Near Leesburg in Loudoun County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Ice House
Photographed By Craig Swain, April 2, 2008
1. Ice House Marker
In winter this building was filled with ice cut from the Potomac River. The tick stone walls and many layers of straw provided sufficient insulation to preserve a supply of ice for summer use. When the family needed ice, large chucks were retrieved from under the straw and taken to the house.The ice house was probably built sometime between 1876 and 1889. It remained in use until the mid-1930s and was restored by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority in 1983.
Erected 2008 by Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Agriculture. In addition, it is included in the NOVA Parks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1876.
Location. 39° 6.758′ N, 77° 30.539′ W. Marker is near Leesburg, Virginia, in Loudoun County. Marker is at the intersection of Edwards Ferry Road (County Route 773) and Red Rock Way, on the right when traveling west on Edwards Ferry Road. Located at the parking lot for the Red Rock Wilderness Overview Regional Park. Touch for map.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Carriage House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Regional Park (about 300 feet away); Well House (about 400 feet away); Two-Chambered Granary (about 400 feet away); Ball’s Bluff Masked Battery (approx. one mile away); a different marker also named Ball’s Bluff Masked Battery (approx. one mile away); Confederate Earthworks (approx. 1.1 miles away); Edwards Ferry (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Leesburg.
More about this marker. On the right side of the marker is a photograph of the ice house.
Photographed By Craig Swain, January 26, 2008
2. Previous Marker on Site
Prior to 2008 this metal marker stood beside the Ice House and read:
In winter this building was filled with ice cut from the river. The thick stone walls and many layers of straw provided sufficient insulation to preserve a supply of ice for summer use. When the family needed ice, large chucks were retrieved from under the straw and taken to the house.
The ice house was probably built sometime between 1876 and 1889. It remained in use until the mid-1930s and was restored by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority in 1983.
In winter this building was filled with ice cut from the river. The thick stone walls and many layers of straw provided sufficient insulation to preserve a supply of ice for summer use. When the family needed ice, large chucks were retrieved from under the straw and taken to the house.
The ice house was probably built sometime between 1876 and 1889. It remained in use until the mid-1930s and was restored by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority in 1983.
Photographed By Craig Swain, April 2, 2008
3. The Ice House
The marker stands to the right of the structure.
Photographed By Craig Swain, January 26, 2008
4. Ice House on a Day Fit for Stocking Up on Ice!
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,716 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 20, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
