Town History:

In an age where many communities often resemble everywhere else, the Town of Culpeper has managed to maintain a unique identity and distinctive appearance. The Town has an intact and thriving downtown, which attracts people from around the region. Culpeper has a small town atmosphere and, in fact, was recognized as "One of America's Top 10 Small Town's" in 1993. With approximately 15,000 residents, the Town enjoys proximity to Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg, Charlottesville and Richmond. The Town, however, sees itself as a distinctive market center in the upper Piedmont region of Virginia.

The Town of Culpeper was established by the Virginia House of Burgesses on February 22, 1759. The location of the Town, with its high ground and ample water supply and proximity to the mountains, was described as "a high and pleasant situation in the County of Culpeper where the courthouse [constructed c. 1750] now stands." The original town plan, which forms the core of modern Culpeper, was 10 town blocks; five blocks flanking Main Street (then Coleman Road) running from Spencer Street to Stevens Street. The original alleys remain and are in service.