Culpeper

Culpeper is a county seat in Virginia serving as the administrative center of Culpeper County in the northern Piedmont. The downtown spreads around a rectangular street grid with low brick buildings and trees lining the sidewalks.

George Washington surveyed the original ten blocks of what is now downtown in 1749 when the area was still a colony. During the Civil War, the town changed control multiple times between Union and Confederate forces.

The name honors Thomas Colepeper, second Baron Colepeper, who served as colonial governor in the 17th century. Main Street preserves brick storefronts from earlier centuries that now house cafés and shops.

The downtown is walkable, with most shops and cafés within a few minutes on foot. Parking is available along the main street and in side streets.

Three different railroad companies operated lines through town in the 19th century, making it a key junction. Today only a few tracks and former depots recall that era.

Location: Culpeper County

Inception: 1759

Elevation above the sea: 126 m

Website: http://culpeperva.gov

GPS coordinates: 38.47194,-77.99917

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:45