Virginia is one of the oldest states in the United States, having joined the Union in 1788. This long history has given Virginia a treasure trove of historic landmarks and old buildings, many of which remain to this day thanks to preservation efforts in the many towns and cities that call the “Old Dominion” State home.
Visit seven small towns whose size has preserved a wealth of unique architecture, both old and new. From mansions once home to important historical figures, to museums, forts and pioneer villages, learn more about Virginia’s storied past through these beautiful examples of American architecture.
Lexington
Lexington, Virginia, is known for its well-preserved historic district and impressive architectural diversity, despite its relatively small population of less than 8,000. Home to two well-known universities, Washington and Lee University and Virginia Military Institute, Lexington is also rich in academic and historical landmarks.
Downtown Lexington’s Main Street is lined with 19th-century Federal, Greek Revival and Gothic Revival buildings that house a variety of shops, restaurants and galleries. Historic landmarks include Stonewall Jackson House, the former home of a Confederate general, and Lee Chapel and Museum, where General Robert E. Lee is buried.
Lexington, like many other cities in the state, boasts a beautiful courthouse designed in the Classical Revival style and many carefully preserved homes still in use today.
Stanton
The downtown area of Staunton, Virginia is widely known for its many surviving buildings built in the 19th and early 20th centuries, which represent architectural styles popular at the time, including Greek Revival, Federal and Victorian.
Notable attractions include the American Shakespeare Center, housed in Blackfriars Playhouse, a replica of Shakespeare’s original indoor theater in London, England. Down the street on Richmond Avenue is Staunton National Cemetery, built during the Civil War and a solemn yet beautiful site popular with historians. Staunton is also home to the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum, where you can tour the birthplace of the 28th President of the United States.
Stanton’s preservation efforts have earned it recognition on the National Register of Historic Places, making it an exemplary model for fostering a vibrant modern community while maintaining architectural integrity.
Middelburg
Known as the “Horse and Hunting Capital of the Nation,” Middleburg earned this title thanks to the numerous historic mansions and other buildings associated with steeplechase and (formerly) fox hunting, popular pastimes in this rural part of Virginia.
Must-see attractions in Middleburg include the Red Fox Inn and Tavern, founded in 1728. The inn and tavern has hosted many famous people over the centuries, including John F. Kennedy.
Middleburg is surrounded by scenic countryside and offers many places to soak up the views. A short drive from the town, you can visit the many mansions and horse farms that tell the story of the town’s equestrian history. You can learn more about this at the National Sports Library Museum, which has a vast collection of art and documents relating to equestrian and outdoor sports. This ideal grape growing region also offers a number of wineries to visit and tour in the area surrounding the town. Boxwood Estate Winery and Greenhill Vineyards are easily accessible and highly recommended.
Abingdon
Founded in 1778, downtown Abingdon still features many 18th- and 19th-century buildings in styles popular at the time, including Victorian and Greek Revival. The Martha Washington Inn and Spa, for example, was built in 1832 and has served as a home, a hospital and even a university over its history. A somewhat newer building, the Barter Theatre, opened in 1933 and is one of the oldest professional theaters in the country and a major cultural landmark in the region, still hosting plays, concerts and other live shows today.
A variety of antique yet well-preserved buildings can be found along West Main Street, which runs through the heart of downtown. See a Civil War-era home up close at the Fields-Penn 1860 House Museum and learn more about Abingdon’s history at the Washington County Historical Society next door.
Cape Charles
Located on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay, Cape Charles is both a popular vacation spot and a long-standing historic landmark. The Cape Charles Historic District is home to many historically significant buildings, including the Cape Charles Memorial Library.
The downtown business district is home to the Cape Charles Museum, a curated collection of artifacts and exhibits housed in a former power plant, as well as gift shops and picnic areas. Back in the Cape Charles Historic District in the city’s center, you’ll easily find hotels (such as the Bay Haven Inn of Cape Charles, housed in a 1906 colonial home), shops and restaurants serving locally caught seafood.
On the other side of downtown is the beachfront, an ideal spot for great views of the Chesapeake Bay, so be sure to come and watch the sunset.
Warrenton
Popular landmarks within Warrenton include the Fauquier History Museum in the old jail, which details the town’s founding and law enforcement past, and the Fauquier County General District Courthouse, which opened in 1974.
For religious-themed excursions, the beautiful Gothic Revival Warrenton Presbyterian Church is worth a visit. Nearby, numerous cafes, restaurants, shops and hotels, many of which are housed in old brick storefronts, are all within walking distance. Grab a bite to eat at Claire’s at the Depot, an upscale restaurant located inside the 18th-century train station. Other former railroad businesses also have facilities, including Silver Branch Warrenton Station Brewery across the street and Wild Hare Cider at The Granary next door.
orange
Orange has many notable architectures that make it an interesting tourist destination. The Orange County Courthouse, designed by Thomas Jefferson’s student William B. Phillips, is an important landmark that features Jefferson’s distinctive architectural style. The James Madison Museum is also an interesting place to learn more about the history of the area and the heritage associated with the fourth US president.
The town’s residential and commercial districts are dotted with historic homes dating back to various historical periods, from its 18th-century founding to the present day. For example, the Holladay House Inn is a gorgeous brick home built in 1830 on land originally owned by a Revolutionary War veteran that still stands today. Another operating hotel is Greenock Manor, which has been around for 150 years. This Victorian mansion is also a great venue for weddings.
Experience Virginia’s incredible architecture
Virginia has a rich history dating back to the nation’s founding, with many famous buildings and landmarks that date back centuries. Explore these living landmarks and gain knowledge and appreciation for Virginia and the people who made it the great state it is today. Become a part of history by staying in buildings that still operate as inns, restaurants and shops.