The area that is now known as Clarke County was settled by former planters from the Tidewater region from large land grants by Lord Fairfax. Clarke County officially formed in 1836 when it broke away from Frederick County. It is named for George Rogers Clark, a Virginian who became the highest-ranking American military officer on the northwestern frontier during the American Revolutionary War. Today, Clarke County remains primarily a rural, agricultural county, with a strong culture of community.
Historical sites and organizations in Clarke County include the Clarke County Historical Association Archives, Burwell-Morgan Mill, Josephine School Community Museum, Clermont Farm, and Long Branch.
For the 250th, Clarke County looks to highlight life in the early Federal Republic, with a particular focus on the Burwell-Morgan Mill. The Mill was built between 1782-1785 and founded by Lieutenant Nathaniel Burwell and Brigadier General Daniel Morgan. It’s creation and production of flour helped bring economic development to the county in the first years after the Revolutionary War.
Clarke County VA250 Kickoff CelebrationThe Clarke County VA250 Committee and Chilly Hollow Brewing invite you out to kickoff a year of celebrating Virginia and America's 250th anniversary a... Read More
An Untold Love Story: The Life of Joan JacksonThe Clarke County Historical Association welcomes acclaimed Performing Artist and Storyteller, Tammy Denease, as she presents "An Untold Love Story: T... Read More
Ken & Brad Kolodner Quartet Steeped in Old-Time tradition, this father-son acoustic roots ensemble brings early American music to life through fiddle, hammered dulcimer, banjo, a... Read More
America's Turning Point: Leadership and Strategy in the Saratoga CampaignJoin us for "America’s Turning Point: Leadership and Strategy in the Saratoga Campaign, 1777," a talk by Colonel (Ret) Kevin Weddle, Ph.D., author o... Read More
Songs from Slavery to Civil RightsLocal arts and civic leader Bill Johnston performs a selection of songs tracing the arc of the Black experience, from the darkness of slavery to the h... Read More
Votes, Voices, and Equality: Mary Elizabeth Pidgeon’s Fight for Women’s RightsCelebrate Women’s History Month with an afternoon of tea, lunch, and history as Curator of Exhibitions and Archives Dana Getka presents this talk on... Read More
Blandy at 100: A Century of Scientific and Community ContributionsThe Foundation of the State Arboretum of Virginia and Blandy Experimental Farm celebrate the Arboretum’s centennial by producing an enlightening si... Read More
First Family: George Washington's Heirs and the Making of AmericaLearn the fascinating story of the nation's first "first family" with historian Cassandra Good. Good chronicles the lives of George Washington's step-... Read More
Taking Tea & TaxesTrace the evolution of tea from a Royal social hour in Britain to a Revolutionary spark in Colonial America in this in-depth look at how objects from ... Read More
Blandy at 100: A Century of Scientific and Community ContributionsThe Foundation of the State Arboretum of Virginia and Blandy Experimental Farm celebrate the Arboretum’s centennial by producing an enlightening si... Read More
Hubby Jenkins ConcertGrammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist Hubby Jenkins brings his deep respect for old-time American music to the stage, tracing the African American ro... Read More
Liberty BallSave the date for this black tie event, which will bring us all together to celebrate America's 250th in style at Long Branch.... Read More
Blandy at 100: A Century of Scientific and Community ContributionsThe Foundation of the State Arboretum of Virginia and Blandy Experimental Farm celebrate the Arboretum’s centennial by producing an enlightening si... Read More
Awakening a Nation: Religion in Early America from Colony to RepublicJoin CCHA Executive Director Nathan Stalvey at historic Old Bethel for a compelling look at how religion shaped early American life. This talk explore... Read More
New research on Edward Snickers; A Revolutionary Patriot in Clarke CountyThis Virginia 250 event will begin in the historic main house at Audley Farm, where historian Joeseph Whitehorne will give a 45-minute talk and answer... Read More
Lloyd Williams & the Marines: A Clermont VA250 CommemorationThis VA250 event will honor Major Lloyd W. Williams USMC-Clarke County native and Marine hero of Belleau Wood ("Retreat Hell, We Just Got Here!") in W... Read More
J. Foster Historic SignsThis exhibit showcases the artistry and scholarship of Virginia artisan Jackson Foster, who recreates the character and presence of American and Engli... Read More
From China to Appalachia ConcertGrammy-winning American Roots artists Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer join Chinese hammered dulcimer virtuoso Chao Tian in a cross-cultural collaboration ... Read More
