Orange County History
Orange County was formed in 1734 and named in honor of William IV, prince of Orange, who was the husband of Anne, princess royal of England. Zachary Taylor, the 12th U.S. president, was born in Orange.
James Madison, known as the father of the U.S. Constitution, lived much of his life in Orange County at his Montpelier estate. James Barbour, governor of Virginia from 1812 to 1814, lived in Barboursville, an imposing mansion designed by Thomas Jefferson. Built between 1814 and 1822, the home burned on Christmas Day 1884.
Many Civil War events took place in Orange County, including a skirmish in the streets of the town of Orange in 1862. During the war, the Confederates made extensive use of the railroads through the county.
The county government was established in 1734.
