From its beginnings as a colonial village, this prosperous community has been home to lawyers and politicians such as Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall, who practiced here; William Smith, governor of Virginia from 1846 to1849 and 1864 to 1865; 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 includes an exceptional collection of houses, churches and commercial buildings in a wide range of architectural styles. The district also preserves a number of buildings 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.
In the 1980s, Warrenton's downtown was threatened by the competition of nearby strip shopping centers. In 1983, the Warrenton Historic District was listed in the National Register and six years later Warrenton became a designated Main Street community. The Partnership for Warrenton leads revitalization efforts in downtown. The organization has directed the community's attention to projects that improve the physical appearance of the commercial district, while retaining and recruiting an appropriate mix of businesses in Warrenton's charming and vibrant downtown historic district. The Warrenton Historic District is roughly bounded by Main, Waterloo, Alexandria, Winchester, Culpeper, High, Falmouth, Lee and Horner sts. The Partnership for Warrenton is located at 32 Ashby St. For more information about shopping, dining and events in Warrenton, call the Partnership at 540-349-8606. |
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