Aldie, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Aldie, Virginia
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The Aldie Mill in September 2011
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 Aldie, Virginia
Location in Northern Virginia
Aldie, Virginia
Location in Virginia
Aldie, Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Virginia |
| County |  Loudoun |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.25 sq mi (0.64 km2) |
| • Land | 0.24 sq mi (0.63 km2) |
| • Water | 0.004 sq mi (0.01 km2) |
| Elevation | 340 ft (100 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 70 |
| • Density | 283/sq mi (109/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| ZIP Code |
20105
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| FIPS code | 51-00772 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1495187 |
Aldie is a small, historic village in Loudoun County, Virginia, United States. It's located between the towns of Chantilly and Middleburg. Aldie sits in a natural gap between the Catoctin Mountains and Bull Run Mountains, where the Little River flows. This special location has made Aldie a traditional "gateway" to the beautiful Loudoun Valley.
Aldie is also a "census-designated place" (CDP). This means it's an area that the government counts for population, but it's not officially a town or city. As of the 2020 census, the CDP of Aldie had a population of 70 people.
The Aldie postal area (ZIP Code 20105) is much larger than the historic village. It has grown very quickly, becoming one of the fastest-growing areas near Washington, D.C.. Many new homes and communities have been built here. However, the hills around the historic village still have a peaceful, rural feel with farms and wineries.
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Aldie's Past: A Look at History
Aldie's story began in 1765. That's when James Mercer and George Mercer built a mill where the historic Aldie Mill stands today. This spot was perfect because important roads met there. One road, the Belhaven Road, connected Winchester and Alexandria. Another, the Mountain Road, went northwest.
How Aldie Grew
In 1809, the Little River Turnpike was finished. This new road made travel easier from Alexandria to the Mercer Mill. James Mercer's son, Charles Fenton Mercer, decided to create a village there. He named it Aldie after Castle Aldie, his family's ancestral home in Scotland.
By 1811, Aldie had its own post office. More roads were built, connecting Aldie to other towns like Middleburg. By 1820, Aldie had 248 residents, making it one of the largest towns in the county. Its population reached its highest point in 1830 with 260 people.
Aldie During the Civil War
During the Civil War, Aldie was an important location. The Battle of Aldie took place nearby as part of the Gettysburg Campaign. Also, a Confederate soldier named John Singleton Mosby and his rangers were active in the area. They had several small fights with Union soldiers in and around Aldie.
Famous Residents and Historic Sites
One of Aldie's most famous residents was James Monroe. He was the 5th President of the United States. He built his home, Oak Hill, in Aldie in 1822.
Several places in Aldie are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are important historical sites. They include the Aldie Mill Historic District, the Furr Farm, the Loudoun Agricultural and Mechanical Institute, and the Mount Zion Old School Baptist Church.
Fun Things to Do in Aldie
Aldie hosts two yearly festivals that are fun for everyone!
- In May, you can enjoy the "Treasures on the Turnpike" festival.
- In October, the "Harvest Festival" celebrates the fall season.
Places to Visit in Aldie
Aldie has several interesting places to explore:
- The Aldie Mill Historic District includes the historic Aldie Mill and other old buildings.
- The Loudoun Agricultural and Mechanical Institute is another important historical site.
- The Mount Zion Old School Baptist Church is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
You can also visit Gilbert's Corner Regional Park. It's right next to the Mount Zion Old School Baptist Church. The park has trails and offers amazing views of the Bull Run Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains.
Schools Serving the Aldie Area
Students in the Aldie area attend several schools. These include:
- Aldie Elementary School
- Arcola Elementary School
- Buffalo Trail Elementary
- Goshen Post Elementary School
- Pinebrook Elementary School
- Hovatter Elementary School
- Mercer Middle School
- Willard Middle School
- John Champe High School
- Lightridge High School
Notable People from Aldie
- Al Grey: A famous jazz trombonist.
- James Monroe: The 5th President of the United States.
