Fauquier County | |
---|---|
County | |
![]() Fauquier County Courthouse in Warrenton | |
![]() Location within the U.S. state of Virginia | |
![]() Virginia's location within the U.S. | |
Coordinates: 38°44′N 77°49′W / 38.74°N 77.81°W | |
Country | ![]() |
State | ![]() |
Founded | 1759 |
Named for | Francis Fauquier |
Seat | Warrenton |
Largest community | New Baltimore |
Area | |
• Total | 651 sq mi (1,690 km2) |
• Land | 647 sq mi (1,680 km2) |
• Water | 3.8 sq mi (10 km2) 0.6% |
Population (2020) | |
• Total | 72,972 |
• Density | 110/sq mi (43/km2) |
Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
Congressional district | 10th |
Website | www.fauquiercounty.gov |
Fauquier County /fɔːˈkɪər/ is a county in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 72,972.[1] The county seat is Warrenton.[2]
Fauquier County is in Northern Virginia and is a part of the Washington metropolitan area.
History
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fb/Fauquier.jpg/200px-Fauquier.jpg)
In 1608, the first European to explore in the vicinity, Captain John Smith, reported that the Whonkentia (a subgroup of the Siouan-speaking Manahoac tribe) inhabited the area. The Manahoac were forced out around 1670 by the Iroquois (Seneca), who did not resettle the area.[3] The Conoy camped briefly near The Plains, from 1697 to 1699.[4] The Six Nations ceded the entire region including modern Fauquier to Virginia Colony at the Treaty of Albany, in 1722.
Fauquier County was established on May 1, 1759, from Prince William County. It is named for Francis Fauquier,[5] Lieutenant Governor of Virginia at the time, who won the land in a poker game, according to legend.
American Civil War battles in Fauquier County included (in order) the First Battle of Rappahannock Station, the Battle of Thoroughfare Gap, the Battle of Kelly's Ford, the Battle of Aldie, the Battle of Middleburg, the Battle of Upperville, the First and Second Battle of Auburn, the Battle of Buckland Mills, and the Second Battle of Rappahannock Station.
Geography
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/2018-10-22_11_22_19_View_west_along_Interstate_66_and_Virginia_State_Route_55_and_north_along_U.S._Route_17_from_the_overpass_for_Ashville_Road_%28Virginia_State_Route_723%29_in_Ashville%2C_Fauquier_County%2C_Virginia.jpg/220px-thumbnail.jpg)
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has an area of 651 square miles (1,690 km2), of which 647 square miles (1,680 km2) is land and 3.8 square miles (9.8 km2) (0.6%) is water.[6] Fauquier county is not densely populated, but exurban development from Washington, DC has sprung up in some parts. Even in rural areas, housing complexes can be seen along highways. The highest point by elevation is Blue Mountain at 2,205 ft (672 meters) on the county's northwestern border with Warren County.[7]
Adjacent counties
- Clarke County (north)
- Loudoun County (north)
- Prince William County (east)
- Stafford County (southeast)
- Culpeper County (southwest)
- Rappahannock County (west)
- Warren County (northwest)
Major highways
Demographics
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1790 | 17,892 | — | |
1800 | 21,329 | 19.2% | |
1810 | 22,689 | 6.4% | |
1820 | 23,103 | 1.8% | |
1830 | 26,086 | 12.9% | |
1840 | 21,897 | −16.1% | |
1850 | 20,868 | −4.7% | |
1860 | 21,706 | 4.0% | |
1870 | 19,690 | −9.3% | |
1880 | 22,993 | 16.8% | |
1890 | 22,590 | −1.8% | |
1900 | 23,374 | 3.5% | |
1910 | 22,526 | −3.6% | |
1920 | 21,869 | −2.9% | |
1930 | 21,071 | −3.6% | |
1940 | 21,039 | −0.2% | |
1950 | 21,248 | 1.0% | |
1960 | 24,066 | 13.3% | |
1970 | 26,375 | 9.6% | |
1980 | 35,889 | 36.1% | |
1990 | 48,741 | 35.8% | |
2000 | 55,139 | 13.1% | |
2010 | 65,203 | 18.3% | |
2020 | 72,972 | 11.9% | |
2023 (est.) | 75,165 | 3.0% | |
U.S. Decennial Census[8] 1790–1960[9] 1900–1990[10] 1990–2000[11] 2010[12] 2020[13] |
2020 census
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2010[12] | Pop 2020[13] | % 2010 | % 2020 |
---|---|---|---|---|
White alone (NH) | 53,410 | 54,969 | 81.91% | 75.33% |
Black or African American alone (NH) | 5,232 | 4,999 | 8.02% | 6.85% |
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 186 | 128 | 0.29% | 0.18% |
Asian alone (NH) | 826 | 1,204 | 1.27% | 1.65% |
Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 27 | 49 | 0.04% | 0.07% |
Some Other Race alone (NH) | 103 | 339 | 0.16% | 0.46% |
Mixed Race or Multi-Racial (NH) | 1,241 | 3,491 | 1.90% | 4.78% |
Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4,178 | 7,793 | 6.41% | 10.68% |
Total | 65,203 | 72,972 | 100.00% | 100.00% |
2000 Census
In 2000, there were 19,842 households, out of which 36.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.80% were married couples living together, 8.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.70% were non-families. 18.70% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.14.
