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National Register of Historic Places listings in Loudoun County, Virginia facts for kids

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Map of Virginia highlighting Loudoun County
Location of Loudoun County in Virginia

Loudoun County, Virginia, is a place rich in history! It's home to many special buildings, areas, and sites that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps us remember and protect important parts of America's past.

Think of the National Register as a special club for places that have a big story to tell. These places are important because they show us how people lived, worked, and shaped the world long ago. In Loudoun County, there are 95 of these amazing spots. Six of them are even more special, called National Historic Landmarks, which means they are super important to the history of the entire United States!

What is the National Register of Historic Places?

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of places in the United States that are worth saving. It's like a national scrapbook of historic buildings, sites, objects, and districts. When a place is added to this list, it means it has special historical, architectural, archaeological, engineering, or cultural importance.

Why do we list historic places?

Listing places on the National Register helps protect them. It encourages people to preserve these sites so future generations can learn from them. It also makes people more aware of the history right in their own communities.

Discovering Loudoun County's History

Loudoun County has a wide variety of historic places. From old mills and battlefields to schools and grand homes, each site tells a unique story about the area's past. Let's explore a few examples!

Battlefields and Important Events

Ball's Bluff Battlefield and National Cemetery

Ball's Bluff National Cemetery
The National Cemetery at Ball's Bluff.

One very important site is the Ball's Bluff Battlefield and National Cemetery near Leesburg. This was the location of a major battle during the American Civil War. It's a solemn place where you can learn about the bravery and sacrifices made long ago. It's also a National Historic Landmark.

Unison Battlefield Historic District

The Battle of Unison was another important Civil War event. The Unison Battlefield Historic District includes parts of the area where this battle took place. It helps us understand the movements and challenges faced by soldiers during that time.

Historic Towns and Districts

Waterford Historic District

Waterford, Virginia town center
The historic town center of Waterford.

The entire village of Waterford is a National Historic Landmark and a historic district! It's like stepping back in time. This charming village has many old buildings that show what life was like in the 18th and 19th centuries. It's a great example of how a whole community can be preserved.

Leesburg Historic District

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A view of Leesburg, a historic town.

The heart of Leesburg is also a historic district. This means many of its older buildings and streets are protected. Leesburg has been an important town for centuries, and its historic district shows off its long and interesting past.

Middleburg Historic District

Middleburg Historic District 1
A street in the Middleburg Historic District.

Middleburg is another town with a special historic district. Known for its equestrian (horse-related) history, Middleburg's district preserves its unique character and beautiful old buildings.

Notable Homes and Estates

Oak Hill (James Monroe House)

OakHillfront
Oak Hill, the home of President James Monroe.

Oak Hill (James Monroe House) is a National Historic Landmark because it was the home of James Monroe, one of America's early presidents! Located south of Leesburg, this grand house offers a glimpse into the life of a president from long ago.

Gen. George C. Marshall House

Dodona Manor
Dodona Manor, the home of General George C. Marshall.

The home of George C. Marshall, a very important general during World War II and a Nobel Peace Prize winner, is also a National Historic Landmark. Known as Dodona Manor, this house in Leesburg tells the story of a man who shaped modern history.

Morven Park

Morven Park, Leesburg VA-1
Morven Park, a large estate near Leesburg.

Morven Park is a large estate near Leesburg with a beautiful mansion and extensive grounds. It's a historic place that shows the grand country estates of the past and now serves as a public park and museum.

Other Unique Historic Sites

Aldie Mill Historic District

Aldie Mill Historic District B
The historic Aldie Mill.

The Aldie Mill Historic District includes an old mill that used to grind grain. Mills were super important in the past for making flour and other products. This district helps us understand how communities used to operate.

Douglass High School

Douglass HS Leesburg VA1
Douglass High School in Leesburg.

Douglass High School (Leesburg, Virginia) in Leesburg is an important historic site. It was a school for African American students during a time when schools were segregated. It represents a significant part of educational and civil rights history in the area.

Arcola Slave Quarters

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The historic Arcola Slave Quarters.

The Arcola Slave Quarters are a reminder of a difficult but important part of American history. These buildings show where enslaved people lived and worked, and preserving them helps us learn about their lives and the challenges they faced.

Purcellville Train Station

Purcellville-VA-Train-Station
The old Purcellville Train Station.

The Purcellville Train Station is a cool example of how transportation has changed over time. Train stations were once bustling centers of activity, connecting towns and people. This station in Purcellville shows what they looked like.

Former Listing

Sometimes, a place might be removed from the National Register. This happened to a property called Exeter near Leesburg. It was unfortunately damaged by fire and could no longer be preserved in its original form.

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