of Loudoun Heights. Headquarters Harrison House: The headquarters of Robert E. Lee during his brief stay in Leesburg in September, 1862. In this house he met with his top generals, including Jackson and Stuart, to oversee the reorganization of the Army of Northern Virginia prior to the start of the Maryland Campaign. The Restored Government of Virginia On December 5, 1864 the Restored Government of Virginia convened for the first time since the formal separation of West Virginia from the commonwealth (Loudoun, in fact had been briefly considered for inclusion in the new state, but was ultimately rejected due to the strong Confederate sentiment in the county) in the city hall of Alexandria. Loudoun was one of the twelve counties and three cities represented (those under nominal Federal control). James Madison Downey of Loudoun was elected to serve as speaker of the House of Delegates, and in that capacity brought legislation to the floor calling for a Constitutional Convention to be held that January. Downey would go on to serve as one of three representatives from Loudoun in that body, which among other things would approve the separation of West Virginia, thus circumventing the constitutional clause against forming a new state out of an existing one, and formally abolish slavery in Virginia. When the legislature reconvened the following December, Downey was once again elected speaker of the House. Although Loudoun was represented in the Restored Government, and elections for its offices were held in the county, the government's authority in the county extended only as far that of the Union army. Civil War tourism Civil War tourism sites: Ball's Bluff Battlefield and National Cemetery Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Loudoun Museum Confederate Statue, Courthouse Square Union Cemetery Civil War Trails References Ashown, Paul and Edward Caudill, The Mosby Myth: A Confederate Hero in Life and Legend. SR Books, Wilmington, Del., 2002. Crouch, Richard E., Rough-Riding Scout: The Story of John W. Mobberly, Loudoun's Own Civil War Guerrilla Hero. Elden Additions: Arlington, Va., 1994. Divine, John. 35th Battalion Virginia Cavalry. H.E. Howard Inc.; Lynchburg, Va. 1985. Goodheart, Briscoe. History of the Independent Loudoun Rangers: Scouts, U.S. Cavalry 1862-1865. 1896. Head, James W. History and Comprehensive Description of Loudoun County, Virginia. Hard Press, 2006. Johnson, A.B., "The Skirmish at Mile Hill." The Bulletin of the Historical Society of Loudoun County, Virginia, 1957-1976. Goose Creek Productions, Leesburg, Va., 1997. Leepsom, Marc. Desperate Engagement: