Loudoun Seeks Comments On Naming Courthouse After Prominent Attorney

LEESBURG, VA — Loudoun County is inviting the public to participate in the naming of the historic Loudoun County Courthouse building in Leesburg, with comments due by June 24.

The courthouse, built in 1895, is located at the southwest corner of the courthouse grounds at the corner of King and Market streets in downtown Leesburg.

The Loudoun County Heritage Commission recommended in 2020 that the courthouse building be named in honor of Charles Hamilton Houston, who led an all-African American legal defense team for a murder trial at the courthouse in 1933.

The defense team, which included assistance from law student and future Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, challenged the all-white jury selection process, setting a historic legal precedent. Two years later, the Supreme Court ruled biased jury selection unconstitutional.

The public can comment on the proposed honoring of Houston or suggest additional names through an online form. Suggested names should have a demonstrated connection to the history of the courthouse, the county said. The comment form is open through Friday, June 24.

A committee composed of the Clerk of the Circuit Court and two members of the Heritage Commission will consider the commission’s recommendation and review additional suggested names. The committee is expected to make a recommendation to the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors in the fall.

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