Village of Bluemont Heritage

Where The Past Is Present

Bluemont Heritage was formed to preserve the historic buildings and rich culture of our village. We strive to increase public awareness and understanding of life and work in an early American rural community.

Historic Bluemont, VA Oil on Canvas Peter Rinek

Preserving Over 270 Years of Bluemont History

The purpose of this website is to preserve Bluemont’s (formerly Snickersville) rich history spanning over two and a half centuries, and to share the village’s past life and times in a digital format for future generations.

The Plaster Museum of Bluemont Heritage houses the collections we have gathered over time. We are continuously expanding our archives and welcome any Bluemont-related information to be submitted to our Committee for preservation. Please send us your information about Bluemont’s past.

$48,000 Goal

$7.4K

200th Anniversary Snickersville Academy Renovation

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Help Preserve Our Historic Gem

Together, we can preserve Snickersville Academy, a cherished piece of Bluemont's history, for future generations.

This year marks a significant milestone for Snickersville Academy—its 200th anniversary. Established in 1825, it is Bluemont’s first one-room schoolhouse and church. Nestled by Butchers Branch beneath towering walnut and maple trees, this log cabin has withstood the test of time, enduring both the Civil War and encroaching development.

Bluemont Heritage has initiated an extensive restoration of the historic cabin. The project is led by Solstice LLC, the same company responsible for its original preservation decades ago. The restoration, currently underway, is slated for completion by August 2025, in time to showcase its refreshed appearance during the Bluemont Fair.

The total cost of the restoration is $48,000, and we are reaching out for help to raise funds.

Suggested Donation Levels

These donation levels are merely suggestions. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to our goal!

Amount	Donors Needed	Total Towards Goal	Donor Benefits
$5,000	4	$20,000	2026 Bluemont Heritage membership and their names will be inscribed on an Academy plaque.
$1,000	8	$8,000	2026 Bluemont Heritage membership.
$500	20	$10,000	2026 Bluemont Heritage membership.
$250	20	$5,000	2026 Bluemont Heritage membership.
$100	50	$5,000	2026 Bluemont Heritage membership.
Total		$48,000

Bluemont Heritage, a 501(c)(3) educational organization, manages this project, making all donations tax-deductible.

People

Relive the struggles and challenges of those who made Bluemont what it is today.

People

Places

For 270+ years, Bluemont’s structures have come and gone. Some are still here today.

Places

Past Events

Learn about the events that helped to shape our rural village.

Past Events

Four Centuries Of Bluemont’s Heritage

1748 George Washington surveying trip
1754 Bacon Fort established on the Turnpike
1757 Loudoun County founded
1776 Revolutionary War
1786 Snickers Gap Turnpike funded
1797 Clayton Hall built
1807 Snicker’s Gap village founded
1824 Snicker’s Gap village incorporated as Snickersville
1825 Snickersville Academy opened
1851 “Free” Church built
1861 Civil War began
1872 Mountain Shadow School opened
1872 “Colored” School/Church opened
1893 Blue Ridge Inn built
1900 First train arrived on July 4
1901 E.E. Lake Store built
1907 Village name changed from Snickersville to Bluemont
1921 Bluemont School opened
1921 “Colored” church relocated
1955 Bluemont Citizen’s Association formed
1969 Bluemont Fair established
1974 TWA 514 plane crash
1984 Bluemont Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places
2018 EE Lake Store Welcome Center opened

Website Dedication

Our site is dedicated to Susan Freis Falknor, a true Friend of Bluemont. Susan’s unwavering efforts to preserve the heritage and stories of our Village for future generations will never be forgotten. Thank you, Susan.

The Bluemont Waltz

Written in 1986 by Rodney Miller who said “It was named after Bluemont, VA where I played [the fiddle in] several contra dances. Where it’s beautiful country and the people are great and that was the flavor – the image – that came out for me when I wrote it. “