Recent and historic views of Culpeper
Historic photographs courtesy
of Museum of Culpeper History, color photographs courtesy of Scenic
America: Deborah L. Myerson
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The county-seat town
of Culpeper is significant for its architectural cohesiveness and associations
with commercial, military, political, and transportation history. Originally
known as Fairfax, Culpeper was founded in 1759. Most of the commercial
buildings are vernacular, Italianate, and neoclassical-style brick structures.
The quiet, tree-shaded residential streets hold a rich variety of domestic
architecture. The district's focal point is the Culpeper County Courthouse,
completed in 1874 by Samuel Proctor who crowned it with a fanciful cupola.
Commercial history is linked with its early roads, stagecoach routes,
and the railroad. Military history is represented by the homes of Revolutionary
War general Edward Stevens and Confederate Lieutenant
General Ambrose Powell Hill. The town served as a staging area and
hospital center for armies of both sides in the Civil War. Though a growing
community, Culpeper preserves a genial, typically American small-town
ambiance.
The Culpeper Historic District is bounded by Edmonson, Stevens and
West Sts. and the railroad tracks, in Culpeper. The Culpeper Chamber
of Commerce and Visitors Center can provide you with "In and Around
Culpeper," a brochure that includes 5 self-guided walking tours,
and information on guided walking tours that start in June. Located
at 109 South Commerce St., the Chamber is open 8:30am to 5:00pm weekdays,
10:00am to 4:00pm Saturdays, and 1:00pm to 4:00pm Sundays, or call 540-825-8628.
The Museum of Culpeper History can provide you with more information
on the history of Culpeper, and visit the website
for details on the opening of their new museum.
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