Lewis/Edwards Architectural Surveys of Loudoun County 1971-1983

Access and use

Location of collection:
Thomas Balch Library
Thomas Balch Library
208 West Market Street
Leesburg, Virginia 20176
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Alexandra S. Gressitt
Phone: (703) 737-7195
Fax: (703) 737-7195

Summary

Creator:
Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Historic Resources
Abstract:
This collection is composed of architectural surveys made by John G. Lewis, contracted as Northern Virginia Representative, and David Edwards, Architectural Historian, with Virginia Historic Landmarks Department (now Virginia Department of Historic Resources).
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

This collection is composed of architectural surveys made by John G. Lewis, contracted as Northern Virginia Representative, and David Edwards, Architectural Historian, with Virginia Historic Landmarks Department (now Virginia Department of Historic Resources). The bulk of the surveys are of sites in Loudoun County; however, there are survey files of Waterford that cover the entire village and a few surveys of Round Hill, Bluemont, Hillsboro, Middleburg, and Purcellville. The survey forms illustrate the many styles of architecture that became fashionable from the 18th century to the 20th century. There is also a set of USGS maps, with sites identified by their state assigned numbers.

The collection includes 969 folders covering information about sites in Loudoun County. The sites are numbered from 0001 to 1090. Missing numbers do not always indicate missing files. Some numbers or blocks of numbers were unassigned by the state. County sites are numbered with a prefix beginning with 053. Towns and major villages each have their own prefixes, e.g. Waterford: 401, Bluemont: 404, Hillsboro: 236, Middleburg: 259, Purcellville: 286. Files of National Register properties and National Historic Landmarks are marked on the folders with red stars.

The entire village of Waterford was surveyed by John G. Lewis. The files are numbered 1 through 138 although as is the case of the county files, some numbers were not utilized. Six folders contain surveys of two structures because the structures, while once separate, are now combined. A map of the Village of Waterford showing individual properties with state numbers is located with Waterford surveys.

Biographical / historical:

Loudoun County was established in 1757 but some of the surveys are of sites that pre-date the founding of the County. Geologically the county is divided at almost the midpoint with the best agricultural land lying from Goose Creek to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Thus buildings in the west are generally more sophisticated and were surveyed first. There were only two important plantations east of Goose Creek, Belmont and Coton, properties of Lee cousins. Coton has been destroyed but Belmont remains. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is currently used as a country club for the Belmont development.

There are over 60 National Register properties in the county and five National Historic Landmarks. Few of these buildings are elaborate plantation houses. Many are smaller farmhouses demonstrating the sophistication that Loudoun County's affluent farmers incorporated particularly in the interior woodwork. Others are log buildings and a number combine log, stone and brick demonstrating the progression of elegance as the farmers became successful.

Loudoun County, especially in its western half, had excellent farmland and was known throughout the state for its agricultural superiority until the 1970s when its proximity to Washington, D.C. began to draw developers. Less desirable farmland in the eastern half was developed first with large planned communities. In the west where no public sewer or water is available development began in the 1990s with very large houses on individual lots. Consequently, traditional agricultural has all but disappeared although small scale specialty farming is replacing it in some areas and the equine industry in the southwestern part of the county is still flourishing.

There are seven incorporated towns and numerous villages in the county. The early villages and towns grew up as market or commercial centers to serve the agricultural community. Later towns such as Hamilton, Purcellville and Round Hill developed in the 19th century as stops on the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad.

Acquisition information:
Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Historic Resources
Physical description:
9 cu. ft.