What I have been saying so far has all been rather theoretical and ethereal. I believe it is probably time for me to come down to earth with some practical uses of history, as I see them, and as I have personally experienced them.
First let me say a few words about how the use of history can be directly relevant to Loudoun County. Before going further I should explain to you that, even though I am not a resident, I am no stranger to the County or to Leesburg. For about twenty years the Dupuys have been property-owners in Loudoun County. As my father used to comment, we are thus modern recruits of the Army of Northern Virginia. My wife and I even have plans for a house which we someday expect to build on our property on the banks of Goose Creek.
So I know something about the county, and something about its history. Not enough to discuss in any detail with this group—but enough to know that it is an appropriate place to settle for one who (like myself) has forebears who fought on both sides in the Civil War (a conflict which, as most of you know, my friends, Pat Andrews, always refers to as the War of Northern Aggression; I won’t bother you with the details of my many Civil War controversies with Pat; I’ll simply mention the fact that our principal dispute centers over the question whether McClellan was a greater detriment to the Union cause than Braxton Bragg was to that of the Confederacy.)
To return to history and Loudoun County.
A number among you know my father—who is still at heart a recruit in the Army of Northern Virginia, and who left Loudoun County only because of pressure on him from those of the family who felt that his age and health required a less rigorous life and a more accessible home than conditions permitted in their isolated house on Goose Creek. While he lived here, he took the time to immerse himself in Loudoun County History; in fact, he probably should be talking to you tonight instead of me.
Anyway, I recall his telling me about the old canal locks in front of his house—long since inundated by the dam built largely on what used to be their property. These canal lock ruins clearly demonstrated the relationship of past events to the present—and of the usefulness of being able to interpret such relevance. Even submerged, they are mute evidence of a dream of mass transportation—movement of Loudoun County produce to the Potomac. This dream was a bubble pricked by the unexpectedly rapid growth of the railroads. The local railroad, in turn, has given way to the equally unexpected rapid growth of road transportation, which has not only brought this rural region into the suburban circle of the nearby metropolis, but has actually brought about the appearance within the county of the major metropolitan terminus for a still newer means of mass transportation—and of course I am speaking of Dulles Airport.
This is only one of the many manifestations of the fact that history is certainly sweeping Loudoun County into the Eastern Seaboard Megalopolis. This historical fact has great relevance and use to this county—and I should think poses a challenge to this Historical Society.
I am sure the county must have some plans for coping with this historical fact, and I imagine that this Society has probably done much thinking about its role in these plans. But let me mention anyhow, at the risk of telling you things you have already thought of, how I visualize using history for planning purposes in Loudoun County right now.
I understand that Fairfax County has recently begun to prepare to identify its historical landmarks. There are several reasons for such identification, particularly to permit the county to preserve the essentials of its past history, as embodied in places, objects and memories, while still participating in present history. I would hope that Loudoun County has done, or will do, the same, relying upon this Society for advice and counsel.
I should like to spend the next few minutes in telling you about some examples of practical use of history by an organization created for the specific purpose of making use of history.