The depot is turning the big 1-0-0 and Claire’s, the acclaimed restaurant now housed in the turn-of-the-century train station, is celebrating with a fun-filled week of events, entertainment, mystery guest bartenders, and delicious dinners. From Tuesday, November 18th – Thursday, November 20, 2008, Claire’s will mark the centennial of its building with three days of special meals drawn from period menus. Visitors can also check out the art show with a railroad theme, and participate in drawings for dinners. Built in 1908 by Southern Railway, the current red brick building served the Warrenton Branch, a run of 8.9 miles southeast to the Alexandria and Orange Railroad. The connection there was known as Warrenton Junction and was the scene of several skirmishes during the Civil War, including a raid by the “Gray Ghost”, Col. John Singleton Mosby. After rail service to Warrenton ended, the depot was converted to a restaurant in 1976. It was then purchased by Claire Lamborne in 2004 who extensively renovated it, and her restaurant has been getting rave reviews ever since.