Download 1864: The Decisive Year

150th ANNIVERSARY EDITION
2014
Vol XXII
V IRGINIA’S C IVIL W AR
GUIDE TO
B A T T L E F I E L D S
&
S I T E S
INFO BY REGION
Central Virginia
3–14
Tidewater
17–21
Valley & Mountains
26–35
Southside
36–41
Northern Virginia
42–46
CALENDAR
150th Anniversary
22–23
~ DRIVING TOURS ~
Overland
Campaign 14
Peninsula
Campaign 17
Lee’s Retreat
36–37
The Battle of Spotsylvania
ON THE WEB
CivilWarTraveler.com/
EAST/VA
ope was still alive for the
Confederate cause in the
spring of 1864.
After three years of war, there
was hope that the Northern
people would tire of the endless
casualty lists and the tremendous cost. Hope that a new U.S.
president might sue for peace on
favorable terms. Hope that the
Confederate military might yet
pull off some incredible victory
on the battlefield.
The events of 1864 ended
those hopes.
It began in early May as Gen.
U.S. Grant unleashed Union
armed forces across the country.
The new overall commander of
Federal forces aimed to bring
the enormous power of the
Northern military to bear at
multiple points of the Confederacy at once.
Nowhere was that plan more
evident than in Virginia. Grant’s
main objective there: Defeat
Robert E. Lee's Army of North-
ern Virginia.
To accomplish that, Grant
ordered simultaneous attacks
across a 100-mile front from the
Shenandoah Valley to Bermuda
Hundred south of Richmond.
Other Federal troops targeted
the Virginia & Tennessee Railroad, an important supply line
and link to the west.
Grant himself rode along
with more than 100,000 soldiers
as the main Union army struck
south toward Richmond. He
H
1864: The Decisive Year
VirginiaCivilWar.org
See 150th anniversary events, pages 13, 22–23, and 34
knew that Lee would move his
outnumbered but still dangerous
army to protect the Confederate
capital.
Hoping to distract Lee
and prevent his concentrating
more soldiers in Central Virginia, Grant also ordered attacks
south of Richmond and in the
Shenandoah Valley.
As the main Union army
plowed into the “Wilderness”
west of Fredericksburg, other
Please turn to page 2
2
Guide to Virginia’s Civil War
1864: The Decisive Year, cont’d from page 1
Northern soldiers were marching south in
the Valley and landing between the James
and Appomattox Rivers south of Richmond.
Grant and the Army of the Potomac
immediately ran into trouble in the tangled
growth near the old Chancellorsville battlefield. Lee attacked the Union columns
on the narrow roads in the Wilderness with
a vengeance. Staggered but not defeated,
the Union army did what it would do
for the next month, disengage and move
south and east, keeping Richmond in its
crosshairs. Lee caught up near Spotsylvania
Court House, where the armies slugged it
out for more than a week in some of the
bloodiest fighting of the war.
While all this was going on, the Union
columns in the Valley and south of Richmond were stalled. The Federals in the
Valley were defeated May 15 at New Market by a collection of Confederates that
included boys from the Virginia Military
Institute. And a great Union opportunity
was lost south of Richmond where the
Northern commander there, Gen. Benjamin Butler, frittered away a chance to drive
a wedge between the capital and Petersburg
and the rest of the South.
So both Union sideshows came up short
but the main event in Central Virginia
continued to roll south. From Spotsylvania, Grant overpowered a trap set at the
North Anna River and kept moving. Lee,
hamstrung by the obligation to defend his
capital, moved to block.
After nearly a month of continuous
contact, the armies ended up at Cold Harbor, a road junction a few miles northeast
of Richmond. Union attacks June 1 and 3
failed to do anything but lengthen the already long Northern casualty lists.
While the main Union army was licking
its wounds at Cold Harbor, things heated
See 150th commemorative events, pages 13, 22–23 and 34
Gen. Philip Sheridan in the Valley
up again in the Shenandoah Valley. Union
Gen. David Hunter brushed aside Confederates at Piedmont then advanced toward
Lexington, home of the Virginia Military
Institute. On June 12, Hunter sacked and
burned VMI.
Lee, still at Cold Harbor, watched
Hunter’s Valley campaign with concern. As
Hunter crossed the Blue Ridge Mountains,
the Confederate commander dispatched
Gen. Jubal Early west to meet the threat.
Hunter’s raid wasn’t the only thing
drawing Lee's attention. After nearly two
weeks of sweltering trench warfare at
Cold Harbor, Grant stole a march on the
Confederates, crossed the James River and
attacked a nearly defenseless Petersburg.
Enough Confederates responded to save
the important railroad city during those
mid-June assaults, but just barely.
At about the same time, Early provided
a lonely Confederate bright spot by whipping Hunter at Lynchburg June 17–18.
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Less than a week later, as soldiers on
both sides were digging in for a long haul
at Petersburg, Grant dispatched another
raid deep behind Confederate lines. Union
Gens. August Kautz and James Wilson
led about 5,000 cavalry west of Petersburg,
tearing up railroads and sowing panic. The
Federals got as far as the Staunton River in
south central Virginia before a collection
of “old men and young boys” turned them
back June 25.
Meanwhile, Confederates under Early
followed up their win at Lynchburg by
chasing Hunter out of the picture entirely,
then heading north in the Valley unopposed. By July, Early’s advance was setting
off alarms in Washington. The Confederates fought through Federals at Monocacy
Junction south of Frederick MD, then
headed for the U.S. capital itself where, on
July 11–12, Early finally was turned back
at Fort Stevens. Chased back to the Valley, Early defeated his pursuers July 24 at
the second Battle of Kernstown south of
Winchester.
About a week later and 150 miles from
the Shenandoah Valley, Union forces exploded four tons of gunpowder under part
of the Confederate line at Petersburg, creating “The Crater” in the Southern defenses.
The creative attempt accomplished next to
nothing for the Federals.
Soldiers kept digging through the summer at Petersburg as Grant extended the
lines around the city, choking off supply
routes. By mid-September, the opposing
lines wandered for miles — from south of
Petersburg to east of Richmond.
Back in the Valley, a frustrated Grant
ordered yet another offensive, this time under aggressive commander Philip Sheridan.
Sheridan easily defeated Early in a huge
battle north of Winchester Sept. 19, then
moved south, pushing the Confederates
from Fisher’s Hill and beyond. Sheridan
then began one of the most notorious episodes in the war, initiating a campaign of
destruction of the Valley’s considerable resources. “The Burning” still stirs resentment
in some parts.
Not to be left out, the Union army got
into action on the Petersburg and Richmond front in late September, staging
coordinated assaults on both sides of the
James River. The attacks on the Richmond
defenses were distinguished by efforts by
United States Colored Troops at New
Market Heights and Fort Harrison. But
none of the Union attacks managed to
punch through.
Despite the stinging defeats in September, Early’s Confederate army was not done
in the Valley. Sneaking up on Sheridan’s
army north of Strasburg, Early launched
an attack Oct. 19 across Cedar Creek
that initially routed the Federals. But the
Union army counterattacked and once
again chased Early from the battlefield. The
dramatic battle was the last big military
engagement in the Valley and ended Confederate hopes there forever.
So, as cold winds began to blow across
Virginia in the late fall of 1864, the last real
patch of Confederate control in Virginia
had shrunk to Richmond and Petersburg.
And that control was slipping by the day as
Lee weakened and Grant grew stronger. In
the larger picture, Lincoln was reelected and
Northern victories, especially in Georgia,
eased the sting of considerable losses.
The hope that Confederates had clung
to at the beginning of the year was almost
gone. u
Take Civil War guide along on your iPad
The publishers of the Guide to Virginia’s Civil War
have created an iPad app that travelers can use for planning
and while on the road. The app, “Virginia Civil War Field
Guide,” includes complete and current information about
the state’s Civil War sites, from the Shenandoah Valley to
Hampton. Interactive maps help visitors plot their course.
Download the app to iPads from the Apple App Store.
Search “Virginia Civil War Field Guide.” Cost is $3.99.
2014
3
CENTRAL VIRGINIA
“O
n to Richmond” was the
battle cry of Northern politicians, military leaders and newspapermen as the war began. A quick, powerful
thrust would cast aside Southern resistance, topple the Confederate capital
and end the war. So went the promise.
Maps made it look easy. Only 100
miles or so separated the two warring
capitals. But maps don’t show the quality of the resistance. Maps don’t show
the ineptness and genius of leaders.
The most direct road to Richmond
was straight south. Northern armies
under Gens. McDowell, Burnside,
Hooker and Meade tried that road and
found it blocked, most times by determined Confederates under Robert E.
Lee. Finally, in the spring of 1864, U.S.
Grant took command and drove relentlessly south. His soldiers marched into
Richmond nearly a year later.
The countryside west of the
Tidewater and east of the Blue Ridge
Mountains between Washington and
Petersburg is the most blood-soaked in
the country. Thousands died fighting at
places no one had heard of before, places like Cold Harbor, Chancellorsville,
Malvern Hill, Spotsylvania, Brandy
Station and the North Anna River.
More fell during encounters at places
that had no name.
Their earthen fortifications, memorials to their deeds; and their graves,
still mark the landscape.
National Park Service
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park
Main visitor center at 1013 Lafayette Boulevard, just west of
downtown.
