Things to Do

Historic Sites

History is everywhere in Rappahannock County. In fact, the entire Town of Washington, founded in 1799, is listed on the Register of National Historic Places. Officially established as a county in 1833, Rappahannock has preserved the best of America's rural way of life. By the end of 2009, Rappahannock's Civil War history will be commemorated with official markers of the Virginia Civil War Trails program.

Confederate Monument
A tribute to the men from Rappahannock County who fought during the Civil War.

"This monument was erected through the efforts and consecrated devotion of the local chapter of the Daughters Of The Confederacy and other votaries of Southern Chivalry a tribute of honor and affectionate regard for the unwavering patriotism faultless fealty and dauntless courage of the heroic men from Rappahannock County who so faithfully served their cause and country in the War Between the States"

Underneath the obelisk are listed four major battles, a motto, and a list of names or companies. These are: Chancellorsville with the motto "Sacred Martyrs," Manassas with the motto "Heroes of Rappahannock", Cold Harbor "Hallowed Names," and Wilderness "Deathless Dead."

Robert E. Lee side:

"The world shall yet decide In truth's clear, far-off light That those who served with Lee as guide Were heroes in the Right"
262 Gay Street / Washington, VA 22747
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Rappahannock County Courthouse
Built in 1835 by Malcolm Crawford, Thomas Jefferson's apprentice.
Hours: M-F, 8:30 am-4:30 pm
250 Gay Street / Washington, VA 22747
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Rappahannock Historical Society & Museum
Our mission is to preserve the history of Rappahannock County and its people in order to highlight the past for a better understanding of the future. Our gift shop features historical maps, memorabilia and products from Rappahannock County. Visit our museum. A nonprofit organization.
Hours: M, Tu & Th, 11 am-5 pm
www.rappahannockhistsoc.org
rapphistsoc@comcast.net
540.675.1163
328 Gay Street / Washington, VA
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Town of Washington
Physically, the Town has never outgrown the five-by-two-block grid that the 17-year-old George Washington laid out some 260 years ago. The streets still bear the names of the families who owned the land on which the Town was founded
www.town.washington.va.us
540.675.3128
Washington, VA

Town of Washington Monument
Notes significant dates in history of the town.

The Town of Washington, Virginia
• "The First Washington of All"
• Surveyed and Platted by George Washington with the assistance of John Lonem and Edward Corder, as chainmen August 4, 1749.
• Organized and Established as a Town by the General Assembly of Virginia December 14, 1796.
• Incorporated as a Municipality by the General Assembly of Virginia February 12, 1894.
485 Gay Street / Washington, VA 22747
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Washington Town Hall
Circa 1857, originally built as a Presbyterian Church.
Hours: M-Th, 9:30 am-2:30 pm
www.town.washington.va.us
540.675.3128
485 Gay Street / Washington, VA 22747
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Related Events

October 16 - October 17, 2010

House Tour 2010 and Dried Flower Sale
For the 53rd year in a row, this annual fund-raiser, sponsored by the Trinity Episcopal Church Women of the Parish, but supported by all in the church and many in the wider Rappahannock community, is the sole event the women use to raise money for their charities. Monies realized from this event go mostly to local needs, but also are sent farther afield in Virginia, the nation, and the world. This year's three houses represent three centuries of domestic architecture, but they also show the changes that time has wrought on their appearances. In fact, each one of them now shows only one chapter in their lives as family residences and businesses, in the stories of their owners and their stewards, and in the ongoing use and adaptation of old resources for new needs. Maps of the tour can be picked up at Trinity Episcopal Church in Little Washington on the days of the tour. Tea will be served both days from 2-5pm at the nearby Middleton Inn, an award-winning B&B. Don't forget to check out the beautiful dried flower arrangements for sale in the Parish Hall!
Rates: $10 per house or $20 for all 3 + tea at The Middleton Inn
Hours: 11am - 5pm Sat; 1-5pm Sun
www.trinwash.org
540.675.3716
379 Gay Street / Washington, VA
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