Norman-Harding Barn
(The "Wharf")
"The Wharf" refers not only to the entire two-block area, but also to the Norman-Harding Barn, itself the original "Wharf." This building is on its original site.
Since its construction around 1890, the two-story barn served as a storage warehouse in the heart of the old railroad industrial district. The warehouse held incoming and outgoing merchandise that moved via the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad. Salted herrings, a seasonal specialty from Tidewater, Virginia, came by the barrel for sale to purchasers at the Wharf. By the 1920's, the warehouse held farm machinery, as well as wagons, buggies and other equipment.
Local newspaper stories describe a bustling inland wharf, with farm wagons from across the county lined up for blocks to load their goods. The activity echoed that of waterside wharves. Today, the paradox of Leesburg's "Wharf" still holds true - it's dry as a bone and never berthed a ship!
Marker is at the intersection of South Street and Harrison Street, on the right when traveling west on South Street.
Courtesy hmdb.org