S
ignificant areas of four major
battlefields plus a handful of
historic buildings are maintained
in this 5,500 acre park. More than
100,000 men became casualties in
the fighting in and around Fredericksburg, making it perhaps the
bloodiest piece of ground in the
country. Start at the main visitor
center for a film, maps, exhibits
and ranger help. Other visitor
centers are manned year-round
at Chatham and Chancellorsville.
Main visitor center hours are 9
am–5 pm daily with extended
hours in the spring, summer and
fall. $2 fee for films in visitors
centers. For more information:
nps.gov/frsp or 540-373-6122.
Removing the wounded from a burning Wilderness battlefield
Park highlights
Fredericksburg battlefield – The
visitor center is just steps away from the
famous stone wall at Marye’s Heights that
was successfully defended by Confederates
Dec. 13, 1862. Short self-guided walking
tours along the wall and up to Confederate
positions on the heights are available. The
National Cemetery is located just above
the center. A driving tour with several stops
takes visitors through the lesser-known but
important Prospect Hill area of the battlefield on the Confederate right flank.
Chancellorsville battlefield, Spotsylvania County – The visitor center here
is located just off Route 3 about 10 miles
west of Fredericksburg. Stop there for information about this site, scene of intense
fighting in early May, 1863. Stonewall
Jackson was severely wounded May 2 at a
spot marked near the visitor center. The famous general died about a week later. This
battle is regarded by many as Robert E.
Lee’s greatest victory. A driving tour highlights significant areas.
Note: A wayside and trailhead with Civil
War Trails signs describing the action early
on May 1 is located just off the westbound
lanes of Route 3, 0.07 miles west of Route
626. This part of the battlef ield was preserved recently by the Civil War Preservation Trust.
Wilderness battlefield, near intersection of Routes 3 and 20, west of Fredericksburg – An exhibit shelter (manned during
the summer) helps explain the action here
May 5-6, 1864, as Federal soldiers pushed
forward in what would become the Overland Campaign. A short walking tour from
the shelter routes visitors through Saunders
Field, one of the most fought-over areas
in the battle. A driving tour includes significant areas of the battlefield. Ellwood, a
plantation home, became a Federal headquarters during the battle and is open daily
April 25–Aug. 17, 10 am–5 pm, and weekends April 12–20 and Aug 23–Oct. 26. It’s
also the burial place of Jackson’s arm.
www.fowb.org.
Spotsylvania battlefield –
Another exhibit shelter (manned
during the summer) highlights the
fighting as the Army of the Potomac and the Army of Northern
Virginia slugged it out in mid-May
1864. Among the short walking
tours in this park unit explores the
Confederate salient that became
known as the “Bloody Angle.”
Stonewall Jackson Shrine, Caroline County located between Fredericksburg and Richmond, watch for
the signs along I-95 – Jackson died
here May 10, 1863 following his
wounding at Chancellorsville. Open
daily 9 am–5 pm during summer
season and at least Saturday–Sunday
other times.
Chatham, Stafford County
located across the river from downtown Fredericksburg – Great views of the
city from here, a Federal position during
the 1862 fighting. Restored rooms in the
Georgian mansion and exhibits tell the
story here. Open 9 am–4:30 pm.
Old Salem Church, Spotsylvania
County located on busy Route 3 just west
of Fred­ericksburg – 1844 church was site
of fighting during the Chancellorsville
campaign and a refuge for Fredericksburg
citizens in 1862. u
CENTRAL VIRGINIA: Fredericksburg and area
I
nformation about all Fredericksburg area
sites can be found at the city visitor center
downtown at 706 Caroline St. Excellent free
Civil War walking tour brochures of the city
also available there. Civil War Trails signs
describing the action in town and the area
are located just outside the building. Paid
sight-seeing tours by carriage, bus and foot
begin at the visitor center in season. www.
VisitFred.com or 800-678-4748.
More information about Spotsylvania
sites including the major battles fought
there is located in the county visitor center
at 4704 Southpoint Parkway off U.S. Route
1, south of the city near the Massaponax
exit from I-95.
Trails maps and other Trails information are available at both centers.
Slaughter Pen Farm, entrance to site
at 11232 Tidewater Trail (Route 2) south
of downtown Fredericksburg – The site of
a failed Union assault during the Battle of
Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862, has been
Continues on next page
4
Guide to Virginia’s Civil War
Fredericksburg area, cont’d
preserved and a 1.75-mile interpreted trail
established. The attack here, south of Fredericksburg, was supposed to be the main
attack that day. But Union troops had to
advance over open fields to attack dug-in
Confederate defenders on high ground. The
site is known as “The Slaughter Pen” due to
the high number of casualties taken here.
For more information and a virtual tour, see
www.civilwar.org.
Pelham’s Corner, interpretive signs
located southwest corner of Route 2 and
Benchmark Road south of downtown –
This is the spot where Confederate artillerist John Pelham shelled the Federal flank
as it advanced toward the Southern line
during the December 1862 Battle of Fredericksburg.
Fredericksburg Area Museum and
Cultural Center, 1001 Princess Anne St.
– Downtown museum devoted to area history including the Civil War. Highlight is
a Confederate flag that flew over the city
during the 1862 battle. $7/adult. Call for
hours. 540-371-3037, www.famcc.org.
City Dock – The site of one of the
Federal pontoon bridges constructed under
fire in December 1862. Located at the east
end of Sophia Street at the Rappahannock
River. Civil War Trails interpretation.
The Courthouse, series of interpretive signs at the corner of Princess Anne
and Hanover streets – You are virtually
surrounded by antebellum buildings here
(1852 Courthouse, 1849 Episcopal Church,
1837 Presbyterian Church and the 1820
Farmer’s Bank building. Signs here describe
the town during the war including the
destruction during the 1862 battle and the
“vast hospital” the town became.
“Trail to Freedom” – Walking and
driving tour commemorating the experience of more than 10,000 slaves in this
area between April and September 1862.
The walking tour highlights buildings and
sites in downtown Fredericksburg related
to slavery and the adventures of John
Washington, who left an account of his life
and escape to freedom. Driving tour covers
sites along the Rappahannock River and in
Falmouth. See maps, site descriptions and
podcasts at www.trailtofreedom.com.
Kenmore and Washington Street
Tour, begins at Kenmore, 1201 Washington
St. – A walking tour of an often overlooked
area of the Frederickburg battlefield focuses
on Kenmore, the 1775 home of Fielding Lewis and his wife Betty Washington
Lewis (George Washington’s sister). The
tour includes Kenmore’s grounds with
views of a cannon ball imbedded in the
Scene from the Stafford Civil War Park
mansion’s walls and stories about its use as
a hospital in December 1862. A short walk
covers Civil War action along and below
Washington Street. Stops include the Mary
Washington Monument and the Confederate Cemetery. Pick up a free tour map/
brochure at Kenmore. 540-373-3381.
Stafford County,
north of Fredericksburg
Call 540-654-1844 or see www.
tourstaffordva.com for your Stafford information.
White Oak Museum and White Oak
Church, 985 White Oak Road, Falmouth,
about 5 miles east of Fredericksburg –
Unique items, most relating to life in the
camps around Fred­ericks­burg, are offered
in an interesting style. Well-done reconstruction of soldier huts and an original
section of a “cordoroy” road are highlights.
Open Wednesday–Sunday 10 am–5 pm.
$4/adult. 540-371-4234. whiteoakmuseum.
com. A Civil War Trails marker outside the
museum now describes White Oak Church
across the road, which was the center of
much activity during the Federal “occupation” in the winter of 1862.
Aquia Creek Landing – Confederates
began fortifying this spot soon after Virginia seceded. Shore batteries dueled with
Union navy here early in war; Grant used it
as supply base in 1864. Trails sign.
Hartwood Church, Trails sign at 50
Hartwood Church Road, Fredericksburg
22406 – Federal troops, occupying the area
early in the war, ripped out the woodwork
and wrote on the walls of this historic
Presbyterian Church. Confederate cavalry
captured a group of inattentive Union
troops here Nov. 28, 1862.
Potomac Creek Bridge – Looked like
“beanpoles and cornstalks” to Lincoln when
he crossed in 1862. Bridge helped carry the
Richmond, Fred­ericks­burg and Potomac
Trevilian Station Battlefield
~ Driving Tour ~
W
hile Gens. Robert E. Lee and U.S. Grant squared off at Cold Harbor,
Northern cavalry under Union Gen. Philip Sheridan rode west to disrupt
communication and supply lines into Richmond. Confederate cavalry rode to
cut them off.
The two large forces clashed June 11–12, 1864, near Trevilian Station on the
Virginia Central Railroad near Louisa Court House. The Southern horsemen
succeeded in halting the Union raid, but drew much-needed cavalry away from
Lee’s army at Cold Harbor while Grant’s army slipped across the James River to
Petersburg. See www.trevilianstation.org for a driving tour map.
Among the stops marked by Civil War Trails signs are “Louisa Courthouse,”
“Netherland Tavern” and “Custer’s First Last Stand.”
The Sargeant Museum of Louisa County History, 214 Fredericksburg
Ave., Louisa – Museum serves as the Trevillian Station battlefield visitor center
with maps, exhibits and other orientation. Pick up information there about other
county Civil War resources. Open Monday–Friday 10 am–4 pm and Saturday
10 am–1 pm (March–December). Call for hours other times. 540-967-5975 or
www.louisahistoryhistoricalsociety.org. ◆
Railroad between Fredericksburg and the Potomac River. Used by both sides. Trails sign.
