Here in Virginia, virtually every small town has a fascinating historic past. Yet there are some that are lesser known that others. Today, we’ll take a look at the picturesque town of Waterford, with its fascinating beginnings as a mill town founded by Quakers. Here’s more on this historic small town, and why every Virginian should visit at least once.

Tucked away in the gorgeous Loudoun County of Northern Virginia awaits a relatively little-known village of Waterford.
Payton Chung/flickr
With its beautiful 18th and 19th century architecture, the entire town as well as the surrounding farmland is considered to be a National Historic Landmark.
Wikipedia
This distinction of National Historic Landmark District is given to only three sites in the U.S.
Payton Chung/flickr
Waterford saw its beginnings in 1733 when a Quaker by the name of Amos Janney arrived to the area from Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
Pierre Metivier/flickr

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Janney established a grist mill and a saw mill and established the area’s importance as a mill town established along the south fork of Catoctin Creek.
Wikicommons
After the Civil War, the town fell into disrepair and sat virtually vacant until 1974, when the Waterford Foundation was formed to preserve the historic properties.
Wikicommons
Visitors to the village today will be delighted to find that many of the houses built in the 19h century are still standing today, as picturesque as ever.
Payton Chung/flickr
When you visit, be sure to embark on the walking tour, which makes its way down Main and Second Street and passes impressive landmarks such as the Jail, Old Mill (photographed below), Corner Store, Post Office, and scenic row houses.
Stephen Little/flickr

Have you toured the historic village of Waterford recently? We’d love to hear what your experience there was like! For more information about the Waterford Walking Tour, you can visit the official site here.

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