George Marshall, without doubt the most illustrious citizen of Northern Virginia, chose to live in Leesburg in 1941 when, after becoming Chief of Staff, he purchased Dodona Manor, near the Town Gate of the Historic District.
Dodona Manor, once owned by a relative of George Washington, provided a retreat for the tremendous demands of Marshall's selfless service to his fellow citizens. That service approached its zenith as Marshall led the largest mobilization in the historic fight against Fascism, then, under the aegis of the Marshall Plan, against hunger and despair.
During Marshall's time, Dodona Manor received as visitors other prominent world leaders; including President Truman, Bernard Baruch, Madame Chiang Kai-shek, and Field Marshall Sir John Dill.
Dodona Manor preserves Marshall's spirit for future generations to learn from. His home clearly captures the values of humility, industry, simplicity and integrity that made Marshall and America great.