Ferry Farm — Site just across the Rappahannock River from Fredericks­burg was
George Washington’s boyhood home and
saw considerable Union activity during
the December 1862 battle. $8. Open daily
March–December. 540-370-0732.
Stafford Civil War Park, 400 Mount
Hope Church Road, Stafford – This 41acre county park encompasses preserved
features of a fortified campsite used by the
Union Army of the Potomac the winter of
1863. Five interpreted stops including hut
sites and remains of battery earthworks
that once guarded the camp.. Open 8 am-8
pm mid-March-October. (Closes 5:30 pm
other times.) Free.
Caroline County
Port Royal, Civil War Trails sign located at Caroline and King streets, east of
US 301 – John Wilkes Booth and a small
party stopped at the Brockenbrough-Peyton House April 24. They were turned away
after spending a brief time in the parlor.
Booth then continued south to the Garrett
Farm.
Note: Nothing is left of the Garrett
Farm where Booth died early on April 26.
The site is now the right-of-way of U.S.
301 about 3 miles south of Port Royal. A
state historical marker stands very near the
site on the northbound lanes of the highway near milepost 122.
Bowling Green (Star Hotel), Civil
War Trails sign at the Caroline County
Courthouse – One of Booth’s companions
was captured by Federal patrols at the Star
Hotel here (no longer standing). He led
them to the Garrett Farm.
See CivilWarTraveler.com for more on
Caroline County's Overland Campaign
sites.
Spotsylvania County,
south and west of
Fredericksburg
Three major Civil War battles were
fought in this county: Chancellorsville
(1863) and Wilderness and Spotsylvania (1864). For more about Spotsylvania
County sites, see the Overland Campaign
Driving Tour and the Fredericksburg National Park.
Spotsylvania County Museum, 9019
Old Battlefield Blvd, Spotsylvania VA
22553 – The history of the county since
1722 is traced here with special focus on
the Civil War. The exhibit “17 days in
May” is devoted to the 1864 battles in the
county with emphasis on the local experience. Open daily 9 am-5 pm. Free. 540507-7210. ◆
IN THE BATTLES TO TAKE
RICHMOND
HONOR CAME
IN MANY COLORS.
TAKE THE JOURNEY.
IMAGE COURTESY LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
VISIT
ONTORICHMOND.COM
OR CALL 1-888-RICHMOND.
Christian Fleetwood received the Medal of Honor for his bravery in the Battle of New Market Heights
Virginia.org
6
Guide to Virginia’s Civil War
CENTRAL VIRGINIA: Richmond and area
R
ichmond was capital of the Confederate States of America from May 1861
to April 1865. Major battles were fought
outside the city when Union armies came
close in 1862 and 1864. Elements of the
major battlefields are maintained by the
Richmond National Battlefield Park. Although part of the city burned when it was
evacuated in 1865, many sites associated
with the Civil War in Richmond survive
and are open to the public.
Information about Richmond-area Civil
War sites can be found at the visitor center
located at the Richmond Convention Center downtown. Other visitor centers are located at the airport and at the BassPro shop
north of town. Visit­RichmondVA.com.
For a series of free interactive downtown walking tours of Richmond, see
CivilWarTraveler.com/RichmondTours.
OnToRichmond.com outlines Civil War
sites, tours, events and itineraries in the
Richmond–Petersburg area.
American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar, 490 Tredegar St. – Eightacre park on the James riverfront was
the site of the Tredegar Iron Works, the
epicenter of Confederate industrial warmaking capacity. Buildings once part of the
old ironworks now house the exhibit “In
the Cause of Liberty” and the visitor center for the Richmond National Battlefield
Park. ”In the Cause of Liberty,” located in
the signature gun foundry building, is a
comprehensive look at the entire war from
causes to consequences, featuring films
and other state-of-the-art visuals, artifacts,
maps and interactive material. The exhibit
describes the war from Confederate, Union
A
visitor center at the former Tredegar
Iron Works at the American Civil War
Center at Historic Tredegar on the James
River introduces visitors to the Richmondarea battlefields and the city’s other Civil
War history resources. Exhibit areas highlight military and civilian experiences during the war. The main visitor center and
the Cold Harbor visitor center are open
year-round 9 am–5 pm. Visitor centers at
Fort Harrison and Glendale National Cemetery are open seasonally. All is free, except
extended parking at the riverfront visitor
center. 804-771-2145. www.nps.gov/rich.
Park highlights
Chimborazo Medical Museum, at the
former main park visitor center, 3215 E.
Broad St. — Exhibits and a film, “Under
the Yellow Flag,” highlight the medical
history of the site, a former Confederate hospital. The exhibit explodes some
and African-American perspectives.
The NPS facility focuses on Richmond and the area’s battlefields. The
NPS visitor center is free. Adult admission to “In the Cause of Liberty”
is $8. Both are open 9 am–5 pm
daily. There is an hourly charge for
on-site parking that is reimbursed
with admission to “In the Cause of
Liberty.” The first hour of on-site
parking is free. www.tredegar.org or
804-780-1865.
Museum and White House of
the Confederacy, 1201 E. Clay
St. – J.E.B. Stuart’s plumed hat,
Armistead’s Gettysburg sword and
countless other Civil War icons
are exhibited here. Special sections
highlight various aspects of soldier
and civilian life in the Confederacy.
The Confederate “White House,”
home to Jefferson Davis and his
family during the war, has been
restored to its wartime appearance
and is open for tours. Open daily
10 am–5 pm. Museum $10/adult,
White Housse $10/adult, combo
ticket $15. See also Museum of
Monument at Yellow Tavern
the Confederacy – Appomattox in
Southside Virginia section. www.
Confederate-manufactured weapons. The
moc.org or 855-649-1861.
cornerstone exhibit offers a Civil War section. Open 10 am–5 pm Monday–Saturday;
Virginia Historical Society, Boulevard
1–5 pm Sunday. Free. www.vahistorical.org
and Kensington Avenue – Housed in what
or 804-358-4901.
once was called the “Battle Abbey,” the
Hollywood Cemetery, entrance at
modern Virginia Historical Society features
Cherry and Albemarle streets – An estiexhibits relating to all of Virginia’s hismated 18,000 Confederate soldiers, includtory. Civil War features include the murals
ing Gens. George Pickett and J.E.B. Stuart,
“Four Seasons of the Confederacy” and
are buried here. Jefferson Davis and his
items from the most extensive collection of
family also are here overlooking
the James River. Open 8 am–5
pm. Free. 804-648-8501.
Valentine Museum / Richmond History Center, 1015 E.
Clay St. – A museum dedicated
to the history of the city of Richmond. Offers a Civil War section
in an exhibit “Settlement to Streetcar Suburbs: Richmond and its
People.” Open 10 am–5 pm Tuesday–Saturday; noon–5 pm Sunday.
Admission fee. 804-649-0711.
Monument Avenue – Statues
in memory of Confederate leaders Stuart, Davis, Lee, Jackson
and Matthew Fontaine Maury
grace this grand avenue, which
some call the South’s most beautiful.
Confederate Memorial Chapel, 2900 Grove Ave. (behind
the Virginia Museum of Fine
Arts) – This tiny building was
once part of the Confederate old
soldiers’ home. Much Confederate memorial material inside.
Free admission, video and guided
tours. Open Wednesday–Sunday
11 am–3 pm.
Virginia State Capitol – Main building, inspired by Thomas Jefferson, housed
both the Confederate and Virginia legislatures during the war. The surrounding
square is full of history with statues, the
Governor’s Mansion and the old Bell Tower. Free guided tours daily. 804-698-1788
or www.virginiacapitol.gov.
National Park Service
at dawn June 3, 1864. A mile-long walking
trail winds its way through both the Union
and Confederate lines, scene of trench warfare during early June 1864. Electronic map
is excellent.
Fort Harrison, Henrico County —
Confederate fortifications guarding Richmond were attacked with some success here
in September 1864. This park unit highlights the role of the United States Colored
Troops (USCT) in this and other attacks
in the neighborhood. Visitor center open
seasonally.
Totopotomoy Creek Battlefield/Rural Plains – A walking trail takes visitors
through this May 29-31, 1864, battlefield.
Confederates managed to hold off Union
attacks here before Grant moved on to Cold
Harbor. “Rural Plains,” the 18th-century
home where Patrick Henry was married,
still stands on the battlefield and is undergoing restoration. ◆
Richmond National Battlefield Park
myths surrounding Civil War medicine.
Includes a 12-foot panorama photograph
of Richmond taken shortly after the war
showing the location of the city’s hospitals.
Battlefield information also available. Open
9 am–5 pm. Free.
Beaver Dam Creek battlefield, Hanover County — The Seven Days battles
opened here just outside Mechanicsville
June 26, 1862. New walking trails on both
sides of the creek.
Gaines’ Mill battlefield, Hanover
County — Fighting here June 27, 1862
resulted in Robert E. Lee’s first victory as
commander of the Army of Northern Virginia and was a turning point in the Seven
Days battles. Walking trails explore the
battlefield.
