”Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it” Santayana once said. And he was right. It’s important to think about this sentence now more than ever. Orange County is (if we have the liberty to say it) perhaps one of the capitols of history in America. There is a lot to see and even more to learn. Are you wondering where to start? Check out some of the places from this history lover’s guide to Orange County, VA.
Start at the Orange Train Station
The train in literature often symbolizes an important journey. Therefore, the Orange Train Station can be a perfect place to start your journey to getting more profound knowledge about American history hidden in this beautiful part of Virginia. Trains changed the face of business in the United States in the early twentieth century. Having been constructed in 1910, the Orange Train Station played a crucial role in the county’s continued existence and development.
Although the Colonial Revival-style structure is no longer used for passenger transportation, it is nevertheless worth a visit since it houses the Orange County Visitors Center. The Visitor Center is open all seven days of the week. It’s kind of a crossroads for all the visitors. So, buying a vacation home near it can be a great investment.
Make sure to hop on the train of knowledge with this history lover’s guide to Orange County!
Visit Wilderness Battlefield
The sad cost of the Civil War is memorialized in the Wilderness Battlefield, located in the Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park. Guests have the option of:
Vehicle excursions
Self-guided hikes
Visits to historic battlegrounds
To an inexperienced eye, it may seem like an ordinary field in the village. But it’s so much more. Every rock and a little piece of grass hides great sorrow but also lessons for the generations to come. Make sure to listen to the old trees’ whispers and spread the word of wisdom to be cherished in the future.
Ellwood Manor is an important part of it
Ellwood Manor, which stands tall on the Wilderness Battlefield, was the command center for the Union’s right wing. There is a walking route and displays that will appeal to visitors of all ages at this historic property. Follow Route 20 to the Ellwood Manor entrance and soak in all it has to offer.
Exchange Hotel Museum was a place of hope
This structure, which opened in 1860 as a hotel, later served as a hospital for more than 70,000 service members from both the Union and the Confederate forces. This is the only surviving hospital from the Civil War era in Virginia. At the moment, you can visit it only on selected Saturdays during the month. But, seeing it and experiencing the place of life-saving and hope is definitely worth the extra effort.
Once a hotel, it became a place of hope and salvation for many during the Civil War.
The Germanna Fort Visitor Center will take your breath away
The Germanna Fort Visitor Center, library, museum, and memorial garden were built to commemorate the arrival of the first German settlers to Virginia in 1714. Also, you can take advantage of the 170 acres of woodland behind the school and the Rapidan River access by visiting the Siegen Forest paths.
You may fall in love with it
Many people fall in love with this region because of it and decide to move here. However, the whole process can be a bit overwhelming, and some choose not to pursue their dreams because of all the fuss. In order to make relocation less stressful and actually enjoy the process, it’s best to find reliable movers and let them handle all the heavy lifting. That way, you’ll be free to enjoy all the hidden gems near Germana Fort.
James Madison’s Montpelier deserves its place in history lover’s guide to Orange County
Historic site commemorating the life and times of James Madison, a key figure in the creation of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. You may learn about the area’s history and have fun with your family on one of Montpelier’s guided tours, family activities, or hiking trails. Also, if you’re a DC commuter (and a history lover), this place can be quite a treat for you.
However, this big mansion holds the darker side of American history too. This residence offers a colorful insight into the period of slavery. Even though it may not be pleasant to revisit our ancestors’ mistakes, it’s important to learn and experience first-hand the history of the rich and the poor. The history of men in power and the history of the powerless. As only knowledge is the power that will help us make a better future.
Barboursville ruins and vineyards
Thomas Jefferson built this opulent palace for Governor James Barbour. Unfortunately, on Christmas Day 1884, a fire destroyed it. Ruins at Barboursville are preserved as a historical site and are visible amid the grapes. As seen from a distance, this site can be a perfect metaphor for both faces of American history – the richness and the poverty and the potential to grow. Even though this burnt mansion isn’t quite conventionally part of the holiday decorating contest, it can be even more worth visiting and being a part of it, even for a day.
Even though it’s in ruins, this place perfectly sums up the spirit of American history.
Final thoughts
Orange County in Virginia holds many treasures of American history. And we don’t mean the gold or the diamonds. The amount of knowledge circling between the walls of all the residences mentioned above is what is truly valuable. If you have the privilege to follow this history lover’s guide to Orange County, make sure to listen. Listen to all of these places while they’re telling you their story. Listen to the locals and ask them where to find more secret historical gems of this region. Soak in all the knowledge, as only knowledge is power. Take the opportunity to get mentally stronger so you’ll, one day, make the future worth fighting for.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
The Five Freedoms FREE, 7 pm October 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th The Five Freedom Lecture Series will help Americans better understand the freedoms guaranteed to them under the First Amendment, and encourage them to exercise these rights. To learn more and register, visit our website.
