White Post, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
White Post, Virginia
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![]() The "White Post" in the intersection of White Post Road and Berrys Ferry Road
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Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
ZIP codes |
22663
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White Post is a small place in Clarke County, Virginia, that doesn't have its own city government. It's known as an unincorporated community. You can find White Post where White Post Road and Berrys Ferry Road meet, just off Lord Fairfax Highway (U.S. Route 340).
Contents
The Story of White Post
The area around White Post has a long and interesting history. It dates back to the 1730s when a very important person, Thomas Fairfax, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, came to live here.
Lord Fairfax's Home
Lord Fairfax owned a huge amount of land in the Shenandoah Valley. He built a large home called "Greenway Court" in White Post. It was quite special because he was a titled nobleman from England living in the American colonies.
The Famous White Post
The community gets its name from a white post that stood at the main crossroads. Legend says that George Washington, who was a colonel at the time, put up the original post. It was meant to help travelers find their way to Lord Fairfax's home. Today, a bronze plaque tells this story.
Early Settlers and Families
Many different people came to settle in this area. There were farmers from Germany and Scotland, often new immigrants looking for a fresh start. They grew food to support themselves and their families. Important families like the Meade, Randolph, and Burwell families also settled here. These families were among the "First Families of Virginia," meaning they were some of the earliest and most influential settlers in the state.
Community Buildings
At first, the main church for the community was Old Chapel, a few miles away. But by the late 1800s, White Post had its own important buildings. These included the Meade Memorial Church (Episcopal), a Methodist church, and a Masonic Lodge. These places helped the community grow and connect.
Historic Places to See
White Post is home to several places that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are important historical sites that are protected.
- Greenway Court: Lord Fairfax's historic home.
- Bethel Memorial Church: A significant church in the community.
- Farnley: Another historic property.
- Guilford: A historic estate.
- Lucky Hit: A historic home.
- Meadea: Another important historical site.
- The Tuleyries: A grand historic mansion.
- White Post Historic District: An area with many historic buildings.
These places help tell the story of White Post and its past.