Sperryville in Rappahannock County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Sperryville
Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 8, 2008
1. Sperryville Marker
Laid out by Francis Thornton, Jr., in 1817, Sperryville survives as an upper Piedmont crossroads village. In the early 19th century John Kiger built Conestoga wagons here. By the 1850s two turnpikes (Thornton’s Gap and Sperryville & Rappahannock) intersected here. In 1867, the Smoot family, of Alexandria, built a nearby tannery that closed in 1911. By that time the town boasted four churches, five general stores, one hotel, six mills, numerous shops, a masonic hall, and a population of 350. Sperryville’s wooden residences and visual charm have long made it a familiar stop for seasonal tourists to the Blue Ridge Mountains.Erected 1997 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number J-31.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Political Subdivisions. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1817.
Location. 38° 39.54′ N, 78° 13.808′ W. Marker is in Sperryville, Virginia, in Rappahannock County. Marker is on Main Street (
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 21 Main Street (within shouting distance of this marker); John B. Kiger (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); John Kiger's Second Lot (about 500 feet away); 31 Main Street (about 600 feet away); 33 Main Street (about 600 feet away); Cavalry Engagement (about 600 feet away); Medical Miracle (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hopkins Ordinary (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sperryville.
Also see . . . Sperryville Historic District. (PDF) National register documentation for the historic district. (Submitted on June 8, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 8, 2008
2. Sperryville Marker
Photographed By Craig Swain, June 7, 2009
3. Sperryville Today
Looking southeast from the marker location down Main Street.
Photographed By Craig Swain, June 7, 2009
4. Another View of Main Street Sperryville
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,281 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 17, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3, 4. submitted on June 8, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
