The town at that time consisted of the courthouse and its related public buildings, a few houses and stores, a tavern and little else.

[6] In 1799, Paul Verdier purchased the property of William Bell, an 18th-century farm that included much of the modern-day Town of Orange adjacent to Main Street, near present-day Bellevue and Peliso avenues.

Verdier divided the land into lots, which helped shape the town's pattern of development.

Along with expanding agricultural markets, the roads helped transform Orange Court House into a regional center.

[6] The fourth and current courthouse was completed in 1859 in the Italian Villa architectural style and stands today on the corner of Madison Road and Main Street.

The General Assembly passed an act in 1855 which officially incorporated the Town of Orange Court House, but it did not take effect until a majority of citizens qualified to vote consented, which did not occur until after the Civil War.

Just north of town, the Rapidan River was effectively the northern border of the Confederacy from March 1862 to May 1864.

In addition, the Town of Orange served as General Robert E. Lee's headquarters during that time.

Mort Künstler, an artist of American historical subjects, immortalized this scene in his painting Soldier of Faith.

[7][8] County records dating back to its founding in 1734 were protected by a clerk of court removing them to "a place of safety" as Federal troops were moving through Orange and towards Richmond.

Numerous buildings constructed soon after the Civil War stand in the downtown historic district.

[6] The economy and population continued to grow up until the time of a fire in 1909, which destroyed most of the eastern portion of town.

Like nearby Gordonsville, Orange's importance as a railroad hub began declining in the early 20th century.

During World War II, the mill was awarded a presidential citation for its production of parachutes for Allied troops.

Of the population of 3,761 persons aged 16 and older, 57.2% were in the labor force; all worked in civilian occupations.