Historic Leesburg’s population of 42,616 at the 2010 census is the result of a three-decades-long trend of growth and development. The city is the seat of government for Loudoun County in Northern Virginia. Its strategic location about 30 miles northwest of Washington, DC, makes Leesburg a popular bedroom community for commuters to the nation’s capital. Current growth within the town and the area to the east concentrates along the Dulles Greenway and State Route 7.
Easy access to Washington, DC, has also played an important role in the history of Leesburg. During the Civil War, because it was located just two miles south of the border between the United States and the Confederate States, the city changed hands about 150 times and endured great hardship and civil unrest.
Leesburg is home to 21 entries on the National Register of Historic Places, including the site of the Battle of Ball’s Bluff from the Civil War; the Marshall House, formerly the home of General George C. Marshall; White’s Ferry; the Oatlands Plantation; and the Exeter Plantation.
The historic downtown of Leesburg provides opportunities to experience shopping, dining, walking tours and more. Clothing, jewelry, antique, home furnishing and specialty stores are plentiful. The streets are lined with historic architecture, brick sidewalks, flowering trees and flower baskets. The Leesburg Farmer’s Market offers local produce year-round. Additional premium shopping venues include the Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets and the Village at Leesburg.
The Federal Aviation Administration’s Washington Air Route Traffic Control Center is located in Leesburg.