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 German Settlement II: Lovettsville in the Time of the American RevolutionThis is an annual 4-field trip course on Monday nights in May. For the 250 Commemoration in 2026, we will be zeroing in on the American Revolution ex... 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
Historic Road Sign Dedication & ProgramJoin the community for the unveiling of a new historic marker and a program to discuss the Old Carolina Road's history in the Lucketts area during the... Read More
Monroe at the Mill: Monroe's Oak Hill Then & NowHeather Richards of The Conservation Fund will give an update on the current state of Oak Hill and its future as a State Park, and James Monroe will s... Read More
The German Settlement II: Lovettsville in the Time of the American RevolutionThis is an annual 4-field trip course on Monday nights in May. For the 250 Commemoration in 2026, we will be zeroing in on the American Revolution ex... 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
Dedication of Lovettsville's Liberty TreeThe Town of Lovettsville and Lovettsville Historical Society will introduce and unveili a newly planted ceremonial liberty tree with commemorative pla... 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 German Settlement II: Lovettsville in the Time of the American RevolutionThis is an annual 4-field trip course on Monday nights in May. For the 250 Commemoration in 2026, we will be zeroing in on the American Revolution ex... 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
Lord Dunmore and the Campaign for the Chesapeake 1775-1776: Delenda est NorfolkDuring the tumultuous summer of 1775, Virginians across the colony grappled with the question of whether to join the revolt against Britain. At the ce... Read More
The German Settlement II: Lovettsville in the Time of the American RevolutionThis is an annual 4-field trip course on Monday nights in May. For the 250 Commemoration in 2026, we will be zeroing in on the American Revolution ex... Read More
Rust Library Essay ClubIn recognition of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the group will discuss Charles Upchurch’s essay, "Claiming the Revolution: Gende... 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
Choir for a Night: America the BeautifulCelebrate America's 250th birthday by learning how to sing "America the Beautiful" by Katharine Lee Bates. ... Read More
A Public Reading of Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense"Complete with an introduction and group discussion afterwards, this is an antiphonal public reading of Thomas Paine's COMMON SENSE, slightly abridged ... Read More
A Public Reading of Thomas Paine's COMMON SENSEComplete with an introduction and group discussion afterwards, this is an antiphonal public reading of Thomas Paine's COMMON SENSE, slightly abridged ... 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
Meet the Author: Kevin GrigsbyAuthor Kevin Grigsby will be discussing his new book, A Story of Hope & Freedom: The Proctors of Loudoun & Fauquier Counties, Virginia. Book signing t... Read More
How to Become a U.S. CitizenWant to learn how to become a U.S. citizen? Learn about eligibility, how to apply, and what to expect at the citizenship interview at this information... 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
Annual Independence Day CelebrationJoin the Town of Purcellville for its annual Independence Day Parade with the theme "Celebrating 250 Years of Freedom." With at least 100 vehicles and... Read More
Independence DeclaredProgram will offer exhibits in the courthouse and hands-on activities in the courtyard.... 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
Hamilton SingalongCelebrate America's 250th birthday by singing along and interacting with Lin Manuel Miranda's musical Hamilton.... Read More
Fourth Annual Lovettsville Historical Society Summer Seminar: The Impact of the American RevolutionA panel of knowledgeable local historians will grapple with an apt question for this year's 250: the impact of the American Revolution, particularly ... 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
Land Cover of Loudoun County in 1776: What did Loudoun County look like to our forefathers 250 years ago?Dr. Emily Southgate, who holds a Ph.D. in Botany from Rutgers University, will present a view of eastern and western Loudoun County through the lens o... 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 Battle of Brandywine CreekRevolutionary War enthusiast Joe Wolf examines the origins of this battle, its role in the 1777 Philadelphia Campaign, and its broader impact on the A... Read More
Plaque Dedication Commemorating First Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence in Loudoun CountyJoin members of the John Champe Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, as a plaque is dedicated at the Loudoun County Courthouse to commemorate the... 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
The Heroes of BrandwineTravis Shaw, Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area's Director of Education, will discuss the Battle of Brandywine. The year 1777 was a crucial year for Gen... Read More
82nd Annual Waterford FairCome experience history come alive and shop, play, tour, and make memories during this 82-year-old tradition in the National Historic Landmark! The Wa... Read More
The Marquis de Lafayette and the Revolutionary WarBased on Mark Leepson's popular, concise biography "Lafayette: Lessons in Leadership from the Idealist General," this program will focus on Lafayette'... Read More
Tracy J. Gillespie
July 3, 2023
Loudoun Now
