Sperryville, Virginia

History

Located in the southeast section of Rappahannock County, Virginia, along the Thornton River, Sperryville was laid out by Francis Thornton, Jr. in 1817. For most of the early 19th century Conestoga wagons were built by John Kiger. By the 1850, Sperryville boasted two turnpikes: Thornton's Gap and Sperryville & Rappahannock. In the 1860s the Smoot family of Alexandria build a tannery on the Thornton River that closed by 1911. By that time Sperryville had grown to 350 residents with four churches, five general stores, one hotel, six mills, shops, and a masonic hall. The Sperryville Historic District is listed on the Virginia Landmarks Registry and the National Register of Historic Places.

Attractions

Sperryville is close to many outdoor activities. The town is at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and provides access to the panorama entrance of Shenandoah National Park that provides access to Skyline Drive, which is a continuation of the Blue Ridge Parkway of the Great Smoky Mountains. Hiking spots include the popular Old Rag Mountain, White Oak Canyon, and Thornton River Trail, which are all located within the Shenandoah National Park.

The Copper Fox Distillery, a distiller of American whiskey, is based in Sperryville. Central Coffee Roasters, a small batch artisan coffee roaster, is located 1/2 mile west towards the Shenandoah National Park. Haley Fine Art, located on main street, features paintings, sculptures and photography by local and regional artists.

Sperryville is the setting for parts of the 8th Jack Reacher novel, The Enemy, by Lee Child.