Philomont, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Philomont, Virginia
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 Philomont, Virginia
Location in Northern Virginia
Philomont, Virginia
Location in Virginia
Philomont, Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Virginia |
| County |  Loudoun |
| Elevation | 510 ft (160 m) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
20131
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Philomont is a small community in western Loudoun County, Virginia. It's not a city or town, but a collection of homes and businesses. Its name comes from two old words: philo (Greek for "beloved") and mont (French for "mountain"). So, Philomont means "beloved mountain"!
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History of Philomont
Quakers, a religious group, started this village in the 1800s. During the Civil War, small battles happened nearby. Soldiers from both sides often passed through Philomont. A famous group of Confederate soldiers called "Mosby's Rangers" were very active here during the war. Philomont is part of the Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area, which protects its history.
Geography and Local Life
Philomont is located in Virginia's "Hunt Country." It is about six miles north of Middleburg. It is also about five miles south of Purcellville. The area around Philomont is known for its horse farms and large estates. You'll see winding gravel roads, rolling hills, and old stone walls.
Philomont sits near the Catoctin Mountain. The Blue Ridge Mountains are to the west. The village has a busy community center and a volunteer fire department. The Philomont Store is also a popular spot. It first opened in 1843 as Milhollen Brothers. Today, it sells wines, beer, and "pulled pork" sandwiches.
The Philomont area has grown a lot recently. Loudoun County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States. However, Philomont has kept its rural feel. It's one of the few places in Virginia where residents pick up their mail at the General Store. Many people from the Washington, D. C. area visit Philomont. It's also popular with bicyclists and motorcyclists.
The village is on the scenic Snickersville Pike. This road is a State Scenic Byway. It meets Philomont Road (state route 630) here. The Pike runs for about 16 miles. It goes from U.S. Route 50 in Aldie to Bluemont on Blue Ridge Mountain.
Annual Events in Philomont
Philomont hosts several fun events each year.
Fire Department Barbecue
One of the biggest events is the Fire Department Barbecue. It happens every May. This fundraiser helps the volunteer fire department. They serve slow-cooked beef with BBQ sauce. You also get a baked potato, coleslaw, salad, and green beans.
Philomont PHair
The Philomont PHair is another popular event. It brings together local artists and farmers. You can find plants and garden-themed items for sale. Parking is free at the Philomont Community Center. A tasty lunch is available for a small fee.
Philomont Horse Show
The annual Philomont Horse Show takes place on the fourth Saturday in April. This show has been running since the 1950s. It's a major fundraiser for the Philomont Fire Department. The show features two grass rings. It includes regular horse classes and fun classes like a Hunter Derby.
Famous People from Philomont
Philomont has been home to some interesting people.
Robert Duvall's Farm
The famous actor Robert Duvall bought an old horse farm near the General Store. Sometimes, musicians like Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash would visit. They would play music with Duvall at his cabin.
The Roszell Family and Church
The Stephen Roszell family lived in Philomont. They were early followers of the Methodist faith. This was thanks to visits from Francis Asbury, a co-worker of the Wesley brothers. The Roszell farmhouse, called "Shelburne," is still here today. It's on the Snickersville Pike and has a family cemetery. The historic Roszell United Methodist Church is also still used. It's named after Reverend Stephen Roszell, an early Methodist preacher.
