Photos by John Toler

Photos by John Toler

Caledonia Farm

Sperryvilie are listed as 1825-49, 1850-1874, 1875-1899, 190-1924, and 1925-1949.

The Laurel Mills Histone District ls bounded roughly by Laurel Mills Road, the Thornton River, and Laurel Mills Farm The village was established in 1847. In addition to the ruins of the Rappahannock Woolen Mill, which ceased operation in 1929, and the old Victorian miller's house on a bluff above the villages, there are severed other unique structures -some of which were once the homes of mill workers. Centerpiece of the' village continues to be the Laurel Mills Store Laurel Mills Histone District was added to the Virginia and National registers in 2004. It was noted that "Laurel Mills appears today much as it did in 1927," in the Virginia Historic Resources Board notes.

The Skyline Drive Historic District which crosses several counties from Front Roval to Rockfish Gap, has been on the registers since 199t>, with additional proper, ties added in 1997 and 21X13. This histone district includes 31*900 acres, nine buildings, 13t» structures and 22 objects. The* area inside the Skvlipe Drive Histone District is noted for part it has plaved in political, conservation, recreation, social history and transportation issues. Penods ot significance an* 1925-1949, and 1950-1974.

Saving our past

About two years ago, efforts were started to add more* Rappahannixrk County homes to the Virginia Landmarks Register At the time. almost 2(X) properties were surveyed bv an architectural history consulting firm. A "reconnaissance level" survey was done on 16^ properties, and 25 more* received intensive" study Of the 25, 17 were recommended for nomination to the V irginia register Hopefully, the properties surveyed since* that time - as well as others - will qualify for a listing on the Virginia Landmark Register, the National Register, or both