As of 2013, the population was spread out, with 24.2% under the age of 18, 6.40% from 18 to 24, 30.30% from 25 to 44, 26.00% from 45 to 64, and 14.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.8 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 95.4 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $93,762.[14] The per capita income for the county was $39,600. About 3.70% of families and 5.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.70% of those under age 18 and 8.70% of those age 65 or over.
The county is exurban. There has been increased growth in Warrenton and New Baltimore in recent years. The subdivisions of Brookside and Vint Hill have facilitated the growth in the eastern part of the county. There is some industry in Fauquier County, however the largest employer in the county is the county government and the hospital. As of the 2000 census, 47% of county residents that work have jobs that are outside the county.[15] The average travel time to work is 39.2 minutes.
Government
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d9/Fauquier_County_Sheriff%27s_Office_2020.jpg/220px-Fauquier_County_Sheriff%27s_Office_2020.jpg)
Board of Supervisors
- Cedar Run District: Richard Gerhardt (R) – Chairman
- Center District: Kevin T. Carter (R) - Vice Chairman
- Lee District: Daron Culbertson (R)
- Marshall District: Regan Washer (R)
- Scott District: Edwin W. "Ike" Broaddus (I) [16]
Constitutional officers
- Clerk of the Circuit Court: Gail H. Barb (R)
- Commissioner of the Revenue: Eric Maybach (R)
- Commonwealth's Attorney: Scott C. Hook (R)
- Sheriff: Jeremy A. Falls (R)
- Treasurer: Tanya Remson Wilcox (R)[17]
Legislators
The Virginia Senate:
The Virginia House of Delegates:
- Michael J. Webert (R)
- Elizabeth R. Guzmán (D)
- Phillip Scott (R)
The U.S. House of Representatives:
- Jennifer Wexton (D)
Law enforcement
The Fauquier County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency in Fauquier County, Virginia. Its headquarters are in Warrenton.[18] It supports the Warrenton Training Center, a CIA site in Warrenton.[citation needed]
Warrenton and Remington have their own police departments.[19][20]
Politics
Since 1952, Fauquier County has voted for the Republican Party in all but one presidential election.
Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
2020 | 25,106 | 57.50% | 17,565 | 40.23% | 990 | 2.27% |
2016 | 22,127 | 59.07% | 12,971 | 34.63% | 2,362 | 6.31% |
2012 | 21,034 | 59.16% | 13,965 | 39.28% | 556 | 1.56% |
2008 | 19,227 | 56.19% | 14,616 | 42.71% | 376 | 1.10% |
2004 | 19,011 | 63.55% | 10,712 | 35.81% | 192 | 0.64% |
2000 | 14,456 | 61.56% | 8,296 | 35.33% | 729 | 3.10% |
1996 | 11,063 | 57.45% | 6,759 | 35.10% | 1,436 | 7.46% |
1992 | 10,497 | 50.57% | 6,600 | 31.79% | 3,662 | 17.64% |
1988 | 11,733 | 69.86% | 4,837 | 28.80% | 226 | 1.35% |
1984 | 10,319 | 71.41% | 4,056 | 28.07% | 76 | 0.53% |
1980 | 6,782 | 58.11% | 4,119 | 35.30% | 769 | 6.59% |
1976 | 4,715 | 51.75% | 4,002 | 43.92% | 394 | 4.32% |
1972 | 4,654 | 67.71% | 2,039 | 29.67% | 180 | 2.62% |
1968 | 2,845 | 43.76% | 2,099 | 32.29% | 1,557 | 23.95% |
1964 | 2,101 | 37.43% | 3,506 | 62.46% | 6 | 0.11% |
1960 | 2,123 | 51.86% | 1,958 | 47.83% | 13 | 0.32% |
1956 | 2,112 | 55.55% | 1,567 | 41.22% | 123 | 3.24% |
1952 | 2,068 | 56.27% | 1,597 | 43.46% | 10 | 0.27% |
1948 | 1,102 | 41.32% | 1,291 | 48.41% | 274 | 10.27% |
1944 | 1,089 | 33.99% | 2,110 | 65.86% | 5 | 0.16% |
1940 | 756 | 28.67% | 1,874 | 71.07% | 7 | 0.27% |
1936 | 629 | 23.54% | 2,037 | 76.24% | 6 | 0.22% |
1932 | 379 | 15.82% | 1,999 | 83.43% | 18 | 0.75% |
1928 | 972 | 38.83% | 1,531 | 61.17% | 0 | 0.00% |
1924 | 345 | 20.14% | 1,277 | 74.55% | 91 | 5.31% |
1920 | 568 | 29.26% | 1,365 | 70.32% | 8 | 0.41% |
1916 | 367 | 23.32% | 1,204 | 76.49% | 3 | 0.19% |
1912 | 182 | 12.46% | 1,187 | 81.25% | 92 | 6.30% |
Education
Elementary schools
- C. M. Bradley Elementary School
- James G. Brumfield Elementary School
- W. G. Coleman Elementary School
- Grace Miller Elementary School
- H. M. Pearson Elementary School
- C. Hunter Ritchie Elementary School
- P. B. Smith Elementary School
- Claude Thompson Elementary School
- Mary Walter Elementary School
- Greenville Elementary School
- M. M. Pierce Elementary School
Middle schools
- Auburn Middle School
- Cedar Lee Middle School
- W. C. Taylor Middle School
- Marshall Middle School
- Warrenton Middle School
High schools
- Fauquier High School
- Liberty High School
- Southeastern Alternative School
- Kettle Run High School
- Mountain Vista Governor's School
Private schools
- Fresta Valley Christian School
- Highland School
- St. John The Evangelist Catholic School[22]
- Wakefield School
Higher education
- Laurel Ridge Community College
- Thorpe House Adult Learning Center
Economy
Top Employers
According to the county's 2023 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,[23] the county's largest employers are:
Rank | Employer | Number of Employees |
---|---|---|
1 | Fauquier County School Board | 1,000 and over |
2 | County of Fauquier | 500 to 999 |
3 | Fauquier Health System | 500 to 999 |
4 | United States Department of Transportation | 500 to 999 |
5 | Walmart | 250 to 499 |
6 | Town of Warrenton | 100 to 249 |
7 | Food Lion | 100 to 249 |
8 | White Horse OPCO LLC | 100 to 249 |
9 | The Home Depot | 100 to 249 |
10 | Blue Ridge Orthopedic Associates | 100 to 249 |
Communities
Towns
- Remington
- The Plains
- Warrenton (county seat)
Census-designated places
Other unincorporated communities
Notable people
- James Markham Ambler, American naval surgeon
- Turner Ashby, born in Fauquier County, Confederate Army colonel in the American Civil War.[24]
- Martin Berkofsky, classical pianist and philanthropist.
- Matt Carson, Entrepreneur and author
- Irv Cross, American footballer and sportscaster.
- Susan Cummings, an heiress infamous for killing Argentine polo player Roberto Villegas.
