Warrenton Historic District
An historic and vibrant Main Street community

Since its beginnings as a colonial village, Warrenton 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.

A Virginia Main Street community since 1989, the town includes an exceptional collection of houses, churches, and commercial buildings in a wide range of architectural styles. In the historic district there are many buildings associated with the Civil War, during which Warrenton changed hands more times nearly than any other town. The architectural focal point is the county courthouse, a Classical Revival building built in 1890 on the site of an earlier courthouse.

Warrenton is popular among journeyers who enjoy walking from shop to shop, especially since the complete restoration of the town’s brick sidewalks to accommodate people of all abilities.

The Warrenton Historic District was listed in the National Register in 1983, and is now supported by an active downtown partnership. Since becoming a designated Virginia Main Street community in 1989, downtown Warrenton has had almost 400 buildings rehabilitated with $18 million in private funds and $357,000 in public funds invested in downtown.