GUEST BLOG: Sterling Virginia's Fascinating History
Recently, I had the pleasure of connecting with Brittany Delong, a fellow Sterling native and passionate historian, who has delved into the stories of Sterling's past. Her dedication to unraveling Sterling's narrative has resulted in a captivating book, "Sterling: Images of America," which chronicles our hometown's journey through time. Brittany's exploration not only sheds light on the pivotal moments that shaped Sterling but also highlights the resilience and spirit of its people.Brittany so very kindly agreed to write a guest blog highlighting five fascinating facts from her new book about our mutual hometown of Sterling, Virginia.Please enjoy! GUEST BLOG by Brittany DeLong As a lifelong Sterling native and history enthusiast, I’ve always been interested in the history of my hometown. My ties to the area go back before I was born, when my grandparents purchased one of the first homes on West Poplar Road during Sterling Park’s housing boom in the early 1960s. But it wasn’t until the start of the pandemic, when I found myself with more time on my hands, that I formally started to research further into Sterling’s earliest history. I found that the neighboring towns of Herndon and Leesburg had litany of history books written, but I couldn’t find a central resource on Sterling. So, I decided to write a book on Sterling myself. Over the last four years, I’ve scoured local history books and newspaper articles, worked with the Thomas Balch research library, and conducted dozens of interviews with longtime Sterling residents. I’m excited to announce that has culminated in the publication of Sterling: Images of America, with Arcadia Publishing. In celebration of the book being officially published on February 26, I thought it would be fun to share five of the most interesting facts I came across in my research. I hope you learn something new about my beloved hometown—what I’ve learned in my research has certainly given me a renewed appreciation of the area at large. One of the oldest remaining segments of colonial pathway is located in Sterling.Vestal’s Gap Road encompasses a route that runs from the port of Alexandria to present-day Leesburg and on to Winchester. A portion of the road runs through modern-day Sterling, and archaeologists believe the road originated as a series of hunting paths used by Algonkian-speaking native tribes before the first settlers arrived in the area. George Washington traversed the road multiple times, including a journey to Fort Duquesne in Pennsylvania in 1754 to confront the French prior to the French and Indian War. 2. A Civil War battle took place in Sterling. On February 22, 1864, the Civil War arrived at the front door of Samuel and Henrietta Ankers at their home in Sterling, located at what is today the site of the Loudoun Campus of Northern Virginia Community College (shown above in a 1974 aerial photograph). Confederate lieutenant colonel John Singleton Mosby’s horsemen ambushed Union Captain James Sewall Reed’s cavalrymen after hiding in a pine thicket south of Dranesville Turnpike (present-day Route 7), below the ridge of Bridges Hill near Ankers’ blacksmith shop. While Reed’s men tried to rally, the Second Dranesville Battle ultimately resulted in Captain Reed’s death, 12 other Union soldier deaths, one Confederate soldier death, and dozens more wounded. The remaining soldiers in the skirmish fled to the nearby Potomac River. Today, the site is recognized with a Virginia Civil War Trails marker and a plaque of remembrance. 3. President James Buchanan vacationed in Sterling at the Summer White House in 1859 and 1860. To escape the heat of Washington, the 15th United States president brought his family to the two-story Summer White House residence, owned by the Summers family, for rest and relaxation. The house-turned-hotel, built in the 1850s, was located near today’s Ruritan Circle. The building operated for many years afterward as a hotel and an antique shop before it was demolished in 1989. 4. Sterling farmers were innovators. Before Sterling was commercially developed, the area was primarily a farming community from the mid-1800s through the better half of the twentieth century. Sterling farms were ground breaking in a variety of ways. Sterling Farm, a cattle and dairy business owned by Dr. Albert Shaw, was dubbed “the Experimental Farm,” as Shaw was the first farmer in the area to receive a federal grant for applying scientific methods to the raising of crops and livestock. Jesse M. Hughes’ dairy farm, located on Route 7, was the first electrified farm in Loudoun County and was a Rural Electrification Administration demonstration site in 1936. Lastly, Pidgeon Hill was owned and operated by Flora Edds, one of the country’s first college-educated Black women and the first farmer in the area to use an electric milker. Edds’ farm is pictured above. 5. Claude Moore Park in Sterling is the largest natural area accessible to the public in Eastern Loudoun County. The 357-acre area of land today known as Claude Moore Park, which houses sections of the original Vestal’s Gap Road, exists in large part thanks to one man’s conservationist efforts. In 1941, radiologist Dr. Claude Moore purchased the Lanesville property at public auction. He donated land to the National Wildlife Federation in 1975 for the purpose of environmental education outreach, but a bitter and highly publicized conservation dispute ensued when the NWF sold the property to developers in 1986. Ultimately, Loudoun County purchased the property from the developers in order to support Dr. Moore’s vision that this historic and natural property be kept as open space for active and passive recreation. Today, the area contains miles of hiking trails, and the original schoolhouse, tenant house, and barn are still standing on the property. Brittany would like to extend an invitation to all to her book launch, please see details below:
Sirens and Smiles: A Day Exploring Ashburn's Fire Department
