A Divided America, A Divided Loudoun County
On April 12, 1861, the storm clouds of war erupted over a divided America with the firing on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. Just as America was divided in 1861, so was Virginia. Virginia's western half would form a separate pro-Union state in 1863. Loudoun County was also split. Here in Loudoun County the division was based on settlement patterns.
In the weeks following the loss of Fort Sumter, the Union Army formed around Washington, D.C. The Confederate Army gathered at Manassas Junction, Virginia, twenty-five miles south of Leesburg. On July 21, 1861, the first great land battle of the war was fought on the plains of Manassas along a creek known as Bull Run. The result was a great Confederate victory.
The Potomac River now formed the dividing line between the Union and the Confederacy. the state was set for the Battle of Ball's Bluff.
Erected by Ball's Bluff Regional Park/Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the NOVA Parks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 12, 1861.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named A Divided America, A Divided Loudoun County (here, next to this marker); The Battle of Ball's Bluff in Perspective (here, next to this marker); Aftermath of Ball’s Bluff (here, next to this marker); Battle of Balls Bluff (here, next to this marker); Additional Area Civil War Sites (here, next to this marker); The Battle at Ball’s Bluff (within shouting distance of this marker); Battle of Ball's Bluff - October 21, 1861 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named The Battle of Ball's Bluff (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Leesburg.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced with the linked marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 6, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 6, 2021, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 157 times since then and 15 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on August 29, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
