Loudoun Newspapers
Spirit of Democracy, Leesburg, VA; Richard W. Claxton
Genius of Liberty, Leesburg, VA; Samuel B.T. Caldwell
Washingtonian, Leesburg, VA; P. M'Intyre
True American, Leesburg, VA; P. M'Intyre
Loudoun Times-Mirror, Leesburg, VA
Loudoun Enterprise, Hamilton, VA; S.B. Mercier and Co.
Independent, Leesburg, VA; F. Alonzo Divine
Mirror, Leesburg, VA; Benjamin Sheetz
Loudoun Chronicle,Leesburg, VA; T.C. Connolly
Leesburg Genius of Liberty, Leesburg, VA; George Richards
Democratic Mirror, Leesburg, VA; Benjamin Sheetz
Leesburg Spectator, Leesburg, VA; Robert McIntyre
Loudoun Democrat, Leesburg, VA; Charles Stewart
Loudoun Bulletin, Leesburg, VA; Heaton-Franklin Printing
Washingtonian-Mirror, Leesburg, VA
Record, Leesburg, VA; E.B. White
Mirror, Leesburg, VA; R.N. Harper
Loudoun Mirror, Leesburg, VA
Loudoun Times, Leesburg, VA; H.T. Harrison
Weekly Enterprise, Hamilton, VA
Blue Ridge Herald, Purcellville, VA; Blue Ridge Herald, Inc.
Enterprise, Hamilton, VA; G. Ernest Leith
Loudoun Telephone, Hamilton, VA; Y.T. Brown
Middleburg Chronicle, Middleburg, VA; S.B. Lloyd, Jr.
The Waterford News, Waterford, VA; Steer Sisters
from "Hardesty's Encyclopedia" (1883), page 277 (provided by Pat Duncan.):
NEWSPAPERS OF LEESBURG
The first newspaper printed in British America was established in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1704, and in 1719, the second was issued in the same city. In 1725, a newspaper was first printed in New York, and from this time they were gradually extended throughout the colonies. In 1671, Sir William Berkeley expressed himself thus: "Thank God! there are not free schools or printing [in Virginia], and I hope we shall not have them for hundreds of years to come." The first printing press in Virginia, in 1682, was, after a brief existence, suppressed.
Sixty-five years after this benign expression issued from Sir William, on August 6, 1736, the "Virginia Gazette" (the first newspaper published in Virignia) was started, at Williamsburg, then the capital of the colony. It was first printed on a sheet twelve inches by six, and published weekly by W. Parks, at 15s, per annum. In 1729, W. Parks had published "Stith's History of Virginia," and the "Laws of Virginia," at this office. His paper was under the influence of the government, and was temporarily discontinued at the date of his death, in 1750. It was renewed in February, 1751, by William Hunter, who died in 1761, when it was enlarged and published by Joseph Royle, after who death it was carried on by Purdie and Dixon, who continued it until the opening of the Revolutionary war, and Purdie published it alone during a portion of the war. In May, 1766, through the influence of Thomas Jefferson, a second paper was established, (also called the "Virginia Gazette,") by William Rind, "published by authority, open to all parties, but influenced by none." Still another "Virginia Gazette" was started in Williamsburg in 1775, by John Clarkson and Augustine Davis, and continued, weekly, for several years.
Among the old newspapers of Loudoun county was the "Genius of Liberty," established by Samuel B. T. Caldwell, January 11th, 1817. During the time he was connected with the paper, he published a number of valuable works, among which was "Flowers of Ancient History," which, for a long time, was used in the schools of Leesburg. After continuing its publication for about three years, he was succeeded by B. W. Sower, who abdicated in favor of George Richards. This paper was followed by the "Chronicle," published by Mr. Connelly, succeeded by W. S. Hough. The material of the office was purchased of Mr. Hough, and the "Loudoun Democrat" established by Charles H. Stuart, in July, 1853. This paper was continued for about eighteen months, when it was abandoned, and the "American Sentinel," a Know Nothing paper, sprance into existence, and its light went out after a continuance of a little over a year. The "Democratic Mirror" was established in 1855, a sketch of which follows. The "Bull's Eye," was opened in Leesburg, about the year 1800, by Mr. Patterson, and was eclipsed by the "Washingtonian," in 1808.
"The Leesburg Washingtonian" was established in 1808, by Patrick McIntyre; he was succeeded by his son, C. C. McIntyre, who published the paper until September 10, 1851, when it was published by W. B. Lynch, who still continues editor and proprietor.
"The Leesburg Mirror" was established in 1855, by J. B. Taylor and B. F. Sheets. In 1860, Mr. Taylor's interest in the establishment was purchased by Mr. Sheets, who has edited and published the paper ever since, and still continues.