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

A Revolutionary War Hero

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 28, 2020

1. A Revolutionary War Hero Marker

Inscription. Near here stood the home of Sergeant Major John Champe (1752–1798), Continental soldier. Champe faked desertion and enlisted in Benedict Arnold's British command for the purpose of capturing the traitor. Failing in his attempt, Champe rejoined the American army. His meritorious service was attested to by such patriots as General Henry (Light Horse Harry) Lee.

Erected 1983 by Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission. (Marker Number B-33.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list.

Location. 38° 58.522′ N, 77° 40.032′ W. Marker is in Dover, Virginia, in Loudoun County. Marker is at the intersection of John Mosby Highway (U.S. 50) and Champe Ford Road (County Route 632), on the right when traveling east on John Mosby Highway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Leesburg VA 20177, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Gettysburg Campaign (here, next to this marker); Stuart and Bayard (here, next to this marker); Cavalry Battles (here, next to this marker); Sergeant Major John Champe

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(about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Battle of Aldie (approx. 0.7 miles away); Snickersville Turnpike (approx. one mile away); First Mass. Cavalry (approx. 1.2 miles away); a different marker also named Battle of Aldie (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dover.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Also see . . . Another account of Champe’s life. (Submitted on June 27, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Four Markers at Dover, VA image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 28, 2020

2. Four Markers at Dover, VA

3. A Revolutionary War Hero Marker

This marker replaced the original marker placed in 1928. The original marker, titled, "A Revolutionary Hero, read, "Here stood the home of John Champe, Continental Soldier. Champe deserted and enlisted in Benedict Arnold's British command for the purpose of capturing the traitor, 1780. Failing in this attempt, Champe rejoined the American Army." Photograph is from an undated Virginia brochure.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 7, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 27, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,317 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 29, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on November 7, 2021, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.