Ashburn in Loudoun County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Ashburn Station
The Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park
— Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority —
Photographed By Craig Swain, June 26, 2009
1. Ashburn Station Marker
At least two different railroad stations stood where you are now standing. When the Alexandra, Loudoun & Hampshire Railroad (later the W&OD) arrived in 1860, the aptly named crossroads of Farmwell became one of the many rail stops that served agrarian Loudoun County. In 1896, after an ash tree caught fire and supposedly burned for a week, Farmwell changed its name to Ashburn.Loudoun County had more than 1,200 farms at the time. The railroad transported the cash crops of wheat, corn, and oats as well as livestock and dairy products. By 1891, early morning trains through Farmwell carried some 4,000 gallons of milk to Washington each day.
Not all milk reached its destination. Certain crewmen sometimes churned milk into butter during the trip, sold it at the next stop, kept the money, and discarded the empty milk cans in Goose Creek.
Erected by Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the NOVA Parks
this page online
Location. 39° 2.638′ N, 77° 29.233′ W. Marker is in Ashburn, Virginia, in Loudoun County. Marker is on Ashburn Road (County Route 641), on the right when traveling north. Located about 10 feet from the road on the W&OD Trail, adjacent to a trail parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ashburn VA 20147, 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. Ashburn School (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Barn (approx. 1.7 miles away); Belmont Chapel (approx. 1.7 miles away); Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park (approx. 1.8 miles away); Tracks Into History (approx. 1.8 miles away); This is W&OD Trail: Smith Switch! (approx. 1.8 miles away); Belmont Ridge (approx. 1.9 miles away); Norman's Station (approx. 1.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ashburn.
More about this marker. The background of the marker shows Ashburn station in the early 1900s. An inset photo shows General Electric diesel locomotives, such as No. 57, hauled freight along the W&OD. The engineer pictured is Dolph Cunningham. Another inset photo shows Milk can used on the W&OD.
Also see . . .
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 21, 2023
2. Ashburn Station Marker
Unfortunately, the marker has weathered significantly.
Photographed By Craig Swain, June 26, 2009
3. Marker along the W&OD Trail
Photographed By Craig Swain, June 26, 2009
4. Store Along Railroad
The building across the trail from the marker has been an operating store since the early part of the 20th century. Today it is a BBQ restaurant serving both the Ashburn community and trail riders/walkers.
Photographed By Craig Swain, June 26, 2009
5. Old Farmwell - now Ashburn
Credits. This page was last revised on January 21, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,966 times since then and 172 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 26, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on January 21, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 26, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
