Skip to main content
DESTINATION

Leesburg

During the War of 1812, when the city of Washington was in flames, 22 wagonloads of U.S. documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, much of George Washington's correspondence, and Congressional and State Department records were brought to Leesburg for safekeeping.

The fourth armed engagement of the Civil War took place northeast of Leesburg at Balls Bluff. On Oct. 21, 1861, Confederate forces inflicted devastating losses upon four Union regiments under the command of Col. Edward D. Baker. Among the injured was a 20-year-old lieutenant from Massachusetts, Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., who later became chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Ball's Bluff National Cemetery is purportedly the smallest in the nation. Surrounding the cemetery is Balls Bluff Battlefield, a regional park with hiking trails and picnicking; phone (703) 737-7800.

Since 1828 a ferry has carried passengers and freight across the quarter-mile-wide Potomac between a point northeast of Leesburg and Whites Ferry, Md. The Gen. Jubal A. Early still crosses daily dawn to dusk.

Several of Leesburg's older homes are open to the public during Historic Garden Week in late April. Beginning in late September and running through early November, Pumpkin Village Fall Festival takes place at Leesburg Animal Park. The seasonal event includes a farm-themed children's play area, pony and hay wagon rides, and a pumpkin patch.

Visitor Centers

Loudoun Convention & Visitors Association 112-G South St. S.E. Leesburg, VA 20175. Phone:(703)771-2170 or (800)752-6118

Self-guiding Tours

A walking-tour booklet of Leesburg's historic district is available from the Loudoun Museum.

Things to Do

Leesburg Animal Park

Loudoun Museum

The Marshall House

Morven Park

Oatlands Historic House & Gardens

WINERIES

Casanel Vineyards & Winery

Fabbioli Cellars

Stone Tower Winery

Tarara Vineyard and Winery

More Articles

THE VALUE OF TRIP CANVAS

Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas

Get Ideas from the Pros

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

BACK TO TOP