Glendale battlefield, Henrico County
— A visitor center open seasonally in the
National Cemetery begins a tour of the
1862 Glendale/Malvern Hill battlefields.
Malvern Hill battlefield, Henrico
County — New walking trails explore the
stories associated with the July 1, 1862
battle. Great walk of the Confederate attack
route to the Union guns posted above them
on the slight hill.
Drewry’s Bluff, Chesterfield County
— Great views of the James River shared
by Confederates in May 1862 when they
thwarted an advance by Union gunboats
(including the famous Monitor). Walking
tour through the fort and site of the Confederate Naval Academy.
Cold Harbor battlefield, Hanover
County — A visitor center is open at this
site, famous for the bloody Federal attack
Continues on next page
2014
Richmond and area, cont’d
The following Richmond sites are marked
with Civil War Trails signs unless otherwise
noted.
Belle Isle – Island in the James River
served as prison camp for thousands of
Union soldiers. Conditions here ranged
from bad to horrific. Pedestrian bridge off
Tredegar Street leads to the site. For info,
visit the Civil War visitor center at the Tredegar Iron Works.
Libby Prison, site at 20th and Cary
streets – Union officers housed in famous
and notorious building, no longer standing.
Plaques on Richmond’s flood wall note the
site.
Rocketts Landing, East Main Street
near Orleans – Ocean-going ships once
docked here just below the James River
falls, but commerce effectively was shut off
by Union blockade in 1862. The Confederate Navy Yard also operated at the site,
turning out ironclad warships.
Hanover County
(north of Richmond)
One of the most fought-over counties in
the country. See the Overland Campaign and
the Richmond National Battlefield sections
about visiting the sites at Cold Harbor, Gaines’
Mill, Beaver Dam Creek, Haw’s Shop, North
Anna, Ashland and many others.
Hanover Tavern, on Route 301 across
the street from the old courthouse – Civil
War associations vie with Patrick Henry
in this historic community north of Richmond. J.E.B. Stuart led his Confederate
troopers through here in 1862 during his
famed ride around McClellan; the battle of
Hanover Court House was fought nearby;
and the tavern served as a haven for refugees from Northern Virginia. "Hanover
County: Impact of War” exhibit. Selfguided and audio tours available Tuesday–
Saturday 11 am-4 pm. 804-537-5050. Civil
War Trails interpretation.
Henrico County (borders
Richmond north, east and west)
See sections on Overland Campaign
Peninsula Campaign Driving Tours and
the Richmond National Battlefield Park
about visiting battlefields at Seven Pines,
Yellow Tavern, Malvern Hill, Fort Harrison and Glendale.
Meadow Farm, county park off Mountain Road – Civil War civilian life often
depicted at this antebellum farm house
and grounds during events and programs.
Orientation center open Tuesday–Sunday
noon–4 pm, March–November. Weekends
only mid-December–February. Grounds
open dawn to dusk daily. 804-501-2130.
7
Civil War Trails interpretation.
Dabbs House Museum, 3812 Nine
Mile Road, 23223 – Exhibits, a short film
and a tour highlight this fine museum outlining the history of this historic property.
The home’s Civil War connection is highlighted. Robert E. Lee made this house his
first headquarters after taking over command of the Army of Northern Virginia on
June 1, 1862. Special attention is given to
the meeting here June 23, 1862, when Lee,
A.P. Hill, Stonewall Jackson and D.H. Hill
planned the offensive that became known
as the Seven Days Battles. Information
about other county Civil War sites also is
offered. Tours of the restored Civil War-era
parts of the house are available. Museum is
open Wednesday–Sunday 10 am–4 pm and
by appointment. Free. 804-652-3406. Civil
War Trails sign.
America’s
(Re) Birthplace
The following Henrico County sites are
marked with Civil War Trails signs unless
otherwise noted.
Deep Bottom, county park located off
Kingsland Road south of Route 5 – James
River crossing important to Federals attacking Richmond’s defenses during the
late summer and fall of 1864.
Savage Station, Trails sign located on
Meadow Road a few miles south of Route
156 on the Richmond National Battlefield
tour route – Union rear­guard fight here
June 29, 1862, as Gen. George McClellan
withdrew his army to the James River following the battle of Gaines’ Mill. A large
Union field hospital was abandoned here.
White Oak Swamp, Trails sign at
creek crossing on Route 156 on the Richmond National Battlefield tour route –
Union troops managed to hold off a listless
Confederate attack here by Stonewall Jackson June 30, 1862. Jackson receives some
blame for his failure here while Confederates fought it out at Glendale the same day.
Darbytown Road, Trails sign located
on Darbytown Road at entrance to Dorey
Park, east of Laburnum Avenue – Robert
E. Lee set out Oct. 9, 1864, to recover some
of the Richmond defensive line he had
lost during fighting on Sept. 29. Although
attacks near here began well for the Confederates, Lee was unsuccessful in his last
offensive north of the James River.
Meadow Bridge, Trails sign located
on Meadowbridge Road near the Chicka­
hominy River crossing – Union cavalry
had to fight it out here May 12, 1864, after
finding themselves nearly trapped after
the Battle of Yellow Tavern the day before.
The Northern horsemen made good their
escape with the help of Gen. George A.
Custer.
Lincoln and Lee. Burnside, Grant and Jackson.
Slavery, states rights. Refugees, bombardment, battle
and occupation. Flight to freedom. War. Life and death.
Midway between the capitals of the Union and Confederacy,
the tumultuous years of the Civil War in Fredericksburg,
Spotsylvania and Stafford are vividly told at four major
battlefields. More than 7,500 acres of national parkland and
five museums and historic manors let us know how America
challenged itself and was made new again.
Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Virginia.
VisitFred.com 1-800-678-4748
Continues on next page
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8
Guide to Virginia’s Civil War
mattox. Also see the Lee’s Retreat section
in Southside Virginia.
Richmond and area, cont’d
Powhatan County
Trent House, Trails sign located at
the house on Grapevine Road on the
Richmond National Battlefield Park driving tour route – Union commander Gen.
George McClellan used this house as
headquarters June 12–28, 1862. An observation balloon floated overhead while the
Union high command tracked the beginning of the Confederate offensive ( June
26–27) that eventually dislodged them
from this place.
(south and west of Richmond)
Route 60 is the main road through the
county.
• Lee’s Retreat
Chesterfield County
(south of Richmond)
See www.chesterf ieldhistory.com for much
more information about the Bermuda Hundred Campaign sites. A new driving tour
guidebook also is available from the website.
• Bermuda Hundred Campaign Sites
This campaign was part of Union commander U.S. Grant’s grand plan for the
destruction of Confederate forces in Virginia in 1864. In early May, Union Gen.
Benjamin Butler landed his Army of the
James below Richmond and above Petersburg while Grant was marching south from
Culpeper and other Union armies were operating in the Shenan­doah Valley. Butler’s
orders were to drive west from landings
between the James and Appomattox rivers
and threaten both cities. But the Union
commander’s feeble efforts were thwarted
by Confederates under Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard. Within weeks of his landing, the
Army of the James was “bottled up” between the James and Appomattox. Butler’s
troops were to remain there until Petersburg was evacuated in April 1865.
Bermuda Hundred, turn north from
Route 10 on Allied Road, then to James
River – Civil War Trails interpretation
at the river near the place where Butler
launched his Bermuda Hundred campaign
in May 1864.
Point of Rocks Civil War Park, 201
Enon Church Road, Chesterfield – This
multi-use county park features trails exploring the southern end of the Union line
on Bermuda Hundred. Remants of fortifications and the site of a large Civil War
hospital (with Clara Barton connection)
are highlighted. Lincoln, Grant and others
visited this large Union base that continued
to operate until the end of the war.
Battery Dantzler, just north of Route
10 – This Confederate fort represents the
northern end of the famous Howlett Line.
It once overlooked a curl of the James
River (now cut off by Dutch Gap). Open
to the public with Civil War Trails interpretation.
Half Way House
Fort Wead, take Bermuda Orchard
Road south from Route 10 to Greyledge
Boulevard and turn right; fort is on left at
end of the road – New site added to the
Bermuda Hundred campaign tour. Fort was
constructed in late May 1864 to reinforce
the eastern section of the Federal line.
Drewry’s Bluff, follow the signs from
I-95 or Route 1 – The Richmond National
Battlefield Park maintains a unit here, site
of a May 15, 1862, battle between Union
gunboats on the James River and Confederate fortifications above. The Southern
fortifications were attacked from the land
side nearly two years later by Butler’s
Union troops. This was also the site of the
Confederate Naval Academy.
Fort Stevens, just east of Route 1,
follow signs from Willis Road and Pams
Avenue — Chesterfield County park preserves the fort and interprets the fighting
here mid-May 1864. Civil War Trails interpretation.
Battle of Chester Station, Trails sign
located south side of Route 10 west of U.S
1 – Confederate attacks here May 5, 1864,
failed to dislodge Union infantry stationed
along the Southern communication and
supply lines from Richmond to Petersburg.
Although Union forces held the battlefield,
they soon withdrew east to Bermuda Hundred and were “bottled up” there.
Half Way House, on Route 1, now a
restaurant – Butler used this old tavern
May 14–16 while fighting raged to the
north at Drewry’s Bluff and Fort Stevens.
He was forced to leave by a Confederate
counter attack. Civil War Trails interpretation.
