Fauquier - Virginia Steeped in equestrian tradition, and surrounded by wineries and vineyards, today Fauquier County is known for being at the heart of hunt and wine country. Famous for its horse farms and beautiful rolling land at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Fauquier offers contrast as both a natural haven and gateway to bustling Northern Virginia and the D.C. Metropolitan Area. Quaint historic towns and villages, museums, beautiful rolling hills at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, private bed and breakfasts, spas, quiet country inns, sixteen area wineries and vineyards, traditional and boutique farm tours, and many outdoor activities including trails and bicycling, hiking and horseback riding, canoeing, fishing, The Flying Circus and unique shops and restaurants. On the fringe of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Fauquier has managed to maintain its small-town feel and pristine countryside, with a sophistication influenced by its location. Find out what it means to be at the foothills of the Blue Ridge in horse and wine country. Dating back to the 17th century and the beginnings of our country, the area we now know as Fauquier County was listed in 1608 as part of the Northern Neck of the Colony of Virginia by Captain John Smith, explorer and leader of the Jamestowne Colony. Named after Francis Fauquier, Lieutenant Governor of the Colony of Virginia from 1758 to 1768, Fauquier County was founded from a section of land previously considered Prince William County. The rich Civil War history in Fauquier County can be experienced through several different self-driven tours, guided tours, museums, and historical trail markers. Although no major battles were fought in Fauquier County, a number of skirmishes involving infantry and cavalry did occur. After the second Battle of Manassas, which took place just 10 minutes from Fauquier by today's travel standards, over 1,800 wounded soldiers were brought to Warrenton to makeshift hospitals set up in Warrenton's businesses, churches and homes. Union General McClennan said farewell to his troops as Commander of the Army of the Potomac in 1862, from the balcony of the Warren Green Hotel which still stands today.   Back to Communities