Union and Confederate forces passed by or camped in the Nokesville area frequently during the war.

Federal units pursuing Stonewall Jackson to Manassas Junction camped here in August 1862; fighting involving John S. Mosby's rangers flared near here and Confederates marched past on the way to nearby Bristoe Station in October 1863.

As Stonewall Jackson's troops occupied and looted the railroad junction at Manassas August 27, 1862, Federal forces approached his rear guard at Kettle Run.

[4] According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 9.5 square miles (25 km2), all of it land.

In 2014, Nokesville Elementary moved to a new building that was built next to Brentsville District High School on Aden Road.

Patriot High School is located on Kettle Run Road, and was opened in 2011.