Battle of Swift Creek, Trails sign located at the Swift Creek Mill Playhouse,
just off Route 1 between Richmond and
Petersburg – Union troops advancing south
toward Petersburg ran into Confederate resistance here May 9, 1864. Several Confed-
erate attacks failed to dislodge the Union
line, but Butler withdrew his Federal forces
the next day.
Parker’s Battery, off Route 10, just east
of I-95 (follow signs) – Interpreted trail
provides detailed look at this fort on the
Confederate Howlett Line. Richmond National Battlefield Park site. 804-226-1981.
Howlett Line Park, 14100 Howlett
Line Drive – Impressive earthworks with
some unique features are preserved in this
two-acre park. This was a strong point in
the Confederate line that “Bottled Up”
Gen. Ben Butler’s Army of the James on
Bermuda Hundred in 1864 and was involved in several military events in the area.
• Also in Chesterfield County
Henricus Historical Park (Dutch
Gap), north of Route 10, just east of I-95 –
A Chesterfield County park at the site of a
1611 English settlement also has Civil War
significance. Union troops tried to build a
canal here late in 1864 to cut off a curl of
the James threatened by Confederate forts
such as Dantzler. The effort failed during
the war but the canal was later completed
and is now the main James River channel.
Civil War Trails interpretation. Visitor center open Tuesday–Sunday 10 am–5 pm. $8/
adult. www.henricus.org or 804-748-1613.
Chesterfield County Museum and
Lee’s Retreat marker, both located near
the 1917 Courthouse, 6805 W. Krause
Road – Museum takes in all of Chesterfield
County’s history including items related to
the many battles fought in the county in
1864. Small admission fee. Call 804-7961479 for hours. A Civil War Trails sign is
located nearby describing the April 1865
retreat through Chesterfield from Petersburg by Robert E. Lee and his Confederate
army. Three Confederate columns retreated
through the county, one stopping here at
the courthouse before moving on. The retreat ended less than a week later at Appo-
When Robert E. Lee’s lines collapsed
at Petersburg April 2–3, 1865, Confederates from that city and Richmond retreated
south and west to consolidate at Amelia
Court House. Many of the soldiers who
defended Richmond marched through
Powhatan. The following two signs describe
this part of the story of “Lee’s Retreat.”
More on the subject in the Southside/Lee’s
Retreat section.
Ewell Crosses the Appomattox, Trails
sign at intersection of Routes 610 and 604
– On April 4, 1865, Confederate Gen. Richard Ewell, who commanded the Richmondarea forces, faced challenges crossing the
Appomattox River near here while trying
to join Lee in Amelia. Finding the Genito
Bridge unfit, the Confederates crossed near
here on the Richmond and Danville Railroad bridge at Mattoax Station.
Powhatan Court House, Trails sign
located on courthouse grounds – A large
Confederate wagon supply train and some
lost and straggling soldiers passed through
here after Richmond’s fall. The much-needed supplies, meant to join Lee in Amelia,
never made it. The wagons were captured
shortly after crossing the Appomattox River
near here.
• Other Powhatan Trails sites
Huguenot Springs, Trails sign at cemetery, follow signs from Route 711 (Robious
Road) – A Confederate convalescent hospital was established here in 1862 at the site of
an antebellum spa and hotel. A mass grave
at the site contains the remains of more than
250 soldiers.
Lee’s Last Bivouac, Trails sign located
on Huguenot Trail (Route 711) and Lee’s
Landing Road, about 4 miles east of Route
522 – Robert E. Lee spent the night of
April 14, 1865, on the lawn of Windsor, his
last camp “in the field” after his surrender
at Appomattox. He rode into Richmond
and his family’s home the next day.
Derwent, Trails sign at the home (from
U.S. 60, take Route 629 north to 646 then
to house) – After his surrender at Appomattox, Robert E. Lee joined his family
in Richmond. Bothered by constant visitors there and limited in funds, Lee began
looking for “some small little home in the
woods.” He was offered the use of Derwent, moving here late June 1865. ◆
Ten MonThs of Terror
The Campaign That Ended The Civil War
150 years
Civil War 2014-2015
Chesterfield County • Colonial heights • dinwiddie County
hopewell • petersburg • prinCe george County
Virginia
www.petersburgarea.org
PartAd_95x11.indd 1
1/18/14 3:10 PM
10
Guide to Virginia’s Civil War
CENTRAL VIRGINIA: Petersburg and area
A
fter months of fighting in the late spring of
1864, Union forces backed
Robert E. Lee’s Confederate army into defensive lines
around Petersburg. For more
than nine months the city
endured a siege. The Petersburg National Battlefield
maintains several park units
to help tell the story (see listing later in this section.)
Information about the
city of Petersburg is available at the visitor center in
Scene at City Point, Grant’s headquarters and supply base
Old Town. 877-730-7278,
www.PetersburgArea.org.
36 – Good Civil War displays here among
Fort Mahone, 1964 Wakefield Ave –
Pamplin Historical Park, entrance
interesting assortment of historic military
After a short train trip from City Point
off Route 1 south of Petersburg (near the
uniforms and equipment. Free. Monday–
April 3, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln
I-85, I-95 intersection) – This 422-acre
Friday 10 am–5 pm; Saturday–Sunday
toured this captured Confederate fort on
park is located on the site of the April 2,
11 am–5 pm. 804-734-4203.
the outskirts of Petersburg. Unburied bodies
1865, “breakthrough” by Union troops into
remained from the fight the day before and
Petersburg near the end of the war. Four
Civil War Trails signs only at the following
the president seemed deeply affected by the
museums, including the National Museum
locations:
sight. Nothing is left of the fort. A monuof the Civil War Soldier with high-tech,
ment and Civil War Trails sign on site.
South Side Station, Old Town – This
interactive displays, are located on the
Wallace House, 204 S Market St –
historic railroad station, located near the
park’s “campus.” Also on site are several an- city visitor center, is the beginning of VirLincoln and Grant talked on the front
tebellum buildings and a preserved section
porch here for about 90 minutes during
ginia Civil War Trails’ Lee’s Retreat tour
of Confederate entrenchments with trails.
Lincoln’s 1865 visit. It was the last time
and the end of the 1864 Overland CamHours vary seasonally. $12.50/adult. www.
they met. Civil War Trails sign.
paign.
pamplinpark.org or 877-PAMPLIN.
Campbell’s Bridge, Trails sign located
See www.petersburgarea.org or call 800368-3595 for hours and fees for the following
sites:
Siege Museum, Old Town on Bank
Street – This quality museum highlights
events and lifestyles during the city’s Civil
War siege. Located in a beautiful antebellum public building. 804-733-2404.
Centre Hill Mansion, Old Town –
This 1823 mansion is said to be haunted (at
least once a year) by Confederate troops.
804-733-2400.
Blandford Church and Cemetery,
Crater Road – Confederate sentimentality
enshrined in Tiffany stained glass windows
in this 1735 church. Special Confederate
burial section in the cemetery. This spot
was the objective of the Union attack,
never reached, during the battle of “The
Crater.” Civil War Trails interpretation.
804-733-2396.
Quartermaster Museum, on the Fort
Lee army base, east of Petersburg on Route
on the Petersburg side of the Route 36
Bridge over the Appomattox – Part of
Robert E. Lee’s Confederate army crossed
to the north bank of the Appomattox River
here the night of April 2, 1865, as he evacuated Petersburg.
Fort Davis, Crater Road – One of a
series of Union fortifications. This one built
June 1864.
Fort Hays, Trails sign at the fort on
Flank Road, Petersburg National Battlefield tour road – This Union fort was built
shortly after fighting to capture one of the
most important Confederate lifelines to Petersburg, the Weldon Railroad. The fort was
built in August-September 1864 after the
eventual capture of the railroad and represented the continuing Union movement to
encircle the city.
June 9, 1864, Battle. Trails sign on
Graham Road (rear entrance to Cameron
Field) – Sign marks the point where a
Union cavalry assault against Petersburg
was stopped by Confederate cavalry, artillery and a collection of city residents led by
James Dearing.
Hopewell
Information about Hopewell’s Civil War
sites is available at the visitor center, near the
intersection of I-295 and Route 36, 800-8638687.
City Point — The national park at the
confluence of the James and Appomattox rivers interprets the vast supply depot
established here during the Union siege
of Petersburg in 1864. A visitor center is
located in Appo­mattox Manor. Grant’s
headquarters has been rebuilt on its original
site. (He directed all U.S. armies from a
small cabin.) Open 9 am–5 pm daily. Free.
804-458-9504.
A walking tour of the historic City
Point neighborhood is described in a brochure available at the visitor center. It includes a dozen antebellum structures.
The following Hopewell sites are marked with
Civil War Trails signs unless otherwise noted.
City Point Fortification, city park on
Appomattox Street – This earthen fort
protected the great depot at
City Point 1864–65.
Depot Field Hospital,
site currently occupied by
John Randolph Medical
Hospital on Route 10 —
Huge, efficient hospital
complex served the Union
armed forces during the
Petersburg and Appomattox
campaigns.
Weston Manor – Civilian life is emphasized
at 1789 home above
the Appomattox River.
Guided tours. Restrooms.
Open April 1–Oct. 31; 10
am–4:30 pm Monday–Saturday, 1–4:30 pm
Sundays. $5/adult.