- Robert Duvall, American-born actor who maintains a farm in The Plains.
- Bertram and Diana Firestone, owners of Newstead Farm.
- George B. Fitch, American businessman, Mayor of Warrenton, founder of Jamaican Bobsled Team.
- Rear Admiral Cary Travers Grayson, owner of historic Blue Ridge Farm.
- Eppa Hunton, U.S. Representative and Senator from Virginia, born and lived in Warrenton.
- Charles Marshall, born in Warrenton, assistant adjutant general, aide de camp and military secretary to Gen. Robert E. Lee. Grandnephew of Chief Justice John Marshall.
- James K. Marshall, Colonel in the Confederate States Army, killed in action during Pickett's Charge at the Battle of Gettysburg while leading the brigade of J. Johnston Pettigrew, grandson of Chief Justice John Marshall.
- John Marshall, born in Fauquier County, Chief Justice of the United States.
- Paul Mellon, philanthropist, an Exemplar of Racing and owner of Rokeby Farm.
- John S. Mosby, lived in Warrenton, was a Confederate partisan ranger and cavalryman during the American Civil War. Buried in Warrenton cemetery.
- Karen O'Connor and David O'Connor, Olympic eventing riders
- Dorothy B. Porter, Bibliographer and curator, built the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center at Howard University
- Albert Rust, 19th-century American politician who served as a senior officer of the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War (1861–1865).
- Michaele Salahi and Tareq Salahi, the White House Gate Crashers.
- Willard Scott, an American media personality best known for his work on NBC's The Today Show who lived in Paris, Virginia.
- Scott Shipp, born in Warrenton, Superintendent of Virginia Military Institute from 1890 to 1907.
- Isabel Dodge Sloane, owner of Brookmeade Stud.
- William "Extra Billy" Smith, died in Warrenton, was a lawyer, congressman, two-time Governor of Virginia and one of the oldest Confederate generals in the American Civil War.
- Shedrick Thompson, disputed lynching victim
- Liz Whitney Tippett, owner of the Llangollen estate.
- William B. Waddell (Pony Express founder), Pony Express founder
See also
- Fauquier County Sheriff's Office
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Fauquier County, Virginia
- Timeline of Fauquier County, Virginia in the Civil War
- Fauquier, British Columbia
References
- ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
- ^ Swanton, John R. (1952). The Indian Tribes of North America. Smithsonian Institution. pp. 61–62. hdl:2027/mdp.39015015025854. ISBN 0-8063-1730-2. OCLC 52230544.
- ^ Harrison Williams, Legends of Loudoun, pp. 20-21.
- ^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. pp. 124.
- ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 1, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
- ^ "Virginia County/Ind. City High Points". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
- ^ "Census of Population and Housing from 1790-2000". US Census Bureau. Retrieved January 24, 2022.
- ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Archived from the original on August 11, 2012. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on December 15, 2013. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 18, 2014. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ^ a b "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Fauquier County, Virginia". United States Census Bureau.
- ^ a b "P2 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Fauquier County, Virginia". United States Census Bureau.
- ^ "American FactFinder – Community Facts". factfinder.census.gov. U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 11, 2020. Retrieved May 7, 2018.
- ^ "Get A Life, Lose The Commute". Fauquier Times-Democrat. August 30, 2007. Archived from the original on January 22, 2013.
- ^ "Board of Supervisors". Fauquier County. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
- ^ "Constitutional Officers". Fauquier County. Archived from the original on December 30, 2017. Retrieved December 30, 2017.
- ^ "Sheriff's Office | Fauquier County, VA". www.fauquiercounty.gov. Retrieved October 22, 2022.
- ^ "Police Department | Warrenton, VA". www.warrentonva.gov. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
- ^ "Welcome To Town Of Remington, VA". www.remington-va.gov. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
- ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Archived from the original on March 23, 2018. Retrieved May 7, 2018.
- ^ "Home | Saint John the Evangelist School". www.sjesva.org. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
- ^ "Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, Year ending June 30, 2023". Fauquier County, Virginia Government Website. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
- ^ Who Was Who in America, Historical Volume, 1607–1896. Chicago: Marquis Who's Who. 1963.