Midland Historic District

a.k.a. VDHR File Number 030-5160

Includes parts of Rouges, Midland, Catlett, Dowell, Germantown & Old Carolina Rds., Linden, Chestnut & 2nd Sts., Midland, VA
Local significance of the district:
Architecture; Commerce; Transportation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2019.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

During World War II, Virginia was the site of several major military installations, including the Norfolk Naval Base, the largest naval base in the world.
Fauquier County, located in the Piedmont region of Virginia, has a rich and diverse history that spans over three centuries. Named after Francis Fauquier, the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia from 1758 to 1768, the county was officially established in 1759. However, it was inhabited long before by Native American tribes such as the Manahoac and Iroquois.

During the American Revolutionary War, Fauquier County played a significant role as a transportation hub and supply center for the Continental Army. The Battle of Thoroughfare Gap in 1862, which occurred during the American Civil War, took place within the county's borders. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Fauquier County's economy shifted from agriculture to commercial activities as the arrival of the railroad allowed the area to connect to wider markets.

Today, Fauquier County boasts a thriving rural community and a vibrant historic district. The county's agricultural heritage is still visible, with numerous farms and vineyards dotting the landscape. Fauquier County is also home to several significant historic sites, including the Old Jail Museum and the Sky Meadows State Park, which offer visitors a glimpse into the county's past.

Overall, Fauquier County's history is characterized by its agricultural roots, its involvement in pivotal events during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and its subsequent transition into a modern and diverse community. Through the years, the county has maintained a strong sense of heritage, attracting both residents and visitors alike to explore its fascinating past.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Fauquier County, Virginia.

  • 1759: Fauquier County is established, named after Francis Fauquier, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia.
  • 1775: Fauquier County residents participate in the American Revolutionary War.
  • 1791: The Town of Warrenton is established as the county seat.
  • 1812: Fauquier County residents serve in the War of 1812.
  • 1861-1865: Fauquier County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War, with both Union and Confederate forces occupying the area at different times.
  • 1870s: Railroads reach Fauquier County, boosting economic growth.
  • 1898: Fauquier County experiences a small gold rush.
  • 20th century: Fauquier County becomes increasingly suburbanized, with significant population growth and development.
  • 2007: The National Sporting Library and Museum opens in Middleburg, highlighting the region's equestrian heritage.