Due to its geographic location and its large population, Loudoun County played an integral role in Virginia’s Revolutionary War experience. By the time the War of Independence began in 1775, Loudoun County was home to an ethnically and religiously diverse population in one of the most agriculturally productive regions of Virginia. Well settled villages and towns, including Leesburg, Waterford, and Lovettsville were connected by a network of roads that tied Virginia’s eastern tidewater region to the Shenandoah Valley to the west. As relations with Great Britain became increasingly strained in the 1770s, Loudoun residents responded with the drafting of the Loudoun Resolves in the summer of 1774. These resolves expressed local support for the people of Boston and Loudoun’s commitment to resist British overreach into colonial affairs.
When war broke out in 1775, Loudoun’s large militia served in the county, collecting supplies, guarding prisoners, and suppressing local loyalists. Hundreds of men from the county also enlisted in the Continental Army, serving in nearly every battle of the war. With many men gone, local women took a leading role in managing farms and industries and performed vital work in keeping their families, communities, and the army fed, clothed, and supplied. Far from the fighting, Loudoun County became a “breadbasket” for the American armies, supplying food, livestock, and other goods. Loudoun roads were filled with marching soldiers and wagons full of supplies moving to the important theaters of war. Not all Loudouners supported the Revolutionary cause, however. Many Quakers were harassed and imprisoned for their pacifist beliefs, while many of the enslaved people looked to the British for freedom from bondage. Loudoun County’s many diverse stories help to highlight the rich complexity of the American Revolution and our understanding of this vital period in our nation’s history.
Purcellville Arts Council Art Shows: Commemorating America's 250thThe Purcellville Arts Council hosts art shows in Purcellville Town Hall. To help commemorate the 250th anniversary of America's independence: • C... Read More
The Revolution on ScreenThe Thomas Balch Library is pleased to announce the launch of "The Revolution on Screen", a film-discussion series exploring how the American Revoluti... Read More
The 1776 Liberation of BostonHistorian and retired Army officer Bill Wilkin shares how an amateur group of Patriots dragged sixty tons of artillery across 300 miles in winter to s... Read More
Revolutionary Stories: Loudoun and Beyond Program SeriesThe exhibit "Life, Liberty, & Loudoun! Revolutionary Stories," will be accompanied by a program series called Revolutionary Stories: Loudoun and beyon... Read More
Female Patriots of Loudoun CountyDuring the American Revolution, over sixty women in Loudoun County supported the cause of the Revolutionary War. This support – known as "Patriotic ... Read More
Crossroads of LibertyEvent hosted to commemorate 1775-1776 in the Piedmont region. The event will include live history reenactors, limited-time exhibits, and interactive s... Read More
Loudoun Female Patriots of the American RevolutionDo you have ancestors who lived in Loudoun County during the American Revolution? Have you wondered if they were involved in supporting "the cause"? I... Read More
Jefferson, Madison, and MasonMike O'Connell, an author and former professor of history and political science, shares the stories of the men behind three of Virginia's largest publ... Read More
'Remember the Ladies': Women in the American RevolutionLocal public historian Tracy Gillespie presents an overview of women's roles during the American Revolution, from boycott leaders to camp followers, s... Read More
Benedict ArnoldBenedict Arnold is known for betraying America during the Revolutionary War, but he was also regarded as a war hero. Historian Blane Ampthor explores ... Read More
Revolutionary War HistoryIn this online presentation, Cara Griggs, a senior reference archivist at the Library of Virginia, discusses local, state, and federal records pertain... Read More
'You had better remove the records": Historic House Opening on Virginia Garden Week TourThe Garden Club of Virginia's Historic Garden Week 2026 features several lovely homes in downtown Leesburg, including the house purportedly used to te... Read More
'You had better remove the records": Historic House Opening on Virginia Garden Week TourThe Garden Club of Virginia's Historic Garden Week 2026 features several lovely homes in downtown Leesburg, including the house purportedly used to te... Read More
The Revolution on ScreenThe Thomas Balch Library is pleased to announce the launch of "The Revolution on Screen", a film-discussion series exploring how the American Revoluti... Read More
A Public Reading of Common SenseJoin us for an interpreted antiphonal reading of Thomas Paine's Common Sense by lanternlight, followed by a brief discussion.... Read More
