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Fauquier
County features a rich array of historic resources, many of
which are eligible to be listed on the Virginia and National
Registers. The historic area must have relatively intact
buildings within relatively intact historic settings to
qualify for listing. The historic resources must also be
significant in local, State, or national history. Fauquier
County contains a substantial number of National Register-
eligible villages, towns, and rural areas because most
property owners are good stewards of their homes and
properties, and because the County’s Comprehensive Plan and
Zoning Ordinances foster protection of the rural
agricultural landscape.
The Board of
Supervisors and private community organizations are both
steadily moving forward on a countywide effort to document
Fauquier County’s historic resources for placement on the
Virginia and National Registers. In 2002, the Board of
Supervisors embarked on a multi-year project to document 21
of its historically significant towns and villages for
placement on these registers.
The Board’s
successful documentation and designation program has
resulted in the placement of 14 towns and villages on both
registers. These nominations have been met with widespread
resident support. Four communities are currently being
documented with county funding and assistance from a
Virginia Cost-Share grant. (Staff will continue to seek
State, Federal, and private funding assistance for the
remaining Board supported nominations.)
Goose Creek
Association initiated and funded the Cromwell’s Run National
Register Rural Historic District nomination. If approved, it
will be the third rural historic district established in the
county. There are at least three other rural historic
districts being considered, and abundant opportunities for
nominations in other parts of the county that have not yet
been extensively documented.
This
National Register designation has no connection with
additional regulatory oversight in Fauquier County. Being
listed on either the Virginia Landmarks or National Register
of Historic Places only conveys an honor and recognition of
a property’s historic significance; it does not place any
regulatory constraints on the property owner. Property
owners of contributing properties may apply for State and
Federal tax credits for eligible rehabilitation work.
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