1858-1950: Railroad and orchards
The naming dispute: 'Crozet or nothing'
In June 1876, Williams C. Wickham, vice-president of the C&O Railway, met with assembled local farmers about the new station's name.
The farmers preferred "Farmers." Wickham did not. The new depot's name, he told them, "will be Crozet or nothing."
General Order No. 4, issued April 15, 1877, formally established the "CROZET" station at Mile Post 110 on the C&O line. The first depot was built that year. Whether the farmers eventually came to like the name is not recorded.
The 1913 brick depot replacement still stands at 5791 Three Notched Road and now houses the Crozet Artisan Depot, a collective of 80+ regional artists.
Frequently asked questions
What period does The naming dispute: 'Crozet or nothing' 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 The naming dispute: 'Crozet or nothing'?
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.