Bealeton, Virginia

Bealeton is a census-designated place (CDP) in Fauquier County, Virginia, at the intersection of State Route 28 and U.S. Route 17. The population as of the 2010 Census was 4,435. Public schools in Bealeton include Grace Miller Elementary, Cedar Lee Middle, and Liberty High School. Bealeton is home to its own Post Office with ZIP Code, 22712. On May 15, 2006, ground was broken on a 5,960-square-foot (554 m²), $2.3 million dollar post office to replace the old one^[1]. It was completed in 2007.

History

Bealeton grew up as a Depot of the former Orange & Alexandria Rail Road (since renamed Southern Rail Road), and the old railroad station building can be seen in the Bealeton Station development in front of the new Bealeton Library building. The building was previously located on County Road 805, Bealeton Rd. which runs parallel and near the railway. The area was a major traveling point during the Civil War and saw many skirmishes related to nearby engagements.

Despite the presence of southern troops during the early years of the war the northern troops succeeded in pushing the Confederate line south of the Rappahannock River and eventually into Fredericksburg. This move led to the control of the Orange & Alexandria Railroad, thus allowing the Union army to transport supplies deep into southern Virginia.

Bealeton lost importance with the decline of rail road travel and became a bedroom community of Warrenton, Virginia & Northern Virginia primarily. This was aided by the comprehensive plan that made authorized water and sewer availability in 1967. Bealeton retains many large farms and provides a unique blend of agriculture, commercial, and residential development.

Local Activities

Bealeton is home to one of the last barnstorming air shows in America,^[2]. Open May to October, activities include All American Barnstorming, Wing Walking, Parachuting, Aerobatic Acts and airplane rides.

References

External links

• Bealeton Library
• Bealeton Station Depot