Locust Grove in Orange County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Historic Orange County, Virginia
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, July 27, 2026
1. Historic Orange County, Virginia Marker
Blue Run Baptist Church:
In the colonial era, Orange County was known for its religious tolerance and was the site of a conference at which James Madison declared his support for the religious freedom language of the First Amendment. Established in 1766 by a Baptist congregation, the core of the building pictured was built in 1769. In 1859, with war clouds gathering, Blue Run had 160 African-American members and 40 white members. Following the war, the African-American members purchased the church, which enjoys an active and growing ministry today. The mausoleum in the foreground contains the remains of Anne Crittenden Webb, who supposedly fell from her horse and died at that spot. (Photo by Bernice Walker.)
Images and text provided by Orange County Department of Tourism
Erected 2013.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Religion & Religious Structures • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1769.
Location. 38° 22.288′ N, 77° 46.108′ W. Marker is in Locust Grove, Virginia, in Orange County. It can be
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Northern Virginia and in the Piedmont. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Historic Orange County, Virginia (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Historic Orange County, Virginia (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Historic Orange County, Virginia (here, next to this
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, July 27, 2026
2. Historic Orange County, Virginia Marker
The marker is the third from right in the set of six under the overhang.
Other markers no longer nearby. Germanna Ford (was approx. Ύ mile away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Germanna Ford (was approx. 0.8 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Germanna Ford (was approx. 0.8 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
More about this marker. This marker and those that adjoin it were part of a successful partnership between Walmart and the historical/preservation organizations that mobilized to convince Walmart not to build on the Wilderness Battlefield.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, June 11, 2026
3. The Madison Oak
The meeting described in the marker is said to have occurred under this oak tree, which is part of Leland-Madison Park just east of the town of Orange.
Also see . . . Wilderness Walmart Controversy Resolution. This article from the American Battlefield Trust (formerly Civil War Preservation Trust) details the resolution of the Wilderness Walmart drama that led to the installation of this marker and the five alongside it. (Submitted on August 2, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 2, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia.
