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
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.
this page online
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern Virginia. It was also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
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); Raflo Park (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). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Leesburg.
2. Col. Eppa Hunton
In October 1861 his troops repelled Federal forces at Balls Bluff near Leesburg. Hunton went on to become brigadier general.
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
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 January 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 22, 2017, by Brandon Stahl of Fairfax, Virginia. This page has been viewed 988 times since then and 18 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.
