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Visiting Waterford

You'll step back in time when you stroll the streets of the Waterford National Historic Landmark in Waterford, Virginia. Settled in 1733 by Quakers from Pennsylvania, it is an extraordinary collection of 18th- and 19th-century buildings set within 1,420 acres of farmland located only one hour away from Washington, D.C.

64% of Waterford's 97 homes were built before 1861. Only four were build after 1922 (See map).

The village’s homes, places of business, and the fields that surround them today look much as they did in the 19th century. With its rich heritage in furniture manufacturing, farming, Civil War actions, and African-American life, Waterford is a wonderful place to visit. Video of Waterford's History.

What You Can Do

Here is a list of Loudoun County tourism sites including historic sites, driving tours, and museums.

— Upcoming Events —
in Waterford

— Craft Courses —
Waterford Craft School

— Waterford Fair —
An October event for more than 75 years!

Bluebird on its nest on the Phillips Farm Trail in Waterford VA
Merlin at the Waterford Market in Waterford VA
quaker cemetery in Waterford Virginia

 

Tourist visiting Waterford Virginia using a walking guide

Checking out an historic house

A Lower Main Street Walking Tour

This tour starts from the Waterford Corner Store at the corner of Main and Second Street and proceeds down lower Main Street towards the "Old Mill". Lower Main Street reflects Waterford's early commercial andresidential development.

Hike the Phillips Farm Trail

This leisurely hike (1.5 round trip) starts behind the Old Mill at the bottom of Main Street. It is an interpretive trail along the Catoctin Creek on the Phillips Farm and details the natural and cultural history of the property, with numbered posts corresponding to points of interest.

Visit the Waterford Foundation

Visit the Foundation Office at the Old School (40222 Fairfax Street) for information, a mini-bookstore, and restrooms. The office is open Tuesday – Friday from 9am to 5pm. Its mission is to preserve the historic buildings and open spaces of the National Historic Landmark of Waterford, Virginia, and, through education, to increase the public’s knowledge of life and work in an early American rural community.

Businesses

Touring the bottom of Main Street in the spring in Waterford VA

A spring day on Main Street

Waterford Corner Store
Offers a rotating smattering of vintage clothes, knick knacks for the home and garden, furniture pieces, rugs and pillow covers. The store is committed to supporting local producers of all things both food and hand-made items. Contact.

Waterford Market
This small market provides locally grown lamb, hand made woolen products, and local crafts as well as some groceries.
15487 Second Street(540 882-3631)
Hours*: 10 - 7, Mon. - Fri., 10 - 5 Sat
* Unless the sheep need attending

Katherine Riedel Oils, Watercolors, Pastel Paintings
Her art has been exhibited and won awards at multiple, regional juried shows. Her studio is in her 1886 home, which once was a dry goods store and millinery.
To find her hours or make an appointment, contact Katherine

Antonia Walker Fine Art
Known for her paintings of the light and color of the Virginia countryside as well as images of Italy and France.
To find her hours or make an appointment, contact Antonia

Loudoun County Tourist Information
A list of Loudoun County museums and historical sites is available. You can also visit the Loudoun County Visitor Centerlocated in Leesburg, Virginia 20175, (800) 752-6118 or (703) 771-2617.

Selected Waterford History Links

Here are links to put you in touch with the village's history:

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yard sale