History
& Heritage

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

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Civil War Trails

Download your Civil War Trails Brochure today!

Click here to download your free brochure!

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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 walking trail. Park at the Ellwood Manor gate off of Route 20.

36380 Constitution Highway (Rt 20)
Locust Grove, VA 22508
(540) 786-2880

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Exchange Hotel and Civil War Museum

Re-opening April 1st, 2023!

Originally built as a hotel in 1860, it became a receiving hospital for 70,000 soldiers from the Union and the Confederate armies. Virginia’s only Civil War Receiving Hospital standing today. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

400 South Main Street
Gordonsville, VA 22942
(540) 832-2944

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Fort Germanna Visitor Center

Located near the Germanna Fort site, 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 and Rapidan River access.

2062 Germanna Highway (Rt 3)
Locust Grove, VA 22508
(540) 423-1700

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Historic Bloomsbury

Bloomsbury, which lies about two miles east of the Town of Orange, is believed to be the oldest surviving home in Orange County. Historic Bloomsbury is now open for tours of the home and property. The tours will be conducted by the James Madison Museum of Orange County History in partnership with the Helen Marie Taylor Trust. Those who are interested in booking a tour can contact the museum at (540) 672-1776 or jamesmadisonmuseum@gmail.com.

Bloomsbury Road
Orange, VA 22960

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James Madison’s Montpelier

Open 7 days a week from 9am-4pm

The home of James Madison, father of the Constitution and architect of the Bill of Rights. Guided tours, family experiences to 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

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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

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Orange Commercial Historic 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.

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Orange Commercial Historic District Walking Tour

An audio tour of the Town of Orange Commercial Historic District illustrating the diversity of the Town of Orange’s past. A Map/Brochure is available at the Visitor Center.

129 Caroline Street
Orange, VA 22960
(540) 672-1776

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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

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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

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

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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

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Carver 4-County Museum

EXHIBITS ARE VIRTUAL & IN PERSON

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

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Exchange Hotel and Civil War Museum

Re-opening April 1st, 2023!

Originally built as a hotel in 1860, it became a receiving hospital for 70,000 soldiers from the Union and the Confederate armies. Virginia’s only Civil War Receiving Hospital standing today. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

400 South Main Street
Gordonsville, VA 22942
(540) 832-2944

Visit Website

Fort Germanna Visitor Center

Located near the Germanna Fort site, 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 and Rapidan River access.

2062 Germanna Highway (Rt 3)
Locust Grove, VA 22508
(540) 423-1700

Visit Website

James Madison’s Montpelier

Open 7 days a week from 9am-4pm

The home of James Madison, father of the Constitution and architect of the Bill of Rights. Guided tours, family experiences to 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

Visit Website

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 endeavor to identify, research and preserve African-American legacies, lore, and historical sites.

130 Caroline Street, Orange, Virginia 22960

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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

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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

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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.

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