A Brief History of the Cocktail - A VA250 Event!Come with us into a journey that dates back to 1804 as we explore our growing country, and the drinks that slaked the thirst of those early Americans.... Read More
Oatlands Tree Planting - Celebrating America 250! with Trees from Historic Virginia Presidential PropertiesIn celebration of America 250, the Ketoctin Chapter NSDAR is sponsoring the planting of four trees at Oatlands Historic Homes and Gardens in Leesburg,... Read More
Arbor Day Liberty Tree Patriotic Planting & Picnic Join us for a special Arbor Day event honoring Virginia’s 250th anniversary with the planting of a commemorative Liberty Tree. Stay afterward for a ... Read More
Loyal Drums at Ferry FarmJoin us at George Washington's Ferry Farm for a free Drum Corp event, with Colonial-style entertainment such as military reenactors, Colonial dancers,... Read More
2026 Purcellville Music and Arts FestivalVisit the town of Purcellville for their annual festival featuring local music, art, performances, and fun activities. 250th events will be highlight... Read More
History Hour: George Washington's Darkest DaysHistorian Bill Wilkin takes a candid look at the problems faced by George Washington during his failed attempt to stop the British invasion of New Yor... Read More
The American Revolution, Part IIHistorian Blane Ampthor delves into fascinating details, personalities, and misconceptions about the American Revolution to provide a deeper understan... Read More
George Washington's Dream for the PotomacLocal historian Paul Kreingold shares the accomplishments of Washington's Potomac Company, reviews the technologies used to "open up" the river, and e... Read More
The Real Housewives of Colonel AmericaExperience a woman's everyday life in Colonial American with Author Diane Helentjaris as she peeks into their challenges, highs and lows, clothing, an... Read More
How to Raise a CitizenParenting is hard. Raising a citizen is heroic. Author Lindsey Cormack shares how to talk with kids about politics and government in the United States... Read More
The Revolution on ScreenThe Thomas Balch Library is pleased to announce the launch of "The Revolution on Screen", a film-discussion series exploring how the American Revoluti... Read More
The Empire Strikes Back: Battles at Charleston and New York CityHistorian and retired Army officer Bill Wilkin shares stories of the log fort that saved Charleston and the Patriots' incredible escape by small boats... Read More
Waterford Open HouseCome take a step back in time and immerse yourself in the history of a Village of ordinary people doing extraordinary things where the Village and sur... Read More
Reluctant Witness: Nicholas Cresswell Views the Revolution from LoudounRaise a glass with Nicholas Cresswell! Join us at Dodona Manor and learn about the life, travels, and observations of Cresswell, an English visitor to... Read More
Book Club Discussion: Independence Lost: Lives on the Edge of the American Revolution Kathleen DuValLoudoun VA250 partners again with Birch Tree Book Store's Non-fiction Book Club, this time to discuss Independence Lost: Lives on the Edge of the Amer... Read More
The Revolution on ScreenThe Thomas Balch Library is pleased to announce the launch of "The Revolution on Screen", a film-discussion series exploring how the American Revoluti... Read More
George Washington's Dream for the PotomacLocal historian Paul Kreingold shares the accomplishments of Washington's Potomac Company, reviews the technologies used to "open up" the river, and e... Read More
For the Common DefenseLocal historian Jeff Joyce discusses how the Continental Army, Navy, and Marines were established in 1775, soon after the Revolutionary War broke out ... Read More
The Declaration of Independence at 250: A Public ReadingJoin members of the community to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a public reading of the document that helpe... Read More
Essay Discussion Club - "George Washington Warned" by Sarah PruittWe’ll be reading the essay by Sarah Pruitt, as well as George Washington’s 1796 Farewell Address.... Read More
The Revolution on ScreenThe Thomas Balch Library is pleased to announce the launch of "The Revolution on Screen", a film-discussion series exploring how the American Revoluti... Read More
George Washington's Dream for the PotomacLocal historian Paul Kreingold shares the accomplishments of Washington's Potomac Company, reviews the technologies used to "open up" the river, and e... Read More
The Revolution on ScreenThe Thomas Balch Library is pleased to announce the launch of "The Revolution on Screen", a film-discussion series exploring how the American Revoluti... Read More
The Revolution on ScreenThe Thomas Balch Library is pleased to announce the launch of "The Revolution on Screen", a film-discussion series exploring how the American Revoluti... Read More
Tracy J. Gillespie
July 3, 2023
Loudoun Now
