Discover Montross: History, Gardens, and Culture

Montross is a destination for anyone looking to combine local history, architecture, remembrance, and special events. The Montross Historic District is a linear historic district within the town. Its center consists of a courthouse and courthouse lawn dating from the early 20th century. Both stand on the site of a colonial-era courthouse built around 1685.

Historic Town Center and Notable Buildings

The Inn at Montross/Spence’s Tavern is part of the neighborhood’s historic character. It is the oldest building in the Montross Historic District and dates from the 19th century. Another important stop is the Historic Courthouse. It serves as the visitor center for Westmoreland County and offers changing exhibitions on the county’s history. Visitors can also read a granite plaque about the Leedstown Resolves, which are considered a precursor to the Declaration of Independence.

The history of Armstead T. Johnson High School is also part of Montross’s cultural profile. The school opened in 1937 in the Colonial Revival style. The A.T. Johnson Museum is housed in the school’s original building, which is considered the first public high school for African American students in Virginia’s Northern Neck. The museum preserves this heritage with interactive exhibits, rotating presentations, historical artifacts, class photos, yearbooks, sports memorabilia, and recorded stories from former students. Important for travel planning: The A.T. Johnson Museum is closed until further notice.

Gardens, Museums, and Discoveries of Your Own

The Virginia Presidents’ Garden is a significant landscape feature of the Montross Historic District. Its distinctive details include marble busts of George Washington, James Monroe, and James Madison. A sundial also lists the names of the eight presidents born in Virginia. The Coca-Cola mural in Montross was restored as part of the mural project and adds another visual accent to the townscape.

The Original Museum opened in 1941 and was the first museum to open regularly in the Northern Neck. It houses eighteen portraits honoring important residents of Westmoreland County. Visitors who would like to explore the region or their own family history in greater depth can conduct research on Westmoreland County history and family genealogy at the Henry Hungerford Library & Genealogical Research Center. The facilities include on-site access to Ancestry Library and the use of computers in the research center.

Events Throughout the Year

Those who would like to plan their trip around a specific date will also find regular cultural events in Montross. The Greater Montross Partnership for Revitalization hosts a music series on the first Friday of each month from May through September. Montross First Fridays feature arts and crafts vendors as well as food and drink options. This allows visitors to focus their stay not only on historic buildings and collections, but also on music, local crafts, and culinary experiences.

The Right Vacation Rental for Your Travel Plans

When looking for a vacation rental in Montross, it is advisable to first determine your personal focus: Would you primarily like to explore the Historic District and its buildings, learn about the history of Westmoreland County, or plan your trip around a Montross First Fridays event? The answer will help you choose accommodation based on your daily itinerary, without presuming any specific offerings or distances. Also bear in mind when planning that the A.T. Johnson Museum is currently closed, while the Historic Courthouse and the Henry Hungerford Library & Genealogical Research Center offer different ways to explore regional and family history.

For further travel planning, you can also visit Colonial Beach.

For the broader travel overview: Westmoreland County.