The Historic Small Town That Every Virginian Should Visit At Least Once

There are so many historic towns in Virginia to explore. Yet there are some that are lesser known than 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.

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.

This distinction of National Historic Landmark District is given to only three sites in the U.S.

Waterford saw its beginnings in 1733 when a Quaker by the name of Amos Janney arrived to the area from Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Have you toured the historic village of Waterford recently? We'd love to hear what your experience there was like exploring one of the most charming historic towns in Virginia. Need a place to stay while you're exploring the area? Check out these unique vacation rentals near Waterford, VA.