As home to some of the first settlers nearly 400 years ago, Loudoun County has a long, rich history that encompasses American Indian heritage, the Civil War years, agricultural development and more. Whatever era you’re interested in, be sure to check out our list of the best historical attractions if you’re in or around Sterling, VA.
1. Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum
Dedicated to preserving the agricultural history of the region, Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum is crammed with intriguing artefacts and interactive exhibits. As well as a huge collection of American Indian tools, there are exhibits of the farm tools and machinery used by ten generations of Loudoun inhabitants. There’s also a blacksmith’s shop in the nineteenth-century barn, and the Waxpool General Store, which give you a chance to step into the past.
The museum is family friendly and children can learn in Mrs Su’s Schoolroom, use antique cooking implements in Grandma’s Kitchen, or be a farmer for the day. If you’re looking for an excuse to load the family into the Chevy Suburban for a day trip, this could be the ideal opportunity.
2. Lanesville Heritage Area
This site features buildings such as a schoolhouse museum, an outhouse, and tenant’s house. There’s a Civil War Signal Station site, and Vestal’s Gap Road also runs through the grounds. This ancient American Indian overland route, through the Blue Ridge Mountains to Ohio, is reputed to have been used by George Washington in 1770.
Located in Claude Moore Park, a visit here will also give you the chance to admire the scenery and enjoy the available walks, lake, and amenities.
3. Ball’s Bluff Battlefield
The site of one of the largest Civil War conflicts in Loudoun County,
Ball’s Bluff Battlefield preserves the site of the significant 1861 battle and features a cemetery with the graves of 54 Union soldiers who fell. Visitors can take part in the scavenger hunt, or take a guided tour to gain fascinating insight into the engagement while taking a mile-long walk around the battelfield.
4. The Marshall House
Dodona Manor was the residence of George C Marshall, the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate who masterminded the Marshall Plan in the aftermath of World War Two. Built in the early nineteenth century in the Federal style, the house is now a centre of learning for ethical leadership. However, it’s also a site of architectural interest and is still mostly furnished with items that belonged to Marshall and his wife.
With guided tours available, this is a great opportunity to learn more about the politics of the last century, or the architecture of the one before. And for anyone who loves the outdoors, there’s even a tour of the 29 varieties of tree on the grounds.
Whether you want to learn about American Indian heritage, Civil War history or the twentieth century, you’re sure to find out more in Sterling. And while you’re taking a learning tour, remember to
visit us at Ted Britt Chevrolet to find the right car for your voyage of discovery.
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