Growing up, my dad would occasionally take us to the Sterling Volunteer Fire Department, requesting impromptu tours that the firefighters and medics graciously provided, explaining their tools and rescue processes. These experiences fascinated us, especially my brother, Chase, who has an enduring passion for all things fire and rescue. A couple Saturdays ago, in an effort to continue this tradition, my boys and I were hanging with Uncle Chase and decided to drop by the stunning Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. Chase was eager to explore the ambulance, and my boys were excited to see if we could secure a full tour. Fortunately, luck was on our side! The firefighters, in the midst of preparing lunch, warmly offered us a comprehensive tour, complete with a peek inside the ambulance and a visit to the game room. Visiting the Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department not only allowed us to indulge in Chase's passion but also provided a fascinating glimpse into the rich history and unwavering commitment of volunteer fire companies in our community. It's impressive to witness the evolution of firefighting efforts while recognizing the enduring dedication to serving and protecting the community. The next time you drive through the streets of Ashburn, Lansdowne, and the Broadlands, try to imagine nothing but dairy farms in place of the houses, townhomes, businesses, shopping centers, and parks. Imagine it is 1944 and you live in Old Ashburn. One morning you hear the news that three children, left home alone, died in a fire. They were playing with matches and, in an attempt to hide from the fire, crawled under a bed and perished. Nearby neighbors had tried to help but did not have the equipment and training to save the children. Then, in February, the Ashburn School caught fire. It was time for action. Led by a Baptist minister, a small group of citizens formed the Ashburn Volunteer Fire Company. Today, AVFRD is staffed with career personnel by day and volunteers by night, responding to more than 4,500 fire and rescue calls a year. As we walked through the halls of the Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, memories of childhood tours flooded back, creating a connection between past and present. Experiencing the dedication and professionalism of the firefighters reinforced the vital role they play in our community. The evolution from dairy farms to a bustling community highlights the enduring commitment of the Ashburn Volunteer Fire Company. Today, AVFRD stands as a testament to the ideals of its founders, serving with diversity, dedication, and professionalism. Our recent visit was a blend of nostalgia and appreciation, showcasing the integral role the fire departments play in keeping our communities safe and vibrant. For more interesteing history and AVFRD happenings, check out their website: Ashburn Volunteer Fire & Rescue Departmentand Facebook Page or better yet, go get yourself a tour!
Star-Studded Roots: Northern Virginia's Homegrown Celebrities
In the heart of Sterling, Virginia, my high school days unfolded at Park View High School. Little did I know that just a couple of years ahead of me, the vibrant and talented Hilarie Burton was making her mark in the same halls. A force in the drama club, she effortlessly took on lead roles in numerous plays. I vividly recall being in the audience for my high school's production of "Into the Woods," where Hilarie's star power shone brightly. Unbeknownst to me at the time, that budding actress would go on to captivate audiences in remarkable roles and even tie the knot with Jeffrey Dean Morgan, better known as "Negan" from The Walking Dead fame. Now, let's step into the limelight with Hilarie and other celebrities who've left their mark on the same streets and stages. Hilarie Burton: Sterling's Leading Lady A familiar face to fans of MTV's Total Request Live and the hit series "One Tree Hill," Hilarie Burton proudly calls Sterling her hometown. Growing up in the tight-knit community, she graduated from Park View High School, leaving an indelible mark on the local scene before her rise to fame. Patton Oswalt: The Hometown Comedic Genius Patton Oswalt, a seasoned comedian, actor, and screenwriter, might have had a journey that took him from Ohio to California, but his roots are firmly planted in Northern Virginia. Born in Portsmouth, his family eventually settled in Sterling, where he attended Broad Run High School in Ashburn. From his early days navigating the halls of Broad Run to his iconic roles in "The King of Queens" and "Ratatouille," Patton Oswalt's comedic prowess has undoubtedly left a mark on the entertainment world. Julianne Moore: From Falls Church to Hollywood Glamour Julianne Moore, celebrated actress and author, embarked on a remarkable journey that led her from a military upbringing in North Carolina to the vibrant community of Falls Church. After frequent moves, she spent her formative high school years at Justice High School before setting her sights on the global stage. Her performances in "Boogie Nights" and "Still Alice" showcase the talent that was nurtured during her time in Northern Virginia. Dave Grohl: Northern Virginia's Sonic Ambassador Before rocking the world with the Foo Fighters and Nirvana, Dave Grohl had his roots firmly planted in Northern Virginia. Born in Ohio, Grohl's family moved to Springfield when he was a child. His educational journey included stops at Holmes Middle School, Thomas Jefferson High School, Bishop Ireton High School, and Annandale High School. Interestingly, the Foo Fighters even recorded "There Is Nothing Left to Lose" in Grohl's Alexandria home. Sandra Bullock: Arlington's Leading Lady Sandra Bullock, the acclaimed actress and producer, was born in Arlington and spent her early years in Northern Virginia. Although her family later moved to Germany, Bullock returned to Arlington, attending Washington-Lee High School (now Washington-Liberty High School). From her Arlington roots, Bullock has risen to become one of Hollywood's leading ladies, with iconic roles in "Speed," "Miss Congeniality," and "Gravity." As we celebrate the achievements of these Northern Virginia-born celebrities, it's clear that the roots of greatness can be found in the communities we call home. From the laughter inspired by Patton Oswalt's comedic genius to the captivating performances of Julianne Moore, Hilarie Burton, and the musical prowess of Dave Grohl, these hometown heroes have left an enduring mark on the world stage. As you explore the neighborhoods of Northern Virginia, consider the rich tapestry of talent that has emerged from these streets. Who knows, your future home might just be in the vicinity of where these iconic individuals once roamed the hallways of local schools or recorded chart-topping albums. Northern Virginia isn't just a place; it's a springboard for dreams and the backdrop for countless success stories.
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