Orange Springs
Why it's listed
Orange Springs is a frame residence and farm complex in southeastern Orange County, Virginia, overlooking Terry's Run. The front section was built in the 1790s, first as a tavern and then as a dining room and ballroom for a spa developed around the sulphur springs on the property. James Coleman acquired the land in the 1770s and advertised entertainment at the springs in 1793. Records show visitors included the parents of President James Madison, and Madison himself was allowed to build a cabin there. The spa operated until about 1850, after which the building was remodeled and enlarged with a rear ell as a family home. Surviving features include terraces leading to the springs, a smokehouse from the spa era, an icehouse, a pit greenhouse, and barn buildings erected in 1916 after lightning destroyed earlier ones. The property is notable as a rare Piedmont example of an early Virginia spa resort and for its architecture and agricultural buildings.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues that Orange Springs is a rare example of an early spa resort in the Virginia Piedmont, since nearly all known Virginia spas lay west of the Blue Ridge. Surviving records name patrons including President James Madison and his parents. The property also keeps an extensive complex of agricultural buildings from the early nineteenth to early twentieth century.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 90002134, listed February 27, 1992. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | VA 629 E of jct. with US 522, Unionville |
|---|---|
| County | Orange County |
| Listed | February 27, 1992 |
| Reference number | 90002134 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | ca. 1790-1916 |
| Architectural style | Early Republic: Federal |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Health/Medicine, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Currently used as a single dwelling with secondary and agricultural storage and animal-facility outbuildings; the spa closed about 1850. |
| Acreage | 52 |
| Coordinates | 38.18891, -77.93087 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 90002134.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q15264234
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.