Prince George County
See the Overland Campaign Driving
Tour for Flowerdew Hundred and Prince
George Courthouse. See also the WilsonKautz tour in the Southside Virginia listings.
Beefsteak Cattle Raid, Civil War Trails
sign at intersection of Routes 609 and 106 –
Confederate cavalry successfully slid behind
Union lines in September 1864 to capture
2,486 steers meant to feed Union troops engaged in the siege of Petersburg.
Colonial Heights
Violet Bank, Arlington and Virginia
streets (a block east of Route 1, just north
of the Appomattox River) – Early 19thcentury Federal style building served as
Robert E. Lee’s headquarters late June–
September 1864. 10 am–5 pm Tuesday–
Saturday, 1–6 pm Sunday. Trails sign. Call
first. Donation suggested. 804-520-9395.
Fort Clifton, follow signs to Berberich
Park from Temple Avenue – City park now
encompasses the site of a Confederate fort
on the Appomattox River. Forces there
fended off various land and river attacks
during May 1864. Nice place. Trails sign.
Dunlop Station, Trails sign located at
St. Michael’s Church, 501 Old Town Drive
– This was the site of an important station
on the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad.
The station became even more important
during the siege of Petersburg as a spoke
line ran west from here to Ettrick to avoid
Federal shelling. ◆
2014
11
National Park Service
Petersburg National Battlefield
Park highlights
Eastern Front Unit – Fort Stedman, site of Lee’s last great offensive to
break the siege. His attacks there March
25, 1865, were unsuccessful. Remains
of “The Crater,” famed site of a Union
attempt to break the lines here with
the use of four tons of gunpowder at
the end of a mine, are still visible. The
explosion July 30, 1864 tore a gap but
failed to lead to Northern success. Five Forks – This strategic crossroads
was the anchor of the Confederate line
until April 1, 1865, when it was attacked
successfully by Union forces under
Gen. Philip Sheridan and others. The
Confederate loss here opened the door
to the last supply line leading into the
city, the South Side Railroad. A visitor
contact station is open daily 9 am–5 pm.
804-469-4093. Grant’s Headquarters at City
Point (in Hopewell) – Exhibits in the
Appomattox Manor visitor center help
tell the story of the vast Union supply
depot and hospital at the confluence
of the James and Appomattox rivers.
Walking tour of the area is available.
804-458-9504.
Western Front – Siege Line Tour
covers a series of battlefields and fortifications constructed during the siege. The
tour traces the evolution of events and
covers several battlefields as the Union
and Confederate lines lengthened. Poplar Grove Cemetery is located on the
tour route. It’s open year-round. Ranger
on duty during the summer. Tour includes Fort Gregg, which fell during the
last Federal push April 2, 1865. ◆
MORE CENTRAL VIRGINIA INFORMATION
Culpeper
Fredericksburg
Hopewell
Richmond Metro
Orange County
Petersburg
Spotsylvania County
888-CULPEPERwww.VisitCulpeperva.com
800-678-4748www.VisitFred.com
800-863-8687www.hopewellva.gov
888-RICHMOND
www.VisitRichmondVA.com
877-222-8072
www.visitorangevirginia.com
800-368-3595www.petersburg-va.org
800-972-2526
www.spotsylvania.org/tourism
NEWS
Manassas Civil War weekend
Aug. 22–24
Dozens of programs including living history camps and demonstrations, tours and
more is on tap during the city’s Civil War
Weekend Aug. 22-24. See www.manassasmuseum.org for details.
‘Muster on the Maury’
living history event set
Living history camps and demonstrations are set May 10–11 at the Paxton
House in Glen Maury Park in Buena Vista.
Details: www.mustermaury.vpweb.com.
DVD covers Jackson Valley
Campaign
A new DVD produced by the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation focuses
on Stonewall Jackson’s famous 1862 Valley
campaign. The $14.95 disk contains modern
and historic images plus maps. Order a
copy: www.shopshenandoahatwar.org/Valley-Campaign-DVD-p/valley-campaigndvd.htm.
the campaign before richmond
september 26-28, 2014
henrico county, virginia
www.civilwarhenrico.com
a henrico county, chris anders, mike lavis & rear rank productions event
From 1864–65, City Point was the
hub of Union war activity and one
of the world’s busiest seaports.
Follow history to Appomattox
Plantation where General Grant
directed the Siege of Petersburg.
FOLLOW
HISTORY.
•Grant’sHeadquartersatCityPoint
PetersburgNationalBattlefield
June15,1864–March29,1865
•Lincolnspenttwoofthelastthree
weeksofhislifeatCityPoint
• CityPointSelf-GuidedTour
•WestonPlantationNearby
HOPEWELL •VA
HOPEWELL OFFICE OF TOURISM
& VISITOR CENTER
4100 Oaklawn Boulevard
Hopewell, Virginia 23860
Hopewell Ad — Page One_ Jan 2014.indd 1
www.hopewellva.gov
[email protected]
804-541-2461
1-800-863-8687
© 2014 Hopewell Office of Tourism
Eastern Front (Main) visitor center located east of the city off Route 36
This 2,659-acre park encompasses
landmarks associated with 9.5 months
of fighting for this strategic railroad
town. Initial Union attacks against the
city’s defenses were turned back in June
1864 and the armies settled into siege
warfare, punctuated by intense fighting. Supplied from nearby City Point
(now in Hopewell), the Union army
finally flanked Lee’s Confederates at
Five Forks on April 1, 1865, forcing the
Southern army to leave the city the next
day. The surrender at Appomattox was a
week away. The park visitor center at the
Eastern Front unit features an electronic
map, museum exhibits, ranger help and
a bookstore. Daily programs during the
summer. Open daily 9 am–5 pm. $5 per
vehicle (seven days). 804-732-3531 or
www.nps.gov/pete.
1/9/14 10:59 AM
12
Guide to Virginia’s Civil War
CENTRAL VIRGINIA: Piedmont
R
olling hills leading west to the Blue
Ridge Mountains are the prime landscape feature of Virginia’s Piedmont area.
During the Civil War residents of this
countryside experienced a share of heavy
fighting, but more often the area was the
site of camps, cavalry action, hospitals and
Confederate supply. Most of the sites listed
below are readily accessible from Routes 29
and 15.
Culpeper County
Pick up a detailed map of all the county’s
Civil War resources at the visitor center in the
train staion downtown. Request a free copy
from www.visitculpeperva.com or 888-CULPEPER.
Museum of Culpeper History, reopens in April in the train depot/visitor
center downtown – This fine community
museum covers the full scope of the county’s history. An electronic Civil War map
highlights the dramatic Civil War battles
nearby including Brandy Station and Cedar Mountain. Open Monday–Saturday 10
am–5 pm, Sunday 1–5 pm. www.culpepermuseum.com or 540-829-1749. $3. Ask
about walking tours.
Brandy Station Battlefield, visitor
center in the town of Brandy Station. Take
Brandy Station exit from US 29, then left
– A driving/walking tour of the site of the
largest cavalry battle in North American
( June 9, 1863) is now open. JEB Stuart
got quite a scare here. Stop at the “Graffiti
House” visitor center for orientation. The
house got its name for the well-preserved
graffiti left by Civil War soldiers while
hospitalized there. Tours available. Open
Friday–Sunday 11 am–4 pm. Tours begin
at the Graffiti House. Check website for
lectures and tours. www.brandystationfoundation.com. 540-727-7718.
Cedar Mountain – Stonewall Jackson
confronted elements of Union Gen. John
Pope’s Army of Virginia here Aug. 9, 1862,
and got quite a scare. The Confederates
gained a narrow victory and continued north
toward Manassas. An interpreted walking
trail now leads into the battlefield from a
cluster of historical markers, including a
Civil War Trails marker. Look for the signs
on Route 15 south of Culpeper, then west
onto Route 657.
Kelly’s Ford, Civil War Trails sign at
the Rappahannock River near the bridge
from Remington – Big cavalry fight along
the Rappahannock March 17, 1863, resulted in a technical Confederate victory
but cost the South one of its best and most
charismatic soldiers, Maj. John Pelham,
who was killed in the
battle. To get there from
Remington, take Business
US 29 to Route 651, then
Route 620 to the river and
across to the sign. From
Culpeper, take Route 29
to Route 674 then east
to Route 620, then to the
river.
Town of Culpeper,
Civil War Trails signs at the
restored railroad station/
visitor center downtown –
Information here describes
the Union encampment in
Culpeper and surrounding
areas during the winter of
1863–64 and a Sept. 13,
1863, Union cavalry raid on
Confederate supplies loaded
in rail cars at the station.
“Pelham’s Last Days,”
Trails sign two blocks north
of the intersection of Main
and Davis streets in Culpeper – Confederate Maj.
John Pelham, commander of
JEB Stuart’s horse artillery,
left from near here to fight
Culpeper National Cemetery
Union horsemen who crossed
the flank. Bad weather and quick action by
the Rappahannock River at
Lee ruined his plans. The heaviest action of
Kelly’s Ford March 16, 1863. Wounded in the
the campaign was at Payne’s Farm, where
battle, he was returned to Culpeper, dying that
the two forces clashed Nov. 27. A 1.5-mile
night at the Shackelford House.
interpreted trail established by the Civil
Orange County
War Trust begins at the church and winds
Stop at the visitor center in the old train its way through the most intense part of the
station in downtown Orange for Virginia
battlefield.
