150th Anniversary, Civil War Battle of Ball's Bluff, Leesburg, VA

Northern Virginia has a rich history dating back to colonial times and, as such, that history includes the Civil War. During the Civil War, many battles and skirmishes were fought in Virginia, including Loudoun County. The most imfamous battle fought in Loudoun was the Battle of Ball's Bluff on October 21, 1861. Also known as the Battle of Harrison's Island or the Battle of Leesburg, it was the second largest battle of the Eastern Theater of the war in 1861. Taking place on the bluffs overlooking the Potomac River, the battle could be heard from the Town of Leesburg.

In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Ball's Bluff, several days of events are planned around Leesburg beginning Thursday, October 20, 2011. Events will include panel discussions and historic exhibits, reenactments at Morven Park and tours of the battlefield at Ball's Bluff Battlefield Regional Park in Leesburg. Tickets are required for these events and all details can be found at the www.150thballsbluff.com website.

Through the month of October, Morven Park is sponsoring a Museum Exhibit: Remembering Ball’s Bluff. This is a special exhibit commemorating the Battle of Ball’s Bluff and examining the Civil War on the Leesburg home front. Over ten collectors have loaned artifacts, including letters, clothing, guns and more.

NOTE: Many acres of historic battlefields have disappeared and are in threat of disappearing each year as the desireable location of many of these historic lands is coveted for development. Thanks to careful preservation, Ball's Bluff Battlefield is preserved as a regional park and efforts have been underway for the past 8 years to restore the battlefield to its appearance of 1861. Surrounding Ball's Bluff is the community of Potomac Crossing consisting of moderately priced single family homes on less than .5 acre each as well as both modest and upscale townhomes. The elementary school in the community is aptly named Ball's Bluff Elementary.