1858-1950: Railroad and orchards
Chiles Family Orchards (1912)
Chiles Family Orchards was founded in 1912 by Henry Chiles and John Montague.
The operation grew into a Virginia Century Farm spanning four properties: Chiles Peach Orchard in Crozet, Carter Mountain Orchard near Charlottesville, Spring Valley Orchard, and Chiswell Farm & Winery in Greenwood. At its peak, Western Albemarle's Crozet/Batesville orchard belt produced nearly one-third of Virginia's peach acreage.
Chiles Peach Orchard at 1351 Greenwood Road remains an active Crozet anchor today, with its annual "Fall Into Fun" festival in mid-September: apple butter making, pie contest, pumpkin patch opening.
Frequently asked questions
What period does Chiles Family Orchards (1912) cover?
This entry covers the 1858-1950: Railroad and orchards period of Crozet, Virginia history. See the History page for the broader chronological frame, including Claudius Crozet, the Blue Ridge Tunnel, the orchard era, and the modern planned-community phase.
Where can I learn more about Chiles Family Orchards (1912)?
The Crozet Library local-history collection, Albemarle County records, and the Crozet Gazette archives are the best starting points for deeper research on Crozet history. The /history landing page links to additional entries organized by era.
Is this an authoritative history?
Claudius Crozet synthesizes from public sources rather than producing original archival research. For academic citation, work from the primary sources listed below the article. We aim for accurate dates and verifiable facts, but encourage readers to confirm against the original record.