TIME TO REMEMBER!
Long before Europeans arrived in America, Native Americans lived off the land that is now Clarke County, VA.
In the early 18th century, the area was part of a vast 5-million-acre property owned by Lord Thomas Fairfax that stretched from the Shenandoah Valley to the Chesapeake Bay. Lord Fairfax built his American home in what is now the Clarke County village of White Post. An actual white post still stands in the spot where a young George Washington erected a post while surveying land for Lord Fairfax.
The state Senate officially established Clarke County on March 8, 1836, by separating the new county from Frederick County. It is named for George Rogers Clark (no “e”), a Virginian who became the highest-ranking American military officer on the northwestern frontier during the American Revolutionary War. Today, Clarke County remains primarily a rural, agricultural county, with a strong culture of community.
The Civil War devastated the area, but many old plantation homes survived and remain standing today. Gradually the agricultural emphasis changed from wheat to fruit production, with immense orchards of apples spreading over the landscape. Horses and cattle still flourish. Over time, the county’s businesses have become more diverse, yet Clarke County maintains the rural nature its residents cherish.
CIVIL WAR SITES
Only one battle was fought in Clarke County during the Civil War. It was at Cool Spring, and the property is now owned by the Shenandoah University as part of its Shenandoah Campus. Public walking and biking trails throughout the property afford visitors the opportunity to learn more about the Battle.
The Mount Bleak Farm, now part of Sky Meadows State Park, was used by both Union and Confederate troops during the Civil War for camping and supplies.
HISTORIC STRUCTURES
Burwell-Morgan Mill – A National Register Historical Landmark and one of the oldest operational grist mills in the country, located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. In the early 1780s, General Daniel Morgan joined efforts with Colonel Nathaniel Burwell of Carter Hall to build this water-powered mill, in an area that would become the village of Millwood in Clarke County, VA. Learn about the waterwheel, colonial agricultural, local industry, and grinding grains here. Open May through November. History – Burwell-Morgan Mill
Old Chapel Church and Cemetery – Built in 1792. History – Old Chapel
Long Branch – In 1788, Robert Carter Burwell, a descendant of Robert “King” Carter, inherited the land sitting along a stream known as Long Branch where he started a wheat plantation. Around 1810 he began construction of a mansion on the site that still stands today. Tour the historic house and grounds or book your event. It also houses a rotating art gallery. History – Long Branch
Blandy Experimental Farm – The 712-acres of land that is now Blandy Experimental Farm, the Virginia State Arboretum, was once part of the Tuleyries estate in 1780. The mansion on the property was constructed in the 1830s. Sign up for a workshop, guided eco tour, or attend the Gingko Grove Festival. History – Blandy
Rosemont Manor – Built in 1811 by George Horton Norris as a wedding gift for his bride, Jane Bowles Wormeley. Plan your wedding or stay the night. History – Rosemont
Clermont Farm – This mid-sized farm was originally surveyed by an 18-year old George Washington in 1750 and is currently run by The Clermont Foundation which uses the farm’s many historic buildings and 360-acre working cattle and sheep operation to promote public education and engagement with agriculture, history, and historic preservation. Support their fundraiser, the Native Plant Sale event held in October. History – Clermont Farm
MUSEUMS
The Josephine School Community Museum – Located at 303 Josephine Street in Berryville, VA, this museum preserves and celebrates the County’s African-American heritage and history and contains a replica of a circa 1900 classroom in the self-sufficient community of Josephine City, established by former slaves and free blacks early in the 1870’s. The community was an oasis for the county’s African Americans who purchased lots for $100 an acre from Ellen McCormick, owner of Clermont Farm; and was complete with a school, grocery store, gas station, boarding house, restaurant, cemetery, and two churches. Home – Josephine School Community Museum
The Clarke County Historical Association’s Downtown Berryville Museum – Founded in 1939, the Association is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to preserving the history of Clarke County. Their offices are located in the historic Coiner House at 32 E. Main Street in Berryville which also houses their research library and historical archives. Clarke County Historical Association
OTHER HISTORY-RELATED LOCATIONS
Dinosaur Land – 50 life-sized replicas of prehistoric dinosaurs. Tour this family-friendly roadside attraction. History – Dinosaur Land
Downtown Berryville – Incorporated in 1798 and serving as the County Seat, many buildings were constructed before the Civil War and have stood the test of time. Stroll the small town for boutique shopping and intimate restaurants. Berryville Main Street
Barns of Rose Hill – Clarke County’s cultural arts center with art exhibits, workshops and live musical concerts. Originally part of a 100-acre estate, Rose Hill was built in the mid-19th century by Dr. S. S. Neill, a surgeon in the Confederate Army. Currently, the two dairy barns on the property were fully restored in 2011 and now house a 501c3 nonprofit arts venue and community center. History – Barns of Rose Hill
Audley Farm – Founded in 1749. Audley’s most well-known resident was Eleanor “Nellie” Custis Lewis, the adopted daughter of George and granddaughter of Martha Washington. Her historic residence, Audley House, has been completely restored and is the centerpiece of Audley Farm. Visit their beef market at Clarke County Farmers Market and The Audley Farm Stand. History – Audley Farm
Bear’s Den Hostel – Built by Dr. Huron Lawson and his wife in 1933 as a summer home. Now used as a respite for weary Appalachian Trail hikers and events. History – Bear’s Den
Appalachian Trail – The 22-mile section in Clarke County traverses through thick forests and over rushing streams, with magnificent views of the Shenandoah Valley. View information about day hikes in Clarke County in the Appalachian Trail Hikes Brochure.
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