The Great Depression had a profound effect on Loudoun County, Virginia, although it was not as severe as in other parts of the country. In 1861, the county was divided over the issue of secession, with Quakers and most Germans in northern and central Loudoun opposing slavery and secession, while the landed gentry in the southern part of the county favored it. From 1980 to 1990, the population of Loudoun County skyrocketed from 57,427 to 86,129, with 54 percent of that growth occurring in a single census district in east Loudoun. In January of that year, some rural residents protested a new law allowing independent golf driving ranges, baseball batting cages and miniature golf courses.
In 1914, 58% of Leesburg voters opposed prohibition statewide, while 54% of Loudoun County voters were in favor of it. For those who have not had success with standard treatments for depression, anxiety, chronic pain or related conditions (including suicidal thoughts), there are few rapidly effective treatment options outside of the hospital setting in Loudoun County. The proposal to move Loudoun Hospital Center from Leesburg to east Loudoun was rejected due to strong protests from residents in the west of the county. In the early 1930s, education for African Americans in Loudoun County did not extend beyond the seventh grade; families sent their children to Washington or Manassas for higher education.
During the War of 1812, Loudoun County briefly served as a temporary refuge for the president and for important state newspapers. Loudoun County is part of the 5 million-acre Northern Neck of Virginia estate, granted by King Charles II of England to seven nobles in 1649. All their doctors are highly qualified and respected physicians who live locally in Loudoun and Fairfax counties and understand the community and its needs. In 1903, Richard Bailey and his wife Marguerite Inman purchased Morven Park in Loudoun County. Bailey was a literate man and resident of Loudoun County who founded one of the first institutions in the area.
He has lived in Loudoun for more than 15 years with his wife and three children. The Great Depression had a lasting impact on Loudoun County. The county's budget was heavily burdened by several years of remarkable increases in real estate tax revenues, leading to possibly the most drastic reductions in its 233-year history. Residents also experienced changes to their education system and healthcare options during this time. The effects of the Great Depression on Loudoun County are still felt today.
The county's budget is still affected by fluctuations in real estate tax revenues. Education and healthcare options remain limited for many residents. And Richard Bailey's legacy lives on at Morven Park.
