Leesburg in Loudoun County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Loudoun County Court Square
Wartime in Leesburg
The Confederates evacuated Leesburg on March 7, 1862. The next morning, Union Gen. John W. Geary and his men marched in from Waterford as the townspeople glared. Northern reporter Henry Morhous described Leesburg as "a perfect sneering nest of rebels," adding, "They insulted soldiers in every way they thought safe... The ladies were the most outspoken." On September 4, two days after Union and Confederate cavalry skirmished at this intersection and then moved north, Leesburg citizens cheered as Gen. Robert E. Lee's army marched in. On September 17, Lt. Col. Judson Kilpatrick led the 2nd New York Cavalry into town after shelling it.
Mississippi infantrymen fired at the Union gunners from the Valley Bank building behind you. Loudoun's own 35th Virginia Cavalry under Lt. Col. Elijah V. White drove the New Yorkers off. On October 13, Gen. J.E.B. Stuart's cavalry herded 1,200 captured horses past here en route to the Shenandoah Valley.
On April 29, 1864, a detail of Mosby's Rangers stopped at Pickett's Public House, which stood to the right of the courthouse. When the 2nd Massachusetts Cavalry rode in from behind you, the Rangers skedaddled; only three escaped. Johnny DeButts tried to shoot his way to his horse but was wounded and captured.
Erected 2013 by Virginia Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1863.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39° 6.92′ N, 77° 33.81′ W. Marker was in Leesburg, Virginia, in Loudoun County. Marker was at the intersection of Market Street (Business State Highway 7) and King Street (Business U.S. 15), on the right when traveling west on Market Street. 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 walking distance of this location. Courthouse Yard (here, next to this marker); The “I Have a Dream Committee” (a few steps from this marker); In Honor of The Loudoun Citizens… (a few steps from this marker); Our Glorious Dead (within shouting distance of this marker); In Memory of the Heroic Dead (within shouting distance of this marker); Loudoun County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Stanley Caulkins (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 7 Loudoun Street Southeast (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Leesburg.
Additional commentary.
1. Replaced
This marker was replaced by another Civil War Trails marker titled "Courthouse Yard" in June 2022.
— Submitted October 2, 2022, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 2, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 13, 2013, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,254 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 13, 2013, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 13, 2019, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 6, 7, 8. submitted on July 14, 2019, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.