Warrenton, VA ~ Historical Information
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Historic Warrenton Courthouse
A settlement had grown in Warrenton by the time of the American Revolution and in 1790 the Court House was built at its present location, a jail erected and an academy named in honor of General Joseph Warren, the hero of the Battle of Bunker Hill. Richard Henry Lee donated 71 acres of land for the county seat, including the courthouse and the county jail. This grant was incorporated in 1810 as the Town of Warrenton. By 1835 the Town had a population of 1300.
In 1853 a railroad reached the town, which by then had several churches, thriving mercantile establishments, a weekly newspaper and two schools. During the Civil War, Warrenton was near the scenes of great battles and bloody skirmishes, after which its schools and churches served as hospitals for the wounded. During the war Warrenton changed hands 67 times, but after 1862 was predominantly in Federal hands, with the Rappahannock River the disputed border between the contending forces. Fauquier County became a center for the raiding activities of Confederate partisan leader, Col. John S. Mosby and his Rangers.
Warrenton sent nearly every eligible able bodied male into the Confederate army. The Warrenton Rifles was commanded by Capt. John Quincy Marr, the first Confederate officer killed in the conflict. The Black Horse Cavalry was the most renowned Fauquier Company and took part in most of the Virginia campaigns. It was organized by John Scott and later came under the command of Gen. William H. F. Payne and Alexander D. Payne.
A walking tour of history-laden Old Town is full of treasures waiting for architecture buffs and shoppers alike, with many of the historic buildings now used as shops, galleries and restaurants.
Old Town is the scene of wonderful annual events including the Spring Festival, an Antique Car Show, July 4th Children's Parade and the award-winning "Christmas in Old Town."
~Courtesy Fauquier Historical Society~
Incidental facts...
*Andrew Jackson visited Warrenton twice: in 1829 while travelling to his inauguration as the seventh president. And, again in 1832. On both occasions he enjoyed a fine meal at the Norris Tavern.
*Teddy Roosevelt rode via horseback from the White House on January 12, 1909, to have lunch at the Warren Green Hotel. The President wanted to make the point that all military officers should be able to ride 100 miles in a day. He returned to the White House on horseback after lunch.
*Warrenton Cemetery is the resting place of Col. John S. Mosby (the "Gray Ghost" of the Civil War). There is a Memorial Wall in the Cemetery honoring 600 Confederate casualties of the Civil War.
*Warrenton's premier landmark, the Old Courthouse, is patterned after the 1854 courthouse destroyed by fire.
*106 Court Street is an 1850 Federal style structure built with profits from the California Gold Rush.
*At the Warren Green Hotel, General McClellan bid farewell to his troops from the balcony after being relieved of his command by President Lincoln.
*Wallis W. Simpson, future Duchess of Windsor, resided at the Warren Green Hotel for six months.
*58 Main Street, built in 1820, was the Town's first confectionery shop.
*109 Main Street, built in 1830, was the Town's first market.
*The Presbyterian Church was used as a hospital during the Battle of Manassas.
*Teddy Roosevelt rode via horseback from the White House on January 12, 1909, to have lunch at the Warren Green Hotel. The President wanted to make the point that all military officers should be able to ride 100 miles in a day. He returned to the White House on horseback after lunch.
*Warrenton Cemetery is the resting place of Col. John S. Mosby (the "Gray Ghost" of the Civil War). There is a Memorial Wall in the Cemetery honoring 600 Confederate casualties of the Civil War.
*Warrenton's premier landmark, the Old Courthouse, is patterned after the 1854 courthouse destroyed by fire.
*106 Court Street is an 1850 Federal style structure built with profits from the California Gold Rush.
*At the Warren Green Hotel, General McClellan bid farewell to his troops from the balcony after being relieved of his command by President Lincoln.
*Wallis W. Simpson, future Duchess of Windsor, resided at the Warren Green Hotel for six months.
*58 Main Street, built in 1820, was the Town's first confectionery shop.
*109 Main Street, built in 1830, was the Town's first market.
*The Presbyterian Church was used as a hospital during the Battle of Manassas.
WHERE TO GET INFORMATION ON WARRENTON
Fauquier Historical Society
Located in The Old Jail Museum
Courthouse Square
Old Town Warrenton, VA
(540) 347-5525
(They say there's a ghost in the hanging yard out back...and even have ghost tours!!)
**********
Warrenton Visitors Center & Chamber of Commerce
183A Keith Street
Warrenton, VA
(540) 347-4414
e-mail: chamber@crosslink.net
(Here's where you can get everything you need to make your stay in Warrenton most enjoyable!)
183A Keith Street
Warrenton, VA
(540) 347-4414
e-mail: chamber@crosslink.net
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