Historic Middleburg

In 1787, Levin Powell, a Revolutionary War Lieutenant Colonel and Virginia statesman, purchased the land known as Chinn’s Crossing for $2.50 an acre from Joseph Chinn, first cousin to George Washington.  He renamed it Middleburg because of the town’s location midway between Alexandria on the Potomac River and Winchester on the Ashby Gap trading route. That route is now Route 50 or the John Mosby Highway. Much of America’s early history unfolded around Middleburg, which was the site of battles in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.

Since the 1700s, Middleburg has been a staging and resting point for weary travelers along the Ashby Gap Road. Still a small, charming village with one traffic light, Middleburg has evolved over the centuries into a warm and welcoming destination for visitors seeking the enjoy our tradition of horses, hounds and history. Middleburg has lovely inns, all of which have fascinating histories and have welcomed movie stars, American presidents and the famous and infamous over the decades. John F. Kennedy held one of his first press conferences after being elected President of the United States in the Red Fox Inn, one of the oldest, continuously operating inns in the nation.  Sen. John Warner and his then-wife Elizabeth Taylor often dined in Middleburg restaurants when they were married, but Middleburg is also known for its gracious hospitality to every visitor, regardless of fame or fortune.

Middleburg is pet-friendly and is a great place for families. Dogs are welcome in most shops and it’s not uncommon to see water bowls outside our stores and restaurants.  Most businesses are locally owned and you won’t fine big box or chain stores in our shopping district.  What you will find are people who are simply glad to see you.  

The town is one hour from downtown Washington, DC and 35 minutes from Dulles International Airport.  Once you cross over Route 15 and staying on John Mosby Highway, you will be surrounded by rolling vistas of farms and hills, with some of the most scenic countryside of Virginia.

Other Local Sites of Interest: 

National Sporting Library & Museum: Located in the town of Middleburg this is a state-of the-art research facility dedicated to the world of horse sports, shooting and fishing.  In 2011 the Museum opened with their inaugural exhibit "Afield in America" 400 years of Animal & Sporting Art 1585-1985.  Visit their website for more exhibits and hours.
http://www.nsl.org/

Aldie Mill Historic District: Located four miles east of Middleburg along US 50 is the town of Aldie, and early-19th-century village centered around the recently-restored Aldie Mill.
http://www.nvrpa.org/park/aldie_mill_historic_park

Glenwood Park: Located two miles north of town, this property was donated by Daniel C. Sands for local use as an equine and agricultural event site.  http://glenwoodpark.org/

Goose Creek Stone Bridge: This early-19th-century, 4-arched stone bridge is among the oldest surviving turnpike bridges in Northern Virginia. http://www.hallowedground.org/component/option,com_jthg/theme,region/task,view/county,Loudoun/Itemid,1/id,94/

Great Meadow Foundation: Nestled in the heart of Virginia’s Piedmont countryside, Great Meadow is a 250-acre field events center and steeplechase course operated under stewardship of the Great Meadow Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of open space for community use. http://www.greatmeadow.org/

The John Singleton Mosby Heritage Area Driving Tour: This Heritage Area is recognized for its association with local Civil War hero, Col. John S. Mosby. The driving tour highlights many significant historical sites and natural resources in a multi-county area.
http://www.mosbyheritagearea.org/

Mt. Zion Church:  Constructed in 1851 as an Old School Baptist church, this 2-story brick structure was at the center of a Civil War battle in 1864. http://www.mtzioncpa.org/

Oatlands:  A Federal-style mansion built in 1804 by George Carter, great grandson of Robert “King” Carter. Oatlands is now a co-stewardship property with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and is open for public tours.  http://www.oatlands.org/

Sky Meadow State Park:  Just 15 minutes from Middleburg on Rt. 17 S, Sky Meadows State Park in Clarke and Fauquier counties, offers a peaceful getaway on the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With rolling pastures and woodlands, the park boasts beautiful vistas of the foothills and access to the Appalachian Trail. Its rich history is shaped by the development of agriculture and the impact of the Civil War. Activities include hiking, fishing, picnicking, horseback riding, primitive camping, and nature and history. programs.http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/sky.shtml