Loudoun County Courthouse, Leesburg

Three brick courthouses—dating from 1761, 1811, and 1895—have served Loudoun County on this same site. Slave auctions were once held on the steps. Today the building is recognized for its role in the struggle for freedom and equality. The National Park Service designated the Loudoun County Courthouse as an Underground Railroad Network to Freedom site because two free black men were tried here for helping women and children escape from slavery.

The first was built in 1758, overseen by Aeneas Campbell, who was also the first sheriff of the county. The courthouse was fairly small, measuring forty feet by twenty-eight feet in size, and costing 365 pounds. It was constructed of brick and had five windows which were framed with white oak. The window sashes were made of "well-seasoned pine", and each had shutters with hooks and bolts. The front door was eight feet high and four and a half feet wide. The county court performed executive, legislative and judicial duties. Originally, the county court met only quarterly. The justices of this era received no payment for their services, so only wealthy people who could afford to miss work in order to hold these positions. However, acting as a justice certainly had its rewards, as it enabled that person to function as the center of attention and power in local affairs. The Declaration of Independence was read on the steps of the first courthouse during August Court Days of 1776. It was the first reading of the document anywhere in the state of Virginia.

A second and larger courthouse was built in 1811, also of brick. It consisted of four large and beautiful stone pillars, of which there are still remnants in today’s courtyard. Several pieces of these pillars were saved by builder Joseph Layette Norris, and they were returned in 1978 "by caring citizens", as the plaque dedicating them reads. The second courthouse stood until about 1888. That courthouse survived The Civil War and, in fact, was the setting for a shootout between Yankee and Confederate Soldiers on the front lawn.

The third and present courthouse was erected in 1895. It rises on four columns, has double doors, and is capped by a clock and bell housed in a belfry. In front of the courthouse stands a statue of a Confederate soldier. It was designed by F.S. Sievers, and dedicated to the courthouse in 1908. It serves as a memorial to the many Rebel soldiers who died fighting for the cause in which they believed. The modern courthouse is adjoined by other county offices and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. In August 1987, the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney was transferred to the Valley Bank Building which is adjacent to the courthouse. The Courthouse is part of the Leesburg Historic District recognized by the Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission.

Stocks and whipping posts have been relocated on the courthouse grounds. They portray a vivid image of the harsh methods of law enforcement utilized in our community’s past.