The Story
Leesburg Virginia is named after Robert E Lee's family. Let's go into its Civil War history.
Slaves were a part of Leesburg from the beginning. Its residents overwhelmingly supported leaving the Union. They formed Confederate militias The Potomac Greys and the Leesburg Cavalry.
By the war's end, Leesburg changed hands over 100 times.
During the war, Leesburg illegally issued its own currency, known locally as "Dog Money" because it had a picture of a dog.
After the Union defeat at Manassas, Leesburg was occupied by Confederate troops. A colonel feared a Union attack and temporarily evacuated Leesburg.
The Union General George McClellan, ordered a reconnaissance mission. A false report of an unguarded Confederate camp encouraged a Union raid, which resulted in a clash.
Colonel Edward Baker tried to reinforce the Union troops but failed to ensure enough boats for the river crossings, which were then delayed. Baker was killed, and a newly arrived Confederate defeated Stone's troops.
The Battle of Leesburg became the largest Civil War battle fought in Loudoun County.
