Goose Creek Bridge, built in 1802, served pedestrians, carriages, horses, and vehicles daily until 1957. This four-arched stone bridge, 212 feet long, is Virginia’s oldest remaining turnpike bridge and dates to Thomas Jefferson’s first administration. It is both an architectural landmark and the site of major action during the Battle of Upperville on June 21, 1863. After Ashby Gap Turnpike, Route 50, was realigned in 1957 and a new bridge was built over Goose Creek, the historic bridge was abandoned. The Morison family, whose property borders the creek, reclaimed half the bridge from the state because they understood its significance. Renewed interest in preservation during America’s Bicentennial led Sally Morison to inspire Mary Owen Chatfield-Taylor and other preservation-minded members of the Fauquier and Loudoun Garden Club to acquire the other half from the state in 1975, giving the club sole ownership. The club then preserved the bridge and surrounding area through fundraising and events. The site was further enhanced when Senator John Warner gave 12 acres between the old bridge and the new Route 50, protecting the view from the road. Club members restored the land around the bridge, highlighted its native beauty, and taught visitors about land conservation. A scenic overlook built in 1997 offers views of a wildflower meadow where native plants attract birds and pollinators. A riparian corridor along Goose Creek helps filter sediment, stabilize the bank, and improve water quality and habitat, while a woodland hedgerow and mature trees provide wildlife cover and sustenance. The club also planted Piedmont-native trees through the Garden Club of America’s Centennial Trees project, and in 2011 one club member received the Garden Club of America Conservation Award for preserving the site’s beauty and biodiversity. Keeping the area open to the public remained central to the mission, and visitors came from across the country and overseas to walk, picnic, take photographs, marry, film movies, launch canoes, walk dogs, watch wildlife, and learn about history and conservation. After 42 years of stewardship, ownership of the bridge passed in 2017 to the Civil War trust and NOVA Parks for future protection.