 
Nighttime in Warrenton
Photograph courtesy of Scenic America: Cheryl Shepherd
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From its beginnings
as a colonial village, this prosperous community has been home to lawyers
and politicians such as Supreme Court Chief John Marshall,
who practiced here; William Smith, governor of Virginia in 1846-49 and
1864-65; and Eppa Hunton, Confederate general and
U.S. Congressman. Known as Fauquier Court House until its incorporation
in 1810, Warrenton takes its present name from Warren Academy. The community
has long been noted for its beautiful setting, healthful climate, and
cultivated society. As a result it boasts an exceptional collection of
houses, churches,
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Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside and staff
camped in Warrenton, November 1862
Photograph courtesy of Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs
Division, [cwp 4a40087]
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and commercial buildings in a wide range of styles. The district also
preserves a number of structures associated with the Civil War, when
Warrenton was variously occupied by both sides. The architectural focal
point is the county courthouse, a Classical Revival building erected
in 1890 on the site of an earlier courthouse. The most prestigious residences
line Culpeper and Falmouth streets.
The Warrenton Historic District is roughly bounded by Main, Waterloo,
Alexandria, Winchester, Culpeper, High, Falmouth, Lee, and Horner Sts.
in Warrenton. The Visitor Center, located at 183 Keith, is open 7 days
a week 9:00am to 5:00pm and provides a walking tour brochure for the
historic district. Call 540-347-4444 for further information.
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