Grasping the stories of the past is a sensory process. Sifting the soil for artifacts makes history a tactile experience. Walking the same hallways as America’s founders affirms the steps ahead. Orange County embraces its role in the American narrative—and illuminates it in a meaningful way.
Historical Sites
Barboursville Ruins
This stately mansion, designed by Thomas Jefferson for Governor James Barbour, was leveled by a fire on Christmas Day, 1884. Preserved as a historic landmark, the ruins stand among the vines at Barboursville Vineyards. Open seven days a week.
17655 Winery Road
Barboursville, VA 22923
(540) 832-3824
Ellwood Manor
The grounds at Ellwood are open Sunrise to Sunset every day of the year.
Located on the Wilderness Battlefield, Ellwood Manor served as the headquarters for the right wing of the Union Army. The home and grounds feature exhibits of interest to all ages and a 1.4 mile walking trail stretching from Ellwood Manor to the Wilderness Tavern site. Visitors may visit the grounds, even when the house is closed. Park at the Ellwood Manor gate on Route 20. Please do not block the gate.
36380 Constitution Highway (Rt 20)
Locust Grove, VA 22508
(540) 786-2880
Exchange Hotel and Civil War Museum
Originally built as a hotel in 1860, this architectural gem became a receiving hospital for 70,000 soldiers from the Union and the Confederate armies. It is Virginia’s only Civil War Receiving Hospital standing today. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
400 South Main Street
Gordonsville, VA 22942
(540) 832-2944
Fort Germanna Visitor Center
Fort Germanna Visitor Center is OPEN from Monday to Friday
Located near the Germanna Fort close to the Rapidan River, the Visitor Center, library, museum and memorial garden honor the first German immigrants settling in Virginia in 1714. Enjoy the Siegen Forest trails, the 170 acre forest behind their campus.
2062 Germanna Highway (Rt 3)
Locust Grove, VA 22508
(540) 423-1700
James Madison’s Montpelier
Grounds, Tours & Trails Open Thursdays-Mondays, 9 AM-3:00 PM.
The home of James Madison, father of the Constitution and architect of the Bill of Rights, is a gleaming national treasure. From guided tours to galleries, family experiences to expansive walking trails, Montpelier delivers history and hands-on fun. See website for most accurate hours.
11350 Constitution Highway
Montpelier Station, VA 22957
(540) 672-2728
Montpelier Descendants Committee
An independent, tax-exempt, 501c3 organization representing Montpelier Descendants Community as an equal co-steward of James Madison's Montpelier.
Contact through their website
Orange County Courthouse
Constructed in 1859, this Italianate-style courthouse is famed for its central three-stage tower with overhanging eaves.
130 West Main Street
Orange, VA 22960
Orange Historical Commercial District
Spanning Orange’s heritage from a courthouse town to a modern commercial center, the Orange Historical Commercial District features public, religious and business structures with architectural flair.
Orange Train Station
In the early 1900s, railroads revolutionized commerce across America. Built in 1910, the Orange Train Station served and sustained the county in a powerful way. Passenger service was discontinued in the 1970’s, but the Colonial Revival-style building remains a worthy stop, as it’s home to the Orange County Visitors Center. Visitors Center open seven days a week.
122 East Main Street
Orange, VA 22960
(540) 672-1653
Town of Orange Commercial Historic District Walking Tour
An digital tour of the Town of Orange Commercial Historic District illustrating the intriguing diversity of Orange’s past. The design, materials, and construction of these structures yield a distinctive collection of 19th and early 20th century buildings that reflect the history of the town. Provided by the James Madison Museum of Orange County Heritage
129 Caroline Street
Orange, VA 22960
(540) 672-1776
Wilderness Battlefield
Part of the Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park, the Wilderness Battlefield recalls the tragic cost of the Civil War. Visitors may walk the trails, take driving tours and visit battle sites.
35347 Constitution Highway
Locust Grove, VA 22160
(540) 693-3200
Museums
Audibert Tours
Phil Audibert is an enthusiastic historian who conducts local history tours. Offerings include tours of Civil War battlefields, heritage sites and historic downtowns.
(540) 832-3509
Carver 4-County Museum
EXHIBITS ARE VIRTUAL
From 1948 to 1968, George Washington Carver Regional High School was the secondary school educating African American students in the four-county region. The museum celebrates the contributions of its groundbreaking students, faculty and administrators.
9432 James Madison Highway (Rt 15)
Rapidan, VA 23373
(540) 547-2530
Exchange Hotel and Civil War Museum
Originally built as a hotel in 1860, this architectural gem became a receiving hospital for 70,000 soldiers from the Union and the Confederate armies. It is Virginia’s only Civil War Receiving Hospital standing today. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
400 South Main Street
Gordonsville, VA 22942
(540) 832-2944
Fort Germanna Visitor Center
Fort Germanna Visitor Center is OPEN from Monday to Friday
Located near the Germanna Fort close to the Rapidan River, the Visitor Center, library, museum and memorial garden honor the first German immigrants settling in Virginia in 1714. Enjoy the Siegen Forest trails, the 170 acre forest behind their campus.
2062 Germanna Highway (Rt 3)
Locust Grove, VA 22508
(540) 423-1700
James Madison’s Montpelier
Grounds, Tours & Trails Open Thursdays-Mondays, 9 AM-3:00 PM.
The home of James Madison, father of the Constitution and architect of the Bill of Rights, is a gleaming national treasure. From guided tours to galleries, family experiences to expansive walking trails, Montpelier delivers history and hands-on fun. See website for most accurate hours.
11350 Constitution Highway
Montpelier Station, VA 22957
(540) 672-2728
Orange County African-American Historical Society
The Orange County African-American Historical Society (OCAAHS) explores African-American contributions to the cultural and historical heritage of Orange County, Virginia. They promote awareness of the accomplishments and contributions of people of African descent as organic and essential components of our community, and of our nation, at large. They endeavor to identify, research and preserve African-American legacies, lore, and historical sites.
130 Caroline Street, Orange, Virginia 22960
Orange County Historical Society
The Orange County Historical Society illuminates the past for present enjoyment. Open Monday - Friday, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., except holidays.
130 Caroline Street
Orange, VA 22960
(540) 672-5366
The James Madison Museum of Orange County Heritage
The first museum in the United States to honor James Madison celebrates Orange County's historic footprint, featuring exhibits that honor those who paved the way for America today. Located inside the museum is a gift shop full of unique treasures. Open seven days a week.
129 Caroline Street
Orange, VA 22960
(540) 672-1776
Town of Orange Commercial Historic District Walking Tour
An digital tour of the Town of Orange Commercial Historic District illustrating the intriguing diversity of Orange’s past. The design, materials, and construction of these structures yield a distinctive collection of 19th and early 20th century buildings that reflect the history of the town. Provided by the James Madison Museum of Orange County Heritage
129 Caroline Street
Orange, VA 22960
(540) 672-1776
Orange County
Up Close
The Wilderness Battlefield spans over
2,700 acres
Montpelier’s 8 miles
of trails feature wildflower meadows, wildlife and mountain views.
In its heyday,
the Barboursville mansion (now the Barboursville Ruins) had its own racetrack.
