Two-time governor of Virginia William Smith was a Fauquier native. His home, Monta Rosa, is on Culpeper Street in Warrenton. During the California Gold Rush Smith went west and capitalized not on digging for gold but providing services and goods to the hopeful miners. Upon his return to Warrenton he constructed what is now known as the California Building from the profits of his adventure.

Fauquier natives fought in many wars - from Presley O’Bannon fighting pirates in the Mediterranean in the early 18th century, the American Revolution, the Civil War, and both World Wars. This exhibit displays artifacts and stories from specific soldiers.

Exhibit covers Mosby’s life from his military career to the civilian positions he held until the end of his life.

Warrenton Supply

Dr. Anderson’s Dental Office

Madison Barber Shop

Jeffries Drug Store

Ullman Department Store

Artifacts and stories about the men of Fauquier’s Black Horse Troop in the Civil War.

Artifacts from local Indian tribes including stone tools, arrowheads, tomahawk, and grindng stones.

This New Testament was a gift from John Singleton Mosby to Alexander
Dixon Payne in August 1874, when the two officers were involved in an argument over local politics. Mosby felt insulted by Payne’s attitude toward him and Payne challenged Mosby to a duel using squirrel rifles at 40 paces. Mosby attempted to reduce Payne’s anger by giving him this New Testament, but local lore relates that Payne accepted the Good Book, but placed it inside a desk drawer in his office rather than read it for spiritual comfort.

Cooler heads prevailed, however, and the potentially tragic affair ended without so much as a snap of a trigger from the squirrel rifles.

Known as Weatherman, National TV Personality, Actor, Narrator, Clown, Comedian and Author. These all describe Fauquier resident Willard Scott. The exhibit includes Willard’s original Ronald MacDonald shoes!