Catoctin County, Virginia facts for kids
Catoctin County is the name of a new county that people have suggested creating in Northern Virginia. This proposed county would be made from the western parts of Loudoun County. The idea to form this new county first started in 2005. It began with a letter sent to a newspaper called The Washington Post.
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What is Catoctin County?
Catoctin County is a proposed new area that would have its own local government. It would be created by splitting off a part of Loudoun County. If it were to happen, the western side of Loudoun County would become Catoctin County. The eastern side of Loudoun County would stay the same.
Where Would It Be?
The proposed Catoctin County would be located west of the Catoctin Mountain. This area is also known as the Loudoun Valley. The eastern border of the new county would follow the natural line of the Catoctin Mountain. A stream called Catoctin Creek also flows through this area. The name "Catoctin" comes from both the mountain and the creek.
If Catoctin County were formed, a town called Purcellville would become its main town. This means Purcellville would be the center for the new county's government offices.
Why Was It Proposed?
The idea for Catoctin County started because people wanted to protect the rural, or countryside, feel of western Loudoun County. In the 1990s, Loudoun County was one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States. This meant many new homes and businesses were being built.
Dealing with Growth
Most of this new building happened in the eastern part of Loudoun County. However, people in the western part were worried about their quiet, open spaces changing too much. They hoped that creating a new county would help slow down the rapid development in their area.
What Happened to the Idea?
Over time, fewer people supported the idea of Catoctin County. But the idea came back in 2012. This happened when there was a plan to extend the Metro Silver Line into Loudoun County.
Metro and Taxes
The Metro Silver Line is a train system. Extending it meant that people living in Loudoun County might have to pay more taxes. This made some residents think again about forming a separate county. They hoped it might help them have more control over local decisions and costs.
