Elk Run Church Historic Site – Past, Present and Future

Great strides have been made at Elk Run!  Starting In 1999, an archaeological excavation discovered and then uncovered the foundation and remains of the 1750s Anglican Church at Elk Run – the first such church in Fauquier County, Virginia.  A total of 129 volunteers provided over 5,803 hours of service between 1999 and 2006. See Archaeology Report.

Conversion of the archaeological site to a historical park started in November 2006.  A structure built over an excavated segment of the old Church foundation was completed in August 2010 with a dedication ceremony for the new building held in November, 2010. A short church service was held within the outline of the old Church foundation for the first time in over 200 years.  About 1,631 volunteer hours of service was provided from late 2006 until the end of 2010 to complete the construction of the Museum and related supporting activities. See Detailed Report on The Establishment and Evolution of the Elk Run Museum.

The Museum’s depicts the history of the area (Native Americans and settlers), the Church and its first Minister, Rev. James Keith, grandfather of Chief Justice John Marshall, the seven year archaeological effort, and its conversion to a historic park. The three exterior interpretive signs cover the early Elk Run Village, and the re-discovery of the Church Site and adjacent Cemetery.

The Elk Run Church cemetery property had changed owners over the years but in November, 2011, William C. Patton, Jacqueline E. Patton and Christina A. Patton graciously donated the property to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church to become part of the Elk Run Historic Park.  The acquisition of this approximate 100 ft. by 100 ft. cemetery property adds to the historical significance of the site and  in 2011 a new Cemetery Interpretative Sign was created summarizing its discovery.

In 2012, used display cases were obtained for the Museum.  They were modified, painted and artifacts and photos placed within them.

In 2015, a new corner artifact case was built to display some Manahoac Indian artifacts along with period Indian pictures and map.

In 2016, we installed our last exterior Archaeological Interpretative Sign that describes the “Discovery of the Elk Run Anglican Church Site” and the work accomplished there. Also, we received a donation of a new wall panel from the Germanna Foundation showing the relationship of Germantown to the Elk Run Church.

In 2017, two new corner display cases were built: one beneath the Germantown Wall Panel and one beneath the newly framed Chief Justice John Marshall Wall Panel.

In 2018, a wall display of 18^th and 19^th Century Houses in the Elk Run vicinity was displayed.

In 2025, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church sold the Elk Run Anglican Church Historical Site and Museum to Fauquier County to make the site more frequently accessible to County residents and tourists.