Leesburg in Loudoun County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Lost Locomotive

Photographed By Brandon Stahl, January 21, 2017

1. The Lost Locomotive Marker

Inscription. At the outbreak of the Civil War in spring 1861, Maj.Gen. Robert E. Lee sent orders to Col. Eppa Hunton in Loudoun County. Anticipating Federal seizure of the Alexandria to Leesburg railroad, Lee told Hunton to tear up track, burn bridges, and destroy or capture rolling stock.

One of the railroad's three locomotives happened to be here in Leesburg on a freight run. Rather that destroy the valuable machine, Hunton took it apart and loaded it on a wagon. He later described how it was "hauled across country and put upon the Manassas Gap Railroad at Piedmont (Delaplane, Virginia). It took twelve yoke of oxen to move it, and it was used by the Confederates during the war. I felt gratified that I had not destroyed it."

Although no one knows for sure, the locomotive was probably returned to the railroad after the war, then retired in the 1880s.

(Caption) Below: The Clarke, a twin of the locomotive that Hunton captured, spent the war in Union hands.

Erected by Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the NOVA Parks, and the Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) Railroad series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.

Location.

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Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 39° 6.65′ N, 77° 33.811′ W. Marker was in Leesburg, Virginia, in Loudoun County. Marker could be reached from Harrison Street Southeast, 0.1 miles south of South Street Southeast, on the right when traveling south. Located about 25 feet west of Harrison Street on the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Trail. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Leesburg VA 20175, United States of America.

We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Leesburg Freight Station (here, next to this marker); The Orion Anderson Story (a few steps from this marker); This Is W&OD Trail: Leesburg! (within shouting distance of this marker); Stationmaster's House (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Log House (about 600 feet away); Norman-Harding Barn (about 600 feet away); Dairy Barn (about 600 feet away); McKimmey's Mill (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Leesburg.

Col. Eppa Hunton image. Click for full size.

2. Col. Eppa Hunton

In October 1861 his troops repelled Federal forces at Balls Bluff near Leesburg. Hunton went on to become brigadier general.

Artist's Conception image. Click for full size.

3. Artist's Conception

An artist's conception of the locomotive's wagon trip to Confederate rail lines.

Photographed By Brandon Stahl, January 21, 2017

4. The Lost Locomotive Marker

The marker sits next to the Leesburg Freight Station Marker

5. The Clarke

The Clarke, a twin of the locomotive that Hunton captured, spent the war in Union hands.Close-up of photo on marker

The Orion Anderson Story image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, July 12, 2019

6. The Orion Anderson Story

This marker has been replaced by marker # 100987, The Orion Anderson Story marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 13, 2019. It was originally submitted on January 22, 2017, by Brandon Stahl of Fairfax, Virginia. This page has been viewed 602 times since then and 35 times this year. Last updated on July 13, 2019, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 22, 2017, by Brandon Stahl of Fairfax, Virginia. 5. submitted on July 30, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 6. submitted on July 13, 2019, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.