Fall Woods Walk October 16, 10 am-12 pm $25/Adult, $13/Child (6-12), Under 6 Free Join Montpelier’s Horticulturist and the Virginia Master Naturalists on a walk through James Madison’s beloved woodlands. Enjoy the fall foliage and learn about the ecological and economic contributions a well-managed forest provides to our society. Learn more and register here.
Constitution 101: Jay Wexler – The Odd Clauses October 17, 5 pm Free/Members; $5/Nonmembers Join us for a virtual conversation with Professor Jay Wexler, as he demonstrates how the “odd clauses” have incredible relevance to our lives, our government’s structure, and the integrity of our democracy. Learn more and register here.
Artifacts Tell a Story October 23, 1:30 pm $25/Adult, $13/Child (6-12), Under 6 Free Join Montpelier archaeologists to learn the stories artifacts hold, see objects that are being uncovered, and learn about the people who used them. Learn more and register here.
Montpelier Hunt Races November 6th Join us for the 86th running of the Montpelier Steeplechase. Learn more and purchase your tickets here.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
I love the diversity of Virginia, especially Fredericksburg/Orange county areas; I find it surprising when people say it’s “boring”. Here at Lake of the Woods we are so close to so many other different local areas: including Culpeper, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania. There’s plenty to do – some things are even free. Explore downtown Culpeper or Fredericksburg, on a warm sunny day; adventure out of the house for a little bit during the cold Christmas season too! Just dress warm, of course – but don’t let it hold you back from a beautiful brisk night out on the town. The immediate counties and towns by Lake of the Woods are full of beautiful holiday decorations and lights – and it doesn’t cost a dime to enjoy them (other than a little bit of gas, if they’re not within your walking distance). In addition to the historic downtown areas, Culpeper, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and even Orange all have many battlefield sites; did you know there’s a pyramid in Fredericksburg? I sure didn’t until one of my best friend’s took me there and now, I can’t help but mention it whenever someone suggests there’s nothing here to do. There are so many different battlefields spread throughout the area, if you feel like adventuring outside and learning some history, you will have many options! So check out: Meade’s Pyramid to start, Wilderness Battlefield, and the Spotsylvania Battlefield to name a few. With some detailed research you can certainly plan a day trip or even a whole weekend, if you’re really feeling adventurous! Right in Orange, Virginia (less than a 40 minute drive from Lake of the Woods) is the Inn at Willow Grove, if you fancy a nice meal while you’re out. The grounds are beautiful and right down the road is James Madison’s Montpelier and Museum; if you’re looking for a ‘boozier’ adventure, try taking a wine trail tour. There are multiple wineries, cideries, breweries and distilleries between Fredericksburg and Charlottesville, Virginia. Check out the popular wineries and breweries in Orange and if you visit – let us know what you think! If you’re up for spending a little bit of money and going on a drive, there are a couple drive-thru movie theaters I would highly recommend! Check out my reviews here. And they’re less than 2 hours away from Lake of the Woods. There’s also the classic bowling or dinner and a movie! Most notably in Fredericksburg and Culpeper. Fredericksburg holds a unique establishment in which, they have bowling, pool tables, a restaurant and a movie theater all in one – there’s certainly no room for boredom there. Both Fredericksburg and Culpeper are only about a 30-minute drive from Lake of the Woods. The drive is beautiful especially in the fall, when the trees alongside Route 3 are starting to change. It’s always nice to window shop around the local Spotsylvania mall, or antique shop in downtown Culpeper, Orange or Fredericksburg. In the warmer days it’s even more enjoyable to visit the local parks and downtown shops, especially if you have a fur-friend to bring along! Many local area businesses are dog-friendly (especially in downtown Fredericksburg) it only takes a quick moment to look them up before you bring Fido to make sure he/she will be allowed inside. One place Fido is always welcome: the Shenandoah National Park! They have many hiking trails and lodging available for you and your companion(s) among the mountains. The best part is that it’s only a 45-minute drive from Culpeper and from Fredericksburg, less than a 2-hour drive. It’s certainly an adventurous way to spend the day with your best pal(s). From the historical cities and battlefields, to the drive-in theater, bowling alley or trip to the mountains, there is always something to do. What are some of your favorite places to visit in Virginia? We’d love to hear about them! Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my homeworth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata. To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
