Near Leesburg in Loudoun County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Temple Hall
Mason's farm was modestly successful. He cultivated orchards, raised corn, wheat and livestock.
The house was a hub of Leesburg social activity and welcomed many distinguished guests. On August 9, 1825, President John Quincy Adams, former President James Monroe and the Marquis de Lafayette came to Temple Hall for the baptism of Mason's two youngest daughters.
In 1857, Mason retired to Washington, D.C., and sold his farm to Henry A. Ball. With the outbreak of the Civil War, the Ball family found themselves living on the front line between two hostile nations. Two of Henry Ball's sons left the farm to join the Confederate Army. In 1862, Henry Ball was arrested for refusing to take an oath of allegiance to the Federal Government. He was released after spending nearly a year in the Old Capitol Prison.
Confederate Colonel John S. Mosby visited Temple Hall on July 5, 1864, and dined with the Ball family. While at the house, Mosby received information that led to the raid on Mount Zion Church.
Temple Hall remained in the Ball family until 1878 when it was sold at auction. In 1940, after a succession of owners, the property was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. James H. Symington. The Symingtons set about restoring the house and making improvements to the farm.
In 1985, Temple Hall Farm was acquired by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority in order to preserve the land and give future generations the opportunity to appreciate the experience of an American working farm.
Erected by Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #05 James Monroe, the Former U.S. Presidents: #06 John Quincy Adams, the Lafayette’s Farewell Tour, and the NOVA Parks series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1749.
Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 39° 10.741′ N, 77° 31.71′ W. Marker was near Leesburg, Virginia, in Loudoun County. Marker was on Temple Hall Lane, 0.1 miles north of Limestone School Road (County Route 661), on the left when traveling north. Located in the Temple Hall Farm Regional Park. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Leesburg VA 20176, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies. This Is Temple Hall! (within shouting distance of this marker); Conditions of the Enslaved at Temple Hall Farm (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Temple Hall Farm Regional Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Enslaved Workers at Temple Hall Farm (within shouting distance of this marker); The Kincaid Farm Barns (within shouting distance of this marker); 1862 Antietam Campaign (approx. 1.7 miles away in Maryland); White’s Ferry (approx. 1.7 miles away in Maryland); Gettysburg Campaign (approx. 1.7 miles away in Maryland). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Leesburg.
More about this marker. On the left side of the marker are portraits of William Temple Thomson Mason and Ann Eliza Carroll Mason.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 1, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 25, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,141 times since then and 23 times this year. Last updated on August 1, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 25, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 1, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 7, 8. submitted on August 2, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.