Loudoun County

Since the opening of Dulles Airport in the 1960’s, Loudoun County has experienced rapid residential growth, most notably in the form of planned communities. Nestled among the newer subdivisions remain numerous historic landmarks; and some historic small towns and rural communities still thrive beyond the suburbs.

Among them, Loudoun County is home to ten different historic districts. The towns of Leesburg, Middleburg, and Purcellville, the cultural conservation districts of Aldie, Bluemont, Goose Creek, Oatlands, Taylorstown, and Waterford and the Beaverdam Historic Roads District. Within these districts and elsewhere around the county, there are numerous private properties as well as accessible-to-the-public historic places on the National Register of Historic Places.

When Loudoun communities were being established in the late 1700’s, many were settled by Quakers and plain stone buildings erected. In the Goose Creek historic district, the village of Lincoln showcases Quaker meetinghouses and simple stone farmhouses from the era.

Much of the architectural integrity remains in Waterford, once a Quaker mill town, because the railroad construction bypassed the village. That brief period of stagnation resulted in few architectural overhauls, and now some buildings, including log cabins, still stand as they did two-hundred years ago.

German immigrant farmers, too, brought the commonly seen log cabin architecture to the county, settling mainly in the area now named Lovettsville.

After the American Revolution, many mills were erected and are evidence of Loudoun’s prosperity at the time and many surrounding communities were built in the stone, brick and log architecture. Prime examples are still standing today in Aldie, Waterford, and Taylorstown, and the stone mill village of Hillsboro.

In the early 1800’s, a turnpike was extended to Leesburg, which led to more prosperity. This was reflected in the fashionable homes erected in the Federal style, an outward display of wealth.

After the Civil War, free former slaves established homes, churches, and schools across Loudoun County. Among those still standing are a Freedmen’s Bureau School in Waterford and an early African-American Church nearby.

While searching for your own historic home in Loudoun, consider also visiting these local sites and events for an extra dose of heritage and inspiration.

Aldie Mill – This restored grist mill was built in 1803 and is one feature of Aldie Mill Historic Park

The Marshall House– Formerly known as Dodona Manor, the former home of George C. Marshall is an example of Federal architecture. The house has existed since the early 1800’s and was updated to the Federal style in the 1820’s.

Morven Park– The Davis Mansion dates back to 1780, with expansion beginning in the early 1800’s.

Oatlands – This property was formed in 1798 as part of a plantation. The current mansion, built in the federal style, began construction in 1804.

White’s Ferry– Cross the Potomac River on the Jubal A. Early, which runs in the same location that ferries have been crossing the Potomac since 1817.

Battle of Ball’s Bluff Re-enactment – of the impactful local battle in which Union troops were driven down a steep bluff and into the Potomac River and defeated.

The following cultural districts have annual festivals to showcase their communities:
Waterford Fair
Bluemont Fair
Lincoln July 4th Parade
Aldie Harvest Festival

Interested in researching yourself? Visit the Thomas Balch Library. “Thomas Balch Library is a history and genealogy library owned and operated by the Town of Leesburg. Collections focus on Loudoun County, regional and Virginia history, genealogy, military history with special emphasis on the American Civil War, and ethnic history.”

Many historic homes in Loudoun are privately owned and will be listed for sale. These unique properties might have been restored, updated, or well-maintained, and others may be in need of renovations by the right buyer. Check out this list of historic homes for sale in Loudoun.