Historical Markers in
Rappahannock County, Virginia

21 Main Street 31 Main Street 33 Main Street 48 Main Street A Hint of Total War A Skyline Drive for a Bird's-Eye View A Tale of Two Mills Advent of the "German" Corps Albert G. Willis Albert Gallatin Willis Banks's Camp Banks’s Grand Review Battle Mountain Campaign of Second Manassas Campaign of Second Manassas Cavalry Engagement Charles C. Nordendorf Chester Gap Civilian Conservation Corps Come Back When You Have More Time Confederate Monument Corbin's Crossroads Dangerfield Newby Eliza Brown and the Custers Ellerslie Encounter with Lee F. T. Baptist Church Flint Hill Baptist Church Gaines's Crossroads Gettysburg Campaign Help Wanted! Hinson's Ford Historic Stone Marker Hittle's Mill Honored In Their Generation Hopkins Ordinary John B. Kiger John Jackson—Traditional Musician John Kiger's Second Lot Kitty Payne Marys Rock Tunnel Medical Miracle Memorial to Displaced Rappahannock County Residents Milroy's Camp Minding the Gaps Mosby and Sneden Mt. Salem Baptist Meeting House Music, Omens, and Destiny Old Rag Piedmont Pope’s Army of Virginia Range View Rappahannock County / Culpeper County Rappahannock County in the Civil War Rappahannock People Before and During the Civil War Rehearsals for Fame Rocks Older than Mankind Sigels' Corps Sister Caroline Sperryville Sperryville The Maples The Rappahannock Old Guard The Town of Washington, Virginia Twilight of Slavery Union Army of Virginia Union Army of Virginia 2nd (Banks's) Corps Encampment Warren County / Rappahannock County Washington Graded School Washington, Virginia Washington, Virginia Woodville
In 1954, the Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education, which declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional, originated from a lawsuit filed by parents in Virginia.
Virginia random facts
Rappahannock County, Virginia has a rich history dating back to the early colonial period. The land on which the county sits was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Siouan-speaking Manahoac and the Algonquian-speaking Powhatan Confederacy. European settlers first arrived in the late 17th century, attracted by the fertile soil and natural resources of the area.

The county was officially established in 1833, carved out of Culpeper County. It was named after the Rappahannock River, which flows through its eastern border. Rappahannock County quickly developed an agricultural economy based on tobacco, corn, wheat, and livestock. Plantations were prevalent, and slavery played a significant role in the region's prosperity.

During the Civil War, Rappahannock County was strategically important as it sat between the Union and Confederate lines. Numerous skirmishes and battles were fought in the area, including the Battle of Rappahannock Station in 1863. The war had a devastating impact on the county, with many properties destroyed and the economy in decline.

In the years following the war, Rappahannock County faced numerous challenges, including the decline of agriculture and the Great Depression. However, the county managed to rebound through diversification, embracing tourism and highlighting its natural beauty. Today, Rappahannock County is known for its picturesque landscapes, wineries, and art community, attracting visitors from near and far. With its unique history and thriving cultural scene, Rappahannock County continues to preserve its heritage while embracing the future.

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

  • 1650s - Rappahannock County is established as part of Lancaster County, Virginia.
  • 1702 - Rappahannock County becomes an official county in Virginia.
  • 1833 - The town of Washington is established as the county seat of Rappahannock County.
  • 1862 - During the American Civil War, Rappahannock County is occupied by Union forces.
  • 1902 - The county courthouse in Washington is destroyed by fire and is later rebuilt.
  • 1954 - Segregation in schools is abolished in Rappahannock County following the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling.
  • 1999 - The Rappahannock County Historical Society is founded to preserve and promote the county's history.
  • 2021 - Rappahannock County continues to thrive as a rural community known for its scenic beauty and agricultural heritage.