Leesburg

City in central Florida, between Lake Harris and Lake Griffin, 56 km/35 mi northwest of Orlando; population (1990) 14,900. It has long been a shipping centre for local citrus fruit, watermelons, and other produce, with facilities for processing and packing. Cattle raising is important, as is the manufacture of fertilizer, furniture, concrete, mobile homes, and boxes. In a hilly, lake-studded area, the city is also a popular resort.

It was founded in 1856, and is the site of Lake-Sumter Community College (1962).

Leesburg

Town and administrative headquarters of Loudoun County, northern Virginia, 53 km/33 mi northwest of Washington DC; population (1990) 16,200. Local industries include meatpacking and wheat processing, and the town is growing in popularity as a residential suburb.

History Incorporated in 1758, it was the refuge of government leaders when the British occupied Washington in 1812. In 1861, the Battle of Balls Bluff was fought just to the northeast.