-Barbour Rural Historic District. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This district includes James Madison’s Montpelier. It also has the ruins of James Barbour’s Barboursville mansion.
Orange County's population has grown steadily since the 1930s. It increased by almost 300% by 2010.
Geography
Orange County covers about 343 square miles. Most of this is land, with a small amount of water. The land has rolling hills. These hills get higher and steeper as you go west. They lead towards the Blue Ridge Mountains. The highest point is Cowherd Mountain, which is 1,196 feet tall.
The county's rivers flow into the Rappahannock River and the York River. Both of these rivers eventually reach the Chesapeake Bay.
Neighboring Counties
- Madison County – to the northwest
- Culpeper County – to the north
- Spotsylvania County – to the east
- Louisa County – to the south
- Albemarle County – to the southwest
- Greene County – to the west
Water Bodies
- The Rapidan River forms the county's northern border.
- The 500-acre Main Lake is in Lake of the Woods.
Protected Areas
- The Wilderness Battlefield is in the eastern part of the county. It is part of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park.
Transportation
Main Roads
US 15
US 33
US 522
SR 3
SR 20
SR 231
Airports
- Orange County Airport (OMH)
- Gordonsville Airport (GVE)
Public Transport
- The Town of Orange Transit (TOOT) offers bus service. It connects the towns of Orange and Gordonsville.
Population Facts
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1790 | 9,921 | — | |
| 1800 | 11,449 | 15.4% | |
| 1810 | 12,323 | 7.6% | |
| 1820 | 12,913 | 4.8% | |
| 1830 | 14,637 | 13.4% | |
| 1840 | 9,125 | −37.7% | |
| 1850 | 10,067 | 10.3% | |
| 1860 | 10,851 | 7.8% | |
| 1870 | 10,396 | −4.2% | |
| 1880 | 13,052 | 25.5% | |
| 1890 | 12,814 | −1.8% | |
| 1900 | 12,571 | −1.9% | |
| 1910 | 13,486 | 7.3% | |
| 1920 | 13,320 | −1.2% | |
| 1930 | 12,070 | −9.4% | |
| 1940 | 12,649 | 4.8% | |
| 1950 | 12,755 | 0.8% | |
| 1960 | 12,900 | 1.1% | |
| 1970 | 13,792 | 6.9% | |
| 1980 | 18,063 | 31.0% | |
| 1990 | 21,421 | 18.6% | |
| 2000 | 25,881 | 20.8% | |
| 2010 | 33,481 | 29.4% | |
| 2020 | 36,254 | 8.3% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 1790-1960 1900-1990 1990-2000 2010 2020 |
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2020 Census Information
| Group | Population in 2010 | Population in 2020 | Percentage in 2010 | Percentage in 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White (not Hispanic) | 27,033 | 27,389 | 80.74% | 75.55% |
| Black or African American (not Hispanic) | 4,206 | 4,304 | 12.56% | 11.87% |
| Native American or Alaska Native (not Hispanic) | 80 | 92 | 0.24% | 0.25% |
| Asian (not Hispanic) | 240 | 311 | 0.72% | 0.86% |
| Pacific Islander (not Hispanic) | 15 | 18 | 0.04% | 0.05% |
| Other Race (not Hispanic) | 49 | 156 | 0.15% | 0.43% |
| Mixed Race (not Hispanic) | 719 | 1,813 | 2.15% | 5.00% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1,139 | 2,171 | 3.40% | 5.99% |
| Total | 33,481 | 36,254 | 100.00% | 100.00% |
Note: The US Census counts Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic group. This table separates them from racial groups.
In 2010, there were 33,481 people living in Orange County. The population grew by 29% since 2000. This made it one of the fastest-growing counties in Virginia.
About 22.9% of the people were under 18 years old. The average age was 42.6 years. The average household income was about $56,837.
Education
Orange County Public Schools provides education for students. Dr. Daniel Hornick is the current superintendent. Five elected officials represent the school board.
Elementary Schools
- Gordon-Barbour Elementary
- Lightfoot Elementary
- Locust Grove Elementary
- Locust Grove Primary
- Orange Elementary
- Unionville Elementary
Middle and High Schools
- Locust Grove Middle
- Prospect Heights Middle
- Orange County High School
Higher Education
Germanna Community College has a large campus in Locust Grove. It offers programs like Nursing and Allied Health. The campus includes classrooms, labs, and a wellness center. The college plans to expand due to growing demand for health workers.
School Challenges
In 2014, some county schools did not meet state standards. Lightfoot, Unionville, and Prospect Heights received warnings. If they failed for three years, their accreditation could be denied.
The old Locust Grove Middle School building was closed in 2011. A new school was built nearby. But in 2013, there were plans to reopen the old school. This was due to space issues and a small increase in students. Reopening the school was estimated to cost over $611,000.
Economy
Orange County businesses made over $200 billion in sales in 2012. The top industries for sales included food stores, restaurants, gas stations, and car dealers. The top industries for jobs were local government, retail, manufacturing, and food services.
Small businesses are very important here. About 65% of all businesses in Orange County have four or fewer workers.
Farming is a big part of the county's economy. Orange County is Virginia's top producer of nursery plants, greenhouse items, and sod. Horse farming and forestry are also large parts of the farming economy. Tourism is also growing, especially for history, wine, and farm visits.
Unemployment in Orange County is usually lower than the U.S. average. In 2012, the highest-paying jobs were in finance and insurance. The average weekly wage across all jobs was $671.
