Day Tripping - DC Metro
Oatlands Plantation
Loudoun County

Oatlands
"Preservation
Fight"

          

Oatlands Plantation

One of the beauties of Oatlands Plantation and neighboring Oatlands' "hamlet" is that both maintain their historical integrity in terms of landscape, scale, and setting within the Loudoun County countryside.

The protection of the surrounding countryside is important for the total understanding of the role of the plantation house in early nineteenth century America.

Army Corps of Engineers Suspends Developer's Permit

This setting, however, has been recently threatened by plans for a development near the Oatlands community - so near in fact that it threatens the plantation's architectural and landscape integrity.

Permits were issued for development which will threaten the nineteenth century view from Oatlands' main house, its landscape perspective, and a "wetlands" area. A "stop work" order has been issued for the development in progress until the total impact can be determined.

This proposed development appears to be developing into an important court case regarding the protection of historical sites within the American landscape. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is actively involved in securing a "pro-preservation" ruling in this precedent setting decision.

Waterford Compromised

Waterford, another Loudoun County historical site, has had its geographical setting compromised by recent development on the approach to the community and by other inappropriate, insensitive development near this Quaker town.

Those who knew Waterford before recent Loudon County urban sprawl remember the quiet drive from Route 9 with its fields, farms, and woods into the little town. Unfortunately this scenic approach is gone. Hopefully the same destruction of historical setting will not happen to Oatlands Plantation.