Orange County, Virginia

140th New York State Vols. A Busy Place A Military Scene A.P. Hill Escapes Capture Alexander Spotswood's Enchanted Castle An Uneasy Partnership Archeology at Ellwood Arm of Stonewall Jackson Barboursville Barboursville Ruins Battle of the Wilderness Battle of the Wilderness Battle of the Wilderness Battle of the Wilderness Battle of the Wilderness Bloomsbury Campaign of 1781 Campaign of Second Manassas Campaign of Second Manassas Capt. Andrew Maples Jr., Tuskegee Airman Captain John Spotswood Church of the Blind Preacher Civil War & Gilmore Farm Trail Civil War Encampment Clash on the Orange Turnpike Collision of Giants Confederate Camp & Freedman's Farm Trail Confederate Dead Confederate Encampment Crosthwaite Alley Culpeper County / Orange County Dedicated To The Fallen Dolley Madison Elder John Leland Ellwood Ellwood - Home and Workplace Face Off Fighting on the Evening of May 5, 1864 First Blood in Saunders Field Fort Germanna Fort Germanna Visitor Center From Wilderness Run To Flat Run General Zachary Taylor Germanna Germanna Ford Germanna Ford Gilmore Family Cemetery Gilmore Farm Giuseppe Oddenino Gordon Flank Attack Trail Gordon Inn Gordonsville's Legendary Chicken Vendors Gordon's Attack Falters Gordon's Flank Attack Gordon's Flank Attack Governor James Barbour Grant Comes to Virginia Grant Takes Command Grant’s Headquarters Hans Conrad Amberger Hans Jacob Holtzclaw of Trupbach, Germany Historic Downtown Orange Homes for Enslaved Families Honoring the People of Orange County In Memory of the Soldiers, Both Confederate and Union Isabella Lightfoot Training School James Madison and Dolley Madison Johannes Kemper and Ailsey Katherine Utterback John Gordon Proposes a Flank Attack Kemper's Grave Key Terrain Korean War Memorial Lee's Headquarters Little Zion Baptist Church Madison Farm Complex Madison-Barbour Rural Historic District Madison-Barbour Rural Historic District Mayhurst Mine Run Campaign Mine Run Campaign Montebello Montpelier and Madison's Tomb Montpelier Flag Stop Montpelier Train Station Morning of May 6 Mount Pleasant c. 1750s Oakley Orange County / Spotsylvania County Orange County Visitor Center Orange Graded School Orange Grove 1728 - 1864 Orange Grove 1865 - 1967 Orange Train Station Post-Emancipation Robinson's Tavern Saunders Field Shady Grove School Site of the First German Reformed Church Slave Cemetery Spotswood Spotswood Family Cemetery St. Thomas Church Struggle on the Orange Plank Road Stuart's "Very Narrow Escape" The African American Cemetery The Apperson Family and Lake of the Woods The Backyard The Battle of Payne’s Farm The Battle of Payne’s Farm The Battle of Payne’s Farm The Battle of Payne’s Farm The Battle of Payne’s Farm The Battle of Payne’s Farm The Battle of Payne’s Farm The Battle of Payne’s Farm The Battle of the Wilderness The Blacksmith Shop The Campaign of 1781 The Capture of Winslow's Battery The Confederate Defense The Confederate Line The Culpeper Mine Road The Federals Fall Back The Fighting Ends in Stalemate The Garden The Higgerson Farm The Madison Family Cemetery The Maplewood Memorial Association The Marker Honors The Memory Of The Second Germanna Colony, 1717 The Mine Run Campaign The Orange Railroad Depot The Quarters The Road The Wilderness The Yard: A Busy Place The "Enchanted Castle" at Germanna, circa 1720-1750 Toil Without Choice at Ellwood Town of Orange Union Headquarters Vietnam War Memorial Welcome to The Exchange Hotel and Civil War Medical Museum Welcome to… The Town of Orange Wilderness Battlefield Memorial World War I Memorial World War II Memorial Wreck at the Fat Nancy "A Wild, Wicked Roar" “A Wild, Wicked Roar” “Stonewall” Jackson’s Arm
Orange County, Virginia, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1734. Originally part of Spotsylvania County, it became its own entity due to the growing population and geographical size of the area. The county was named after William IV, the Dutch Prince of Orange, and became an important center for agriculture and trade.

During the American Revolution, Orange County played a significant role, with many residents actively participating in the fight for independence. The Battle of Germanna Ford, fought on the county's soil, saw American forces successfully halting the British Army's advance towards Charlottesville. Additionally, Orange County was home to several important figures of the revolution such as James Madison, who later became the 4th President of the United States.

In the early 19th century, Orange County saw the rise of the railroad industry, bringing newfound prosperity to the region. It became a hub for transportation and trade, leading to the growth of various industries. The county also served as a stop along the route for westward migration during the expansion of the United States.

Throughout its history, Orange County has preserved its historical landmarks and sites. The county is home to Montpelier, the estate of James Madison, which is now a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can explore not only the beautiful gardens and architecture but also gain insights into the life of one of America's Founding Fathers. The county also boasts other significant historic sites such as the Wilderness Battlefield, which played a pivotal role in the Civil War.

Today, Orange County continues to celebrate its history and heritage while also embracing modern development and growth. It remains a desirable place to live with its charming small towns, beautiful landscapes, and strong community ties.
Brief timeline of the history of Orange County, Virginia:

  • 1734: Orange County is officially formed as a county in the Colony of Virginia.
  • Late 18th Century: Orange County becomes an important hub of commerce and trade.
  • 1861-1865: Orange County is affected by the American Civil War, with battles and skirmishes occurring in the area.
  • Early 20th Century: Orange County experiences economic decline due to the decline of agriculture and the Great Depression.
  • 1935: The Rapidan Dam is constructed, forming Lake Orange and providing a source of hydroelectric power.
  • 1975: The Town of Orange is designated as a National Historic Landmark.
  • 1990s: Orange County experiences rapid growth and suburbanization as part of the larger Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
  • 21st Century: Orange County continues to grow and evolve, balancing its historic importance with modern development.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Orange County, Virginia.