If you’ve ever wondered what lies beneath the soil here in Loudoun County, especially around Leesburg, this summer is your chance to find out.
The Thomas Balch Library is hosting a fascinating new Civil War exhibit in its Mercer Room, featuring more than 300 artifacts unearthed by longtime Leesburg resident John Creamer. These aren’t pieces pulled from faraway battlefields—most were found right here in our own backyards, including sites around Potomac Crossing and near the old Walmart off Edwards Ferry Road.
Creamer, who has been collecting for years, says many of the items came to light during construction work. “A lot of the items were found on construction sites,” he said. “I have enjoyed the fact that it was recovered, and people can see it. Had it not been recovered it would have been gone forever.”
The collection includes belt buckles, rifles, artillery pieces, and Confederate and Union currency—many connected to the 1861 Battle of Ball’s Bluff, one of the earliest and deadliest Civil War battles fought in Loudoun County.
The display will be open through the end of July and is available during regular library hours. It’s a rare opportunity to see up-close the relics of a war that left a deep imprint on our community—and to be reminded that the history of Loudoun is quite literally underfoot.
For visiting hours or more information, contact the Thomas Balch Library at 703-737-7195 or email balchlib@leesburgva.gov.