Wine Industry
Parts of Orange County are in the Monticello Viticultural Area. This means it's a special region for growing wine grapes. Four wineries are located here: Barboursville Vineyards, Horton Vineyards, Chateau MerrillAnne, and Reynard Florence Vineyard. In 2012, Orange County produced a lot of wine grapes. This shows the growth of the wine industry in Virginia.
Development Debates
In 2008, Wal-Mart wanted to build a large store near the Wilderness Battlefield. This area is important for its history. Many people and groups, like the National Trust for Historic Preservation, were against it. They worried about more traffic and harm to the historic site.
A lawsuit was filed against the county's approval. Famous people like actor Robert Duvall and filmmaker Ken Burns also spoke against the project. In 2011, Wal-Mart decided not to build at that spot. They agreed to buy the land and find another location. They also paid the county's legal costs.
Wal-Mart then chose a new site about 4 miles away. This new location was approved, and the store opened in 2013. The groups who opposed the first site approved of the new one. Wal-Mart also gave some of the original land to the state for future road improvements and to the Virginia Department of Historic Resources.
In 2013, the county updated its plan for future growth. Many residents were concerned. They felt the plan allowed too much development. They wanted to keep the county's rural feel. The plan was approved by the Board of Supervisors.
Later, in 2014, a new development plan called the Germanna-Wilderness Area Plan (GWAP) was proposed. This plan aimed to create a "complete community" over 50 years. It was adopted in 2015. In 2018, the Board of Supervisors approved new zoning changes for this plan.
Places of Historical Significance
Orange County has many historic sites. In 2013, 34 sites were listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include Barboursville, the Germanna Site, and the historic towns of Orange and Gordonsville. The Madison-Barbour Rural Historic District is the largest historic district in Virginia.
The James Madison Museum
This museum is in a historic building from 1929. It was once a car company and a restaurant. It is the first museum in the U.S. to honor James Madison. The museum collects and saves items from rural Virginia's past. It also teaches about James Madison and others who helped the area. You can see exhibits about presidents, Black history, and old farm tools and transportation.
The Wilderness Battlefield
The Battle of the Wilderness took place in Orange County from May 5–7, 1864. This was the first time Generals Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee fought each other in the Civil War. The battle was part of Grant's plan to end the war. It eventually led to the fall of Richmond.
Over 160,000 soldiers fought in the Wilderness. They fought in trenches and through thick forests. By May 7, over 23,000 soldiers were dead or wounded. Thousands more were captured or missing. Grant's army then moved south to continue fighting.
Today, the Wilderness Battlefield is part of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. This park has saved 2,773 acres of the original battlefield.
Ellwood Manor
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Ellwood Manor is the only house still standing that saw the Battle of the Wilderness in 1864. During the battle, it was a base for the Union Army. General Grant even had his headquarters nearby. Ellwood also played a role in the Battle of Chancellorsville in 1863. Confederate General Stonewall Jackson was wounded there. His arm was amputated and buried in the family cemetery at Ellwood. After the battle, Ellwood became a Confederate hospital.
In 2008, Ellwood was named "Favorite Virginia Civil War Site."
Montpelier
Montpelier is the 2,700-acre home of James Madison. He was the 4th U.S. President and is known as the "Father of the Constitution." Madison's father built the first part of the house around 1764. Two more parts were added later.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has owned Montpelier since 1984. From 2003 to 2008, a big renovation was done. The house and grounds were restored to look like they did in 1820. This was when James and his wife Dolley lived there. Montpelier became a National Historic Landmark in 1960. Both James and Dolley Madison are buried in the family cemetery there.
The Exchange Hotel
The Exchange Hotel in Gordonsville is a great example of 19th-century Georgian architecture. It's like a living piece of Civil War history. Built in 1860 as a hotel, it quickly became the Gordonsville Receiving Hospital during the Civil War.
Because it was near a major railroad and battlefields, the hospital treated over 70,000 wounded soldiers. After the war, during Reconstruction, it became the Freedman's Bureau Hospital. This hospital helped newly freed slaves. The building later went back to being a hotel. In 1971, it was restored and became a museum. It is the only Civil War-era receiving hospital still standing in Virginia.
Receiving hospitals during the Civil War were like emergency rooms. They gave quick medical care. Then, patients were sent to other towns or hospitals. These hospitals were often in big cities or where people changed trains. They had many patients coming and going quickly.
Media
The county has a local weekly newspaper called the Orange County Review. Larger regional newspapers include The Free Lance Star, Culpeper Star-Exponent, and Charlottesville Daily Progress. WVCV is a radio station licensed to Orange. Other radio stations from Fredericksburg and Charlottesville also serve the county.
Communities
Towns
Census-designated place
Unincorporated Communities
- Barboursville
- Burr Hill
- Lahore
- Locust Grove
- Montpelier Station
- Nasons
- Rapidan
- Rhoadesville
- Somerset
- Unionville
Notable People
- James Barbour, a former Governor of Virginia and U.S. Senator.
- Lewis R. Bradley, the second Governor of Nevada.
- Nannie Helen Burroughs, a black American educator and leader.
- Elijah Craig, a Baptist minister known for fighting for religious freedom.
- Chris Haney, a Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, a famous actor and professional wrestler who owns property here.
- Patrick Kilpatrick, an actor.
- Edna Lewis, a black American cookbook author and chef.
- James Madison, the 4th President of the United States.
- Randolph Scott, a famous western film actor.
- James Taliaferro, a former U.S. Senator for Florida.
- Zachary Taylor, the 12th President of the United States.
- Eugene Williams Sr., an author, educator, and inventor.
See also
In Spanish: Condado de Orange (Virginia) para niños
