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Waterford sits on land that was inhabited by the Monacaon people for thousands of years before Quakers from Pennsylvania arrived here and settled in 1733. They built the first structure and later a mill, in the 1740’s. Others soon followed, including scotch Irish and Germans, and both enslaved and free African Americans, bringing their crafts and skills with them. Waterford is home to the first school for African Americans in Loudoun County, and the John Wesley Church, was built by lantern light, after the day's work, by and for Waterfords Black residents, which made up one quarter of the village population by 1830. 

In 1943, The Waterford Foundation was established, to revive and stimulate a community interest in recreating the town of Waterford as it existed in previous times with its varying crafts and activities. Skilled artisans and craftspeople had plied their trades in Waterford for 200 years; that tradition continued with the first exhibition of arts and crafts in October 1944, with the Waterford Fair. Ther Fair continues today, in its 76th year, falling on the first weekend in October each year. Waterford is still home to local artists and craftspeople. There are two painting studios, and The Waterford Market sells handspun wool and wool products. There is a Concert Series at the Old School and many well known authors, including Geraldine Brooks and Tony Horwitz have lived here over the years. In 1970 Waterford and its rural surroundings was designated a National Historic Landmark.