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.
Freedom ExhibitCelebrating 250 years in 2026! We are excited to begin a 6-month count down to the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with art ex... Read More
Waterford through Their Eyes: Black Families Experience in the Village from the Late Colonial Era through the Mid-20th CenturyJoin local historians Bronwen and John Souders- authors of "A Rock in a Weary Land, a Shelter in a Time of Storm: African-American Experience in Water... Read More
Our National BirdThe Bald Eagle is a symbol of freedom across America. Learn more about these majestic creatures in this informative program. ... Read More
The American Revolution and the Fate of the WorldAuthor Richard Bell shares a sweeping story about the global actors and global dimensions of the American Revolution, recasting the history as a trans... Read More
Reluctant Witness: Nicholas Cresswell Views the Revolution from LoudounRaise a glass with Nicholas Cresswell! Join us at the Old School in Waterford and learn about the life, travels, and observations of Cresswell, an Eng... Read More
Fundamentals of Tablet Weaving- Start to Finish ClassJoin us and take a class learning a historic craft found throughout the colonies, that dates back further than that! Tablet (or card weaving) dates ba... Read More
Intro to Weaving on the Warp Weighted Loom- Making Mug RugsCome learn a historic craft found throughout the Colonies from a traditional artisan! Discover the ancient art of warp weighted weaving in this hands-... Read More
Waterford Craft School: Pine Needle Coiled BasketsCome learn to create a colonial craft from a heritage artisan! Students will create a small but beautiful and functional coiled basket from pine needl... Read More
Distaff Spinning with Suspended Spindle ClassTake a class to learn a historic craft from a skilled artisan that dates back centuries and could be found all over the colonies! The spinning of fibe... Read More
From Secrets to Freedom: Cracking the Culper CodeStep back into the 18th century and become a secret agent in George Washington's legendary Culper Spy Ring. Participants will embark on a self-guided ... Read More
The American Revolution: What You Did Not Learn in School – Part OneJoin history enthusiast and Marshall Center Docent, Blane Ampthor for a look at several events and personalities such as the Boston Massacre, Washingt... Read More
The American Revolution, Part IHistorian Blane Ampthor delves into fascinating details, personalities, and misconceptions about the American Revolution to provide a deeper understan... Read More
Leesburg, Loudoun, and the American RevolutionLocal historian, Rich Gillespie will lead a historic walking tour, Leesburg, Loudoun and the American Revolution on Saturday, March 7, beginning at 10... Read More
Tea with Abigail AdamsA living history experience featuring "Abigail Adams" portrayed by historical impersonator Megan Wells who brings the First Lady's wit, wisdom, and re... Read More
Book Club: "The Odyssey of Phillis Wheatley"Admired by George Washington, ridiculed by Thomas Jefferson, published in London, and read far and wide, Phillis Wheatley led one of the most extraord... 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Tracy J. Gillespie
July 3, 2023
Loudoun Now
