Discovering Unison: A Hidden Gem in Loudoun County’s Historic Villages

Nestled in the rolling hills of southwestern Loudoun County, between Middleburg and Round Hill, lies the charming village of Unison—a testament to Virginia’s rich Quaker heritage and a preserved piece of American history that continues to captivate visitors today.

A Journey Through Time

The story of Unison begins around 1740 when Quakers migrated south from Pennsylvania, crossing through Maryland and over the Potomac River to settle in Northern Virginia’s fertile farmlands. What started as a small settlement quickly flourished into a thriving community as Loudoun County’s agricultural economy boomed in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Originally known as Union, the village was officially established by the Virginia General Assembly in 1813. Four years later, it adopted the name “Unison” to avoid confusion with another Virginia community that had prior claim to the Union name.

The Golden Era

By the early 1800s, Unison had become a vital center in its region, boasting schools, hotels, taverns, homes, and numerous businesses. The crown jewel of this period was the beautiful Methodist Church, constructed in 1832 by William Benton, who was recognized as Loudoun County’s foremost architect of the era.

Civil War Crossroads

The village’s peaceful existence was dramatically interrupted in 1862 during the second year of the Civil War. Union and Confederate troops clashed through Unison’s very streets as the massive Federal Army of the Potomac attempted to cut off the Army of Northern Virginia from its supply lines to Richmond, following the devastating Battle of Antietam.

Quiet Decades and Gradual Decline

After the war, Unison settled into a long period of tranquil stability. Through the mid-20th century, the village maintained its identity with active churches, a general store, a renowned saddle shop, and even a baseball team that competed in Loudoun’s local leagues.

However, by the 1980s, the village faced challenges common to many rural communities. Located far from the new highways that carried most of Loudoun’s commerce and growing population, Unison began to decline. By the 1990s, it had become a quiet residential enclave with just 50 permanent residents and about 14 houses. The final blow came in August 1996 when the Unison Store—which had operated continuously since 1880—closed its doors for the last time.

Preservation and Revival

The story of Unison could have ended there, but in 2001, dedicated local residents formed the Unison Preservation Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to protecting and preserving the historic village and its surrounding countryside.

Their efforts bore remarkable fruit:

• 2002: Unison was placed on the Virginia Landmarks Register as the Unison Historic District
• 2003: The village earned listing on the National Register of Historic Places
• 2011: The 8,000-acre Unison Battlefield, with the village at its center, was added to both registers, recognized as one of Virginia’s best-preserved battlefields

Unison Today

Modern Unison beautifully balances preservation with community life. The historic United Methodist Church still serves the community, while the restored General Store now functions as the village’s community center. Many historic homes have been lovingly restored, and the village remains surrounded by the same open fields, woods, and horse farms that have defined its character for nearly three centuries.

The village’s tree-lined, unpaved roads—many of which have served residents for almost 300 years—still offer stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, creating an almost timeless atmosphere that transports visitors to a simpler era.

A Living Celebration of History

Each fall, Unison Heritage Day celebrates the anniversary of the three-day Civil War battle that once raged through these peaceful streets. This popular event draws hundreds of visitors who come to enjoy bluegrass music, barbecue, auctions, and art shows while connecting with neighbors and friends in this historic setting.

Why Unison Matters

Unison represents more than just a preserved historic district—it’s a living example of how communities can honor their past while building their future. From its Quaker roots to its Civil War significance, from near-abandonment to thoughtful preservation, Unison tells the story of rural America’s resilience and the power of community action.

For visitors seeking to experience authentic Virginia history away from the crowds, Unison offers a rare glimpse into the past, where unpaved roads wind through landscapes that have remained largely unchanged for centuries, and where the echoes of both peaceful Quaker communities and Civil War battles still resonate in the gentle hills of Loudoun County.

To learn more about Unison and plan your visit, check out the Unison Preservation Society at unisonva.org. The village is located in southwestern Loudoun County, between Middleburg and Round Hill, Virginia.