Fauquier Heritage at the Gott Library

Fauquier Heritage at the Gott Library Visit The Gott Library in Marshall, VA—home of the Fauquier Heritage & Preservation Foundation. "Gotta Get to The Gott!"

Discover local history through rare documents, photographs, maps, and family records in a beautifully restored colonial church.

A casual decision to photograph a Piedmont Hounds meeting led to Marshall Hawkins snapping a picture of First Lady Jacqu...
08/28/2026

A casual decision to photograph a Piedmont Hounds meeting led to Marshall Hawkins snapping a picture of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy tumbling off a horse in Middleburg.
This 1961 picture was sold to the Life magazine and published on the cover for $3500. As this December 28, 1961 edition of the Fauquier Democrat notes, however, for the local paper, it was free.
Throughout his career documenting the equestrian lifestyle, Marshall Hawkins would take numerous photos of Fauquier and its characters and visitors alike.
Sometimes chance events can lead to incredible outcomes (and iconic photos).
Can you think of any other memorable scenes from horse country? Anything that made the papers? Anything that didn't?

Cool Spring Methodist Church, as pictured in the Fauquier Democrat clipping from 1974.In 1776, the Goose Creek Church wa...
08/27/2026

Cool Spring Methodist Church, as pictured in the Fauquier Democrat clipping from 1974.
In 1776, the Goose Creek Church was constructed for the use of Methodists and Episcopalians in Delaplane.
In 1858, the building that still stands today was constructed by the Methodists, and not far from it Emmanuel Episcopal was built by the Episcopalians.
Cool Spring graveyard features graves of Civil War veterans and even of a Revolutionary War veteran, Edward Shacklett of Rectortown.
Cool Spring's building as it stands today is now 168 years old and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2008.
Has anyone ever spent some time exploring Revolutionary and Civil War gravesites locally, or our old churches? Seen any historical photographs of them similar to this?

This Fauquier Democrat photo depicts the Shepherdstown Schoolhouse, a one-room school house that served Black children b...
08/22/2026

This Fauquier Democrat photo depicts the Shepherdstown Schoolhouse, a one-room school house that served Black children beginning in 1884. Lt. Butler Grant, pictured, was the descendant of those who gave the land for the school. Grant had a storied career himself, from being the first Black police officer in the county to his numerous community service accomplishments. Ultimately, Grant and others were unable to preserve the deteriorated schoolhouse. Schoolhouse 18 in Marshall remains Fauquier's only surviving one-room schoolhouse.
Anyone have other photos, pictures of artifacts, or memories from the Shepherdstown school? Additionally, does anyone know when this photo of Grant was taken?

Trinity Episcopal Church of Marshall was 100 years old in 1949, reported the Fauquier Democrat. The lot was purchased fo...
08/21/2026

Trinity Episcopal Church of Marshall was 100 years old in 1949, reported the Fauquier Democrat. The lot was purchased for $110 in 1846, and construction wrapped up at $2500 in 1849, having been funded by the citizens of Salem (Marshall). During the Civil War, Vestrymen of the church John A. Washington and Thomas Marshall fought and died as colonels and the building was used as a Union field hospital. It suffered serious damages during the war, but after its 1866 restoration, it continued to welcome parishioners until it was rededicated as The Anglican Church of Saint John The Baptist in 1997.
The building remains standing at 4107 Wi******er Road, and is the oldest still-operating church in Marshall.

On June 9th, 1955, Kate Frost reported, "Tiny New Baltimore Has Seen Much Happen For Its Size." In her article, she reca...
08/20/2026

On June 9th, 1955, Kate Frost reported, "Tiny New Baltimore Has Seen Much Happen For Its Size." In her article, she recalls the legend that Lafayette stopped in a New Baltimore tavern, the location of the farm where General McClellan gave up command in 1862, and the church where Lincoln's grandparents may have worshipped. Also featured: A Civil War story.
Any other pockets of Fauquier where the depth of its history has surprised you? Any other stories from New Baltimore?

Before the days of quick pics where you shout "cheese", the family of E. Cook Glascock of Rockwood, near Marshall, gathe...
08/14/2026

Before the days of quick pics where you shout "cheese", the family of E. Cook Glascock of Rockwood, near Marshall, gathered for a snapshot that has survived 132 years.
Prior to the 1920s, smiling in photos was often impractical (exposure times could take minutes and minutes), or, considered undignified (a view passed down from paintings and art from centuries prior). Like with many trends, it would be actresses and young women who would bring smiling in photos in vogue.
Any descendants recognize some familiar names or faces in this photo? Anyone have pictures of their families that date back over a hundred years ago?

Introducing Paris's baseball team, 1921.O.T. Adams, Hermin Willis, Norman Hurst, Channing Hinson, Carlton Lindsey, Clark...
08/13/2026

Introducing Paris's baseball team, 1921.
O.T. Adams, Hermin Willis, Norman Hurst, Channing Hinson, Carlton Lindsey, Clark Lloyd, Money Lloyd, Ted Berry, Wade Scott, A.B. Hinson, Aylor Hinson, and Lee Settle line up for a group shot (not in confirmed order).
Town team baseball allowed small towns across America a piece of the sensation that had been sweeping the nation since the 19th century. Local teams competed against one another, with results and games posted in the papers.
Recognize any of the men in this photo, including which are the umpires? Any memories from the days of town team baseball in Fauquier County?

Friction with neighbors is anything but new (and sometimes inevitable), and Jane Emma Thompson can't thank Mr. Henry Gla...
08/12/2026

Friction with neighbors is anything but new (and sometimes inevitable), and Jane Emma Thompson can't thank Mr. Henry Glasscock enough in this letter dated 100 years ago.
She begins, "Pardon my seeming neglect in the delay in acknowledging your great and thoughtful kindness in castrating my boar, roaming at large in my own woods for which I pay taxes, where your own sows were also feeding free of charge uninjured by me or any one employed by me."
The rest of the letter continues scathingly sardonic, with Jane never pausing for air in-between praises of his "truly chivalrous nature," "strong right arm," and "manly defense and prowess."
She concludes, "Oh, it is so delightful to contemplate."
Ever stumbled across a historical letter from Fauquier that made you laugh? Any that rival Jane's sarcasm?

The Marshall Polo Team is depicted by photographer Delmar C. Fewell in Warrenton at the Fauquier County Agricultural Fai...
08/11/2026

The Marshall Polo Team is depicted by photographer Delmar C. Fewell in Warrenton at the Fauquier County Agricultural Fair.
Pictured on the far right is John F. Walker, described as an "ardent player," who was killed during a match in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on July 3rd, 1939.
Can anyone identify the rest of the players in the photograph? Does anyone know anything more about John F. Walker or his career?

In an excerpt of the 1939 Marshall High Year book, seniors Natasha Kadick and Dennis McCarty reflected, "As sophomores w...
08/06/2026

In an excerpt of the 1939 Marshall High Year book, seniors Natasha Kadick and Dennis McCarty reflected, "As sophomores we felt very superior to the poor freshman, forgetting that we had endured the same trials only a short time before." In the pictures below, students Frances Golden and Sue Wingfield crafted a "diary" for the class's senior year, where they wrote "Many of us have been trying to live up to our title, 'Dignified Seniors,' but we think the novelty will soon wear off." In their yearbook, they write of the issues of mid-terms, drama of high school romance, advice to underclassmen, and predictions what will become of them after graduation. It is a bittersweet, and humorous, collection of high school memories in Fauquier, all from almost ninety years ago.

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4110 Winchester Road
Marshall, VA
20115

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Tuesday 10am - 3pm
Wednesday 12pm - 4pm

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