In the summer of 1862, Confederate forces moved through Loudoun County on their way to the first Confederate invasion of Northern soil during the Civil War. Thousands of soldiers entered Loudoun, an event that many who witnessed it never forgot. The September 1862 river crossings outside of Leesburg led to America's bloodiest single day at the September 17 Battle of Antietam. Six weeks later, marching armies and battles came back to Loudoun once again when the United States Army trudged back into Virginia.

Join Rob Orrison and Kevin Pawlak for a look at the effects these campaigns had on Loudoun County and its citizens in 1862. Together, they will highlight the extant historic sites and landmarks that were relevant to the summer campaigns in 1862.

Following the program at Rust Library, there will be a tour of historic Harrison Hall, the home where Robert E. Lee and his generals met on September 5, 1862.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call (540) 687-6681.

This program is co-sponsored by NOVA Parks and Rust Library.