Reach for the Sky

Union Cemetery in Leesburg, Virginia

Established in 1855 on the immediate outskirts of Leesburg, Union Cemetery was created as a public cemetery open to people of all faiths, providing a serene final resting place that reflects the diverse cultural heritage of the area. It predated three other “Union” cemeteries in Loudoun County, which were later established at Hillsboro, Waterford, and Lovettsville, thereby playing a significant role in the local community’s history. The cemetery not only serves as a burial ground but also as a historical site that invites visitors to explore its rich past and the stories of those interred within its boundaries. Among its notable features, the cemetery contains the 1908 Union Chapel, a charming structure that has witnessed countless memorial services and gatherings, fostering a sense of community and remembrance.

Additionally, it houses several monuments that pay tribute to significant events and individuals, including a striking Confederate War Memorial at the north end of the site, which stands as a testament to the region’s complex history during the Civil War. Another remarkable feature is an imperfectly cut 30-foot-high granite column, which was allegedly designed for a public building in Washington, D.C. However, after being rejected, it found a new home in the cemetery in the 1890s, adding a layer of intrigue and historical depth to this hallowed ground.

This photo was taken on All Saints Day with the Nikon D90 – an extraordinary camera.