Take in the history that lies along the winding roads of Loudoun County , where small crossroad communities grew into thriving villages as early as the 1700s . Here we highlight some of these cherished villages . To those who graciously take on the role of caretakers of historic homes , churches , schools and general stores , thank you for your dedication .
Paeonian Springs – Est . 1890s Legend has it , 200 years prior , the Algonquian Indians knew this area for its natural springs . The 1890s brought boarding houses and commerce to this village nestled between routes 7 & 9 on the W & OD . for those escaping the city . This 1909 Folk Victorian home built in the Hall and Parlor style , with a 1913 Kitchen Ell addition is one of the village ’ s older homes .
taylorstown ~ est . 1741 Taylorstown Mill ( ca . 1800 ) was built by Henry Taylor near the site of an earlier mill ( ca . 1740 ) built by Richard Brown . It continued as a water powered grist mill until the 1930s . Then into the 1950s , the Mill operated as a feed store , until it transitioned to a private residence . Taylorstown also had a still , a blacksmith ’ s shop , a school and more that catered to 19th and 20th century rural population . willisville ~ est . 1870s Loudoun County ’ s only African American Village on the National Register of Historic Places . Willisville had a church , a store and a schoolhouse that also served nearby children . One of the cemeteries records the first interment as 1873 . The Willisville chapel , built in 1924 , replaced the original church which burned in 1917 . It is still active today .
Howardsville ~ est . 1874 The village of Howardsville remains one of the few intact African American communities in Loudoun , formed after the Civil War . Originally settled in 1874 , by the Howard , Cosberry , and Basil families , followed by Valentine , Mitchell and Summers families . A descendant of the Summers ’ still resides at this home ( pictured ).
Loudoun Historic Village Alliance • LoudounVillages . org