Civil War Trails information and merchanTown of Orange, Civil War Trails indise. www.visitorangevirginia.com or 877terpretation at the visitor center at the old
222-8072. See the Overland Campaign
train station downtown – Robert E. Lee’s
Driving Tour for Orange County sites at
Army of Northern Virginia was camped
the Wilderness battlefield and Germanna
in the area during the winter of 1863–64.
Ford.
He moved out to meet the Union threat in
Civil War Museum at the Exchange
May 1864 as U.S. Grant began his camHotel, Gordonsville – Evocative of its past paign, crossing the Rapidan River into the
as a railroad hotel turned Civil War hospiWilderness.
tal. Excellent exhibits and artifacts (espeSt. Thomas Church, in Orange – Bigcially medical) on display. Special medical
name Confederates, including Lee, Jefferreenactments in the spring and fall. Call for son Davis and A.P. Hill worshipped here.
details. Open mid-March to mid-NovemCall 540-672-3761 for information about
ber Monday–Thursday and Sunday 1–4 pm visiting.
and Saturday 10 am–4 pm. Last tour begins
Montpelier (Confederate camp trail),
at 3 pm. $5/adult. www.hgiexchange.org or
James Madison’s home located four miles
540-832­-2944.
south of Orange – Walking tour covers the
Mine Run /Paynes Farm, Trailhead
site of an 1863–1864 Confederate camp on
with signs at the Zoar Baptist Church,
the property and the cabin of a slave fam31334 Zoar Road, Locust Grove – Union
ily, freed after the war. Four interpretive
Gen. George Meade hoped to cross the
waysides are located along the ¾-mile trail.
Rapidan River in late November 1863, then Free (fee for tours). www.montpelier.org or
hit Confederates under Robert E. Lee in
540-672-2728.
Charlottesville and area The following Charlottesville and
area sites are marked with Civil
War Trails signs.
Downtown Charlottesville
– Signs near statues of Robert E.
Lee and Stonewall Jackson in the
city’s public squares. Charlottesville’s role as manufacturing and
hospital center is examined.
Rio Hill Skirmish, now the
Rio Hill Shopping Center north
of Charlottesville on Route 29
– The famed Gen. George Armstrong Custer, leading a cavalry
detachment to burn mills and
destroy bridges in Charlottesville,
was stopped here by Confederates. A good display describing
the battle is located on the wall
of Subway Sandwiches.
Scottsville, south of Char­
lottesville on Route 20 – Union
soldiers swept through this small
James River town March 6, 1865,
on their way to join U.S. Grant
around Petersburg. Canal locks
were destroyed and buildings
burned. Buildings in the town
served as Confederate hospitals.
A cemetery in town honors the
dead. Impressive riverfront display includes
Civil War history.
Madison County
The visitor center in Madison will get
you started. They say you will travel back in
time in Madison County, and you do.
The following Madison County sites are
marked with Trails signs unless otherwise
noted.
Battle of James City, Route 29 near
Route 631 – Only remnants of this town
remain after day-long fighting between
cavalry under Confederate Gen. J.E.B. Stuart and Union Gen. Judson Kilpatrick on
Oct. 10, 1863. Roadside historical marker
just south of the intersection.
Battle of Jack’s Shop, modern-day Rochelle on Route 231 – J.E.B. Stuart got a
bad scare here and was almost captured by
Union cavalry under Kilpatrick and John
Buford Sept. 22, 1863. This countryside is
little changed since the Civil War and is
still dotted with antebellum homes along
the old Blue Ridge Turnpike (Route 231).
It’s well worth the short trip from Route
29. Roadside marker in Rochelle. ◆
2014
13
1864–2014
Bus tour covers
USCT sites
Museum of the Confederacy
schedules 150th talks
A June 14 bus tour leaving from
the Manassas area is set to visit sites
associated with attacks made by United
States Colored Troops at Petersburg and
Richmond in 1864.
The black troops were among the
first to attack the Petersburg defenses in
mid-June.
The tour also includes a stop at
the New Market Heights Battlefield,
distinguished by 14 Medals of Honor
awarded to black troops after the September 1864 battle.
Tour cost is $80 and includes lunch.
Call 703-367-7872 for reservations.
Both branches of the Museum of the
Confederacy, in Richmond and Appomattox, offer timely and frequent talks
and lectures related to various 150th
anniversaries across Virginia and the
country.
Topics include the “Battle of the Wilderness” May 14, “Hunter’s Raid” June 11,
“Battle of the Crater” July 18 and “New
Market Heights” Sept. 19.
See www.moc.org for the times and
location of these and many other anniversary talks.
Appomattox sets
homefront program
The big anniversary at Appomattox
Court House National Historical Park
is next year, but rangers at the park have
scheduled programs Oct. 11–12 focused
on the 1864 homefront. See www.nps.
gov/apco for details.
Annual Farmville conference
features 1864 events
Anniversary events are featured
during the annual Civil War Seminar at
Longwood University in Farmville March
15. The seminar, co-sponsored by the
Appomattox Court House NHP, includes
talks on the 1864 Overland, New Market
and Nashville campaigns. More info on
the free event: www.nps.gov/apco.
THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY
BERMUDA HUNDRED
CAMPAIGN
April 26-27
IMMERSE YOURSELF.
This unique event will demonstrate what siege warfare was like
in Chesterfield County, Virginia, in May 1864. Two lines of
earthworks, one for Gen. Butler’s forces, and the other for
Gen. Beauregard’s, will wind their way through the woods.
Visitors will be able to follow alongside the battle as it commences,
following the forces as they struggle for control of Richmond.
A visitors’ area will show how civilians, slaves and medical
personnel lived during the war, as well as tell stories from the
U.S. Navy. Learn about infantry life, artillery, clothing and
equipment and what camp was like for the soldiers.
This isn’t a polite re-enactment on a manicured field. This is war.
VisitChesterfieldVA.com
14
Guide to Virginia’s Civil War
CENTRAL VIRGINIA
Grant vs. Lee:
The Overland Campaign
~ Driving Tour ~
T
his is the 150th anniversary of the
Overland Campaign, launched
from just west of Fredericksburg
toward the Confederate capital at
Richmond.
The Civil War Trails program has
created a driving tour following the
soldiers on their bloody route south
through the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, the
North Anna River, Cold Harbor and to the
gates of Petersburg. Pick up a copy of the
Trails map, ”Lee vs. Grant,” at area visitor
centers or download a copy from CivilWarTraveler.com/maps.
Many events are planned to commemorate the Overland Campaign this year. See
that section of this newspaper or, for the
latest information, see the events section of
CivilWarTravler.com.
Here are some of the tour highlights.
Germanna Crossing – Union forces
crossed here and at other Rapidan River
sites, beginning the offensive May 4, 1864.
Civil War Trails tour stop is located just
east of the river, south of Route 3 at
the Germanna Community College.
The Wilderness Battlefield – Significant areas of the May 5–6, 1864,
battlefield, including Saunders Field
and the Widow Tapp Farm, are maintained in the national park. Driving
and walking tours available. Plenty of
good information on site.
Todd’s Tavern – Trails wayside at the
intersection of Brock Road and Catharpin
Road. Union and Confederate cavalry
clashed near here May 6–7 as the armies
disengaged and raced to Spotsylvania.
Spotsylvania Court House battlefield – The national park preserves and interprets the important parts of this bloody
ground fought over May 8–21, including
the famous “Bloody Angle.” Driving and
walking tours throughout the park.
Massaponax Church – Church still
stands near where the Union high command met after moving through Spotsylvania Court House. Famous photos by
See our red, white and blue history in
Orange.
‘On to Richmond’ was the battle cry during much of the war.
Timothy O’Sullivan of Union generals in
action were made here.
North Anna River Battlefield (Ox
Ford) – A Hanover County park offers
an interpreted walking trail among some
nicely preserved Confederate earthworks on
the south side of the river. Good stop midway through the campaign (May 24–25).
Located on Route 684 west of US Route 1.
Totopotomoy Creek – Lee’s army defended positions south of the creek May
28–June 1, 1864. Wayside at the creek on
Route 606 helps tell the story. Rural Plains,
a private home, stands nearby. Trails sign at
Rural Point Elementary School.
Cold Harbor – The Richmond National
Battlefield Park operates a small visitor
center on the battlefield. A short driving
loop offers views of both Confederate and
Union lines used during the May 31–June
12 stalemate. An interesting mile-long
walking trail takes visitors through the
maze of trenches and explains details of
the fighting in the area. Another walking
trail through the Union lines is located in
a Hanover County Park nearby. A national
cemetery, established in 1866, is nearby, as
is the Garthright House, a landmark on
the battlefield.
Petersburg battlefield – The Petersburg National Battlefield encompasses
sites associated with the mid-June 1864
Union attacks. Cautious Northern attackers, seeing the impressive Confederate
fortifications, missed their chance against
the thinly held Southern line. Lee’s arrival
with the main army ensured a lengthy
siege.
South Side Station – Old Town Petersburg historic site is pivot for the Overland Campaign and Lee’s Retreat tours.
The South Side Railroad was the last supply line left to Lee in April 1865. When
that was cut, Lee was forced to evacuate
the city. His surrender came at Appomattox Court House April 9, 1865. ◆
NEWS
Winchester-area
Civil War tours set
• Old Town Winchester: 6 pm on the first
and second Friday each month June–October. Meets at 2 N. Cameron St. $5.
