Interesting Facts

Sterling is conveniently close to the busy Dulles International Airport, which was built in 1959. Around that time, land prices began to climb and businessman Marvin T. Broyhill, Sr. realized that a real estate purchase was a prime investment opportunity. He bought 1,762 acres in Sterling that now forms the residential district of Sterling Park, one of the very first planned residential communities in the eastern part of Loudon County.
The northern end of Sterling is known as Potomac Falls. It includes the neighborhoods of Lowes Island, Cascades, Countryside and Rivercrest and originated in the early 1990s. This area borders the Potomac River and includes three 18-hole golf courses.
The large residential area of Sterling known as Broad Run Farms that's located north of VA Routes 7 and 28 was once a Civil War battlefield. It was subsequently a farm and then subdivided into lots in 1950 when home construction began in the area.
The city of Sterling is proud to claim some celebs and politicians who have come from the area. Notably, actress Hilarie Burton, comedians Patton Oswalt and Basil White and US Congressman James D. Weaver call Sterling home.
Incorporated in 1827, the town of Hamilton, just 20 miles northwest of Sterling, was first known as Harmony, VA. The name switched when President John Quincy Adams authorized a post office at the Hamilton mercantile that served the small community.
Located just 25 miles from Sterling, Hillsboro bears the distinction of being Loudon County's smallest town. It has the smallest land mass of any town as well as the smallest head count. The town was first known as "Gap in the Short Hill," but later acquired the shorter moniker of Hillsboro. The area is known to have housed George Washington and boasts lovely vineyards and quaint shops.
One of Loudon County's historic treasures, Leesburg originally bore the appellation of "George Town," in recognition of the crown of King George II. It officially took on the name of Leesburg in 1758, honoring the state's notable Lee family.
As Loudon County is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation, it's no surprise that education is a priority here. Over ten different higher education institutions make their homes along Virginia's Route 7, causing the area to be known as the "Learning Corridor.�
The entire area that now makes up Loudon County was first granted by King Charles II of England to seven wealthy noblemen in 1649 as part of a large 5-million acre grant. The grant was fertile and beautiful property wedged between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers. Eventually the large acreage was divided into various counties, including Westmoreland, Stafford, Prince William, Fairfax and Loudon Counties.
Beginning in 1725 with the original settling of the area, colonists in Loudon County included a diverse mix of folks. By way of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland, farmers, shopkeepers and laborers included Germans, Irish and Scots. Quakers from Pennsylvania moved into the areas of Waterford, Lincoln, Hamilton and Unison.