Cities and Towns in Orange County, Virginia

Founded in 1734, Orange County is one of 95 counties in the state of Virginia. Historically, Orange County was formed from Orange County in 1734 from a portion of Spotsylvania County, Virginia. The city of Orange is the county seat. With FIPS code of 137, Orange County has a population of 37,188 and area of 342 square miles (886 km²).

List of all cities in Orange County, VA alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Barboursville, VA	22923	540
Boswells Tavern, VA	22942	540
Burnleys, VA	22923	540
Burr Hill, VA	22433	540
Eheart, VA	22923	540
Gordonsville, VA	22942	540
Lahore, VA	22567	540
Lake of the Woods, VA	22508	540
Locust Grove, VA	22508	540
Madison Mills, VA	22960	540
Mine Run, VA	22508	540
Mntpelier Station, VA	22957	540
Montford, VA	22960	540
Montpelier Station, VA	22957	540
Nasons, VA	22960	540
Old Somerset, VA	22972	540
Orange, VA	22960	540
Rhoadesville, VA	22542	540
Somerset, VA	22972	540
Thornhill, VA	22960	540
Unionville, VA	22567	540
Zion, VA	22942	540
Zion Crossroads, VA	22942	540

Major Cities and Towns in Orange County, Virginia

Orange

• Area: Approximately 3.3 square miles
• Population: Approximately 5,000
• Zip Codes: 22960
• Latitude and Longitude: 38.2457° N, 78.1120° W

Location and History

Orange is the county seat of Orange County, located in the central part of Virginia. Situated at the intersection of U.S. Route 15 and State Route 20, the town is approximately 72 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., and 28 miles northeast of Charlottesville. Established in 1749, Orange has a rich history tied to the early colonial period and the Civil War. The town served as a strategic location during the Civil War, with General Robert E. Lee’s headquarters stationed nearby at the Rapidan River in 1863. Orange’s historical significance is reflected in its well-preserved architecture and historical sites, showcasing styles from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Orange is served by the Orange County Public Schools system, including Orange Elementary School, Prospect Heights Middle School, and Orange County High School. Notable landmarks include the James Madison Museum, dedicated to the life and legacy of the fourth U.S. President who was born nearby at Montpelier. St. Thomas Episcopal Church, built in 1833, is a historic church that hosted services attended by General Lee during the Civil War. The Orange Train Station, restored and repurposed as a visitor center, reflects the town’s connection to the railroad industry. Additionally, Taylor Park in the heart of downtown offers a space for community events and gatherings.

Gordonsville

• Area: Approximately 0.9 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,600
• Zip Codes: 22942
• Latitude and Longitude: 38.1368° N, 78.1872° W

Location and History

Gordonsville is a small town located in the eastern part of Orange County at the junction of U.S. Route 15 and U.S. Route 33. Founded in the early 19th century, it was named after Nathaniel Gordon, who established a tavern in the area around 1794. Gordonsville became an important transportation hub due to its strategic location at the crossroads of the Virginia Central Railroad and the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. During the Civil War, the town was significant for its railroads, serving as a critical supply route for Confederate forces. The Exchange Hotel, built in 1860, served as a hospital during the war and is now a Civil War medical museum.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Gordonsville is served by Orange County Public Schools, including Gordon-Barbour Elementary School, with older students attending Prospect Heights Middle School and Orange County High School. Major landmarks include the Civil War Exchange Museum at the Exchange Hotel, offering insights into the town’s wartime history. The Gordonsville Historic District features charming 19th-century architecture, boutique shops, and restaurants. Faas Field provides recreational space for sports and community events. Additionally, Gordonsville is known for its Fried Chicken Festival, celebrating the town’s culinary heritage linked to the 19th-century tradition of African-American women serving fried chicken to passengers at the train station.

Barboursville

• Area: Unincorporated community
• Population: Data not specifically available
• Zip Codes: 22923
• Latitude and Longitude: 38.1671° N, 78.2819° W

Location and History

Barboursville is an unincorporated community located in the western part of Orange County near the border with Albemarle County. Situated along State Route 20, it is approximately 20 miles northeast of Charlottesville. The community is named after James Barbour, Virginia’s governor from 1812 to 1814 and a U.S. Senator. Barboursville is best known for the Barboursville Ruins, the remains of Governor Barbour’s mansion designed by Thomas Jefferson and destroyed by fire in 1884. The area has a rich agricultural history and is part of Virginia’s wine country, with rolling vineyards and scenic landscapes contributing to its rural charm.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Residents attend schools within the Orange County Public Schools system, such as Gordon-Barbour Elementary School, Prospect Heights Middle School, and Orange County High School. Major landmarks include the Barboursville Vineyards, a renowned winery established in 1976, offering wine tastings, tours, and the Palladio Restaurant. The Barboursville Ruins on the vineyard’s grounds are a significant historical site listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Four County Players, Central Virginia’s longest-running community theater, is located in Barboursville, providing cultural enrichment through live performances. The area’s proximity to the Shenandoah National Park allows for outdoor activities such as hiking and sightseeing.

Lake of the Woods

• Area: Approximately 7.1 square miles
• Population: Approximately 7,200
• Zip Codes: 22508
• Latitude and Longitude: 38.3391° N, 77.7629° W

Location and History

Lake of the Woods is a gated, planned community and census-designated place located in eastern Orange County near the border with Spotsylvania County. Developed in the late 1960s, it was initially established as a resort and vacation destination centered around two lakes: the main Lake of the Woods and the smaller Keaton’s Lake. Over time, it has evolved into a year-round residential community. The area holds historical significance due to its proximity to the Wilderness Battlefield, a major Civil War site where the Battle of the Wilderness took place in 1864.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Residents are served by the Orange County Public Schools system, including Locust Grove Primary School, Locust Grove Elementary School, Locust Grove Middle School, and Orange County High School. Major landmarks include the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse, offering dining and event spaces with lake views, and numerous recreational facilities such as golf courses, swimming pools, and sports courts. The Lake of the Woods Marina provides access to boating and fishing activities. Nearby, the Wilderness Battlefield and the Wilderness Run Vineyards offer historical exploration and local wine tasting. The community emphasizes a blend of leisure and active lifestyles within a scenic, natural environment.