Reservations: 540-542-1326.
Montpelier. Civil War sites.
Historic inns, homes and trails.
• Stephens City: 10:30 am on fourth Saturdays June–October. Meet at Newtown
History Center, 5408 Main St, Stephens
City. $5. Reservations: 540-869-1700.
• Middletown: 5 pm on second Saturdays,
June–October. Meets at Main and First
streets, Middletown. Free. Reservations:
540-869-3051.
• Kernstown Battlefield: 11 am and 1 pm
on third Saturdays, May 10–October.
Meets at 610 Battle Park Drive, Kernstown. More info: 540-869-2896.
For more information about Winchester-area activities, see www.visitwinchesterva.com.
Fairfax Civil War Day April 26
Living history, period music and special
tours are features of this year’s Civil War
Day in Fairfax. This year’s event is set for 10
am–5 pm April 26 at Historic Blenheim,
3610 Old Lee Highway. For more info, call
703-591-0560.
2014
15
“My God, has the army dissolved?”
— GEN. ROBERT E. LEE
Walk the ground where Lee’s men faced their final major battle. Tour the
house turned makeshift hospital. Follow in the footsteps of soldiers who fought
to possess the majestic High Bridge, rising 125 feet above the Appomattox River.
Pristine state parks now preserve this priceless land, purchased with the lives
of those who fought and died here.
SAILOR’S CREEK BATTLEFIELD STATE PARK
6541 Saylers Creek Road, Rice, Virginia 23966
HIGH BRIDGE TRAIL STATE PARK
Access points at Pamplin City, Elam, Prospect, Tuggle,
Farmville, Osborne Road, River Road, and Rice.
Virginia State Parks
SP_ZR_GuidetoCivilWar_ad.indd 1
1/28/2014 12:21:42 PM
In 2014, commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Monocacy, “the battle that
saved Washington.” Lee’s final invasion of Maryland led to the Confederates’ largest
victory on northern soil, but it cost him critical time. While you’re here, don’t miss the
National Museum of Civil War Medicine in hip and historic Downtown Frederick,
South Mountain State Battlefield, and dozens of other Civil War Trails sites.
VISITFREDERICK.ORG | 800-999-3613
2014
17
TIDEWATER
T
he Tidewater area of Virginia is
defined by the tidal rivers, primarily
the James, York and Potomac, flowing
from the interior of the state into the
Chesapeake Bay.
These rivers made the Confeder-
ate heartland, including Richmond,
vulnerable to attack by water or watersupported land assault.
Most of the Civil War sites in
this area are related to an attempt by a
Union army under Gen. George McClellan, to march to Richmond using
the “Peninsula” created by the York and
James Rivers. A visitor center at Lee
Hall Mansion in Newport News helps
The Peninsula Campaign
~ Driving Tour ~
I
n the early spring of 1862, the Union
Army of the Potomac landed at Fort
Monroe at the tip of the Virginia “Peninsula” formed by the James
and York Rivers. The battle
of the ironclads March 9 had
cleared Hampton Roads,
enabling the Federal water
transports to land unmolested. Union Gen. George
McClellan hoped to march
west on the Peninsula and
capture Richmond, less than
100 miles away.
Confederates, led by Gen. John
Magruder, manned strong fortifications
behind the Warwick River, holding off
the Federal juggernaut for a month before
making a fighting withdrawal through
Williamsburg in early May. The Confederate armies fell back to the Richmond defenses and were pinned down by mid-May.
Taking command of the Southern army in
June, Gen. Robert E. Lee broke the tightening Federal noose fighting what became
known as the Seven Days battles. Lee’s attacks succeeded in driving McClellan from
the immediate Richmond area.
Less than two months later the theater
of war had shifted to Northern Virginia.
A Virginia Civil War Trails driving
tour connects some of the most significant
sites of the campaign from Fort Monroe to
Richmond. Pick up a free map of the Peninsula Campaign driving tour at local visitor centers or download a copy from www.
CivilWarTraveler.com/maps.
Here are the highlights. For a complete list of
Trail stops and their exact locations see www.
civilwartraveler.com/EAST/VA.
Fort Monroe – Built 1819–23, it is the
largest moat-encircled masonry fortification in America and an important Union
base for campaigns throughout the Civil
War. Robert E. Lee served here 1831–34.
Trails signs at Casemate Museum.
Hampton – Multiple Trails signs here
describe the Aug. 7, 1861, burning of the
city by Confederates to prevent its fall into
Union hands. Other Trails stops address
The sinking of the USS Cumberland by the CSS Virginia
efforts to assist former slaves in the area.
More information about all the Trails stops
at the Hampton Museum. For more, see
the “Museums and Visitor Centers” section.
Monitor-Merrimack and Congress and
Cumberland Overlooks – Trails signs located at points near the dramatic events of
March 8–9, 1862, during the Battle of the
Ironclads. Find much more on the battle
(and the remains of the USS Monitor) at
the Mariners’ Museum in Newport News.
See the “Museums and Visitor Centers”
section for details.
Forts Boykin and Huger – Confederate forts on the south side of the James
River near Smithfield were built to hinder
Union attempts to approach Richmond.
Both sites are public parks with good interpretation, including Trails signs.
Lee’s Mill Battlefield Park – Interpreted trail winds through this well preserved
Confederate fortification that withstood a
Union attack April 5, 1862.
Lee Hall – Restored 1850s home was
headquarters for Confederate commanders
Magruder and Johnston. Open to the public as a house museum, the basement serves
as a Peninsula Campaign visitor center. For
more, see the “Museums and Visitor Centers” section.
Battle of Dam No. 1 – Heavily entrenched Confederates turned back a
major Union assault here along the Warwick River April 16. An interpreted trail
through surviving Confederate earthworks
features the story of the battle. The site is
in Newport News Park. More information
at the city’s visitor center at the entrance to
the park.
Endview – Built circa 1760, this small
home was used by both forces as a hospital
during the campaign. Site hosts frequent
living history programs and is open to the
public as a house museum. See the “Museums and Visitor Centers” section for details.
MORE TIDEWATER INFORMATION
Gloucester
Hampton
Newport News
Norfolk
Portsmouth
Suffolk
Williamsburg area
866-847-4887www.gloucesterva.info
800-800-2202www.visithampton.com
888-493-7386
www.newport-news.org
www.visitnorfolktoday.com
757-393-5111www.visitportsva.com
866-SEE-SUFFOLKwww.suffolk-Fun.com
757-229-6511
www.williamsburgcc.com
explain the 1862 Peninsula Campaign.
A Virginia Civil War Trails map/brochure is available there and at most visitor centers in Tidewater.
Yorktown – This Colonial port
was the subject of a siege during
the Peninsula Campaign as it was
during the Revolutionary War. McClellan’s decision to stage a siege
here is much criticized. It delayed
his campaign for a month. Trails
signs and other interpretation along
the York Riverfront tell tell the Civil
War story. More Civil War information at the NPS visitor center, which
is mostly devoted to the important
Revolutionary War story here.
Tyndall’s Point Park and
Gloucester Riverfront – Confederate batteries here helped deprive
McClellan the use of the York River.
Park with interpreted trail contains
remains of the earthworks. Other
Civil War-related signs on the York
Riverfront, site of the “First Shot” in
Virginia.
Williamsburg – Multiple Civil War
Trails signs are located in several areas
of this Colonial capital, which became a
battlefield May 5 as Union troops, pursuing
a retreating Confederate army, attacked its
defenses. Williamsburg’s sites include preserved fortifications at Fort Magruder and a
nice Redoubt Park on Quarterpath Road.
Seven Days Battles – McClellan’s
Union army settled around Richmond by
mid-May. Rain and flooded rivers hindered
his attempts to get at the Confederate
capital. Following the Battle of Seven Pines
(May 31), Robert E. Lee took command
of the Confederate forces in the city. In
a series of battles beginning June 26, Lee
defeated the Union army, forcing it away
from Richmond and into a James River
enclave. Seven Days battle sites at Beaver
Dam Creek, Gaines’ Mill and Malvern Hill
are preserved in the Richmond National
Battlefield Park.
Berkeley Plantation – This James River
plantation was the final stop of McClellan’s
Peninsula Campaign. It was here at Harrison’s Landing that the Union army licked
its wounds under the cover of gunboats. The
plantation’s history, dating to the 1600s, is
highlighted. Open to the public. Nearby
Westover, where only the grounds are open
to visitors, was Union Fifth Corps headquarters. Trails sign near the parking lot. ◆
18
Guide to Virginia’s Civil War
TIDEWATER VIRGINIA: Museums & Visitor Centers
Tidewater Museums
The Casemate Museum, on the
grounds of the Fort Monroe National
Monument – Fort Monroe has guarded the
approaches to the vital Hampton Roads
since 1823. It is the jumping off place for
the Peninsula Campaign. The museum
offers good interpretation of the fort and
preserves the area where Confederate exPresident Jefferson Davis was imprisoned
after the war. Open Tuesday–Sunday
10:30 am–4:30 pm. Free. 757-788-3391.
USS Monitor Center/Mariners’
Museum, 100 Museum Drive, Newport
News – The Monitor Center is now a major part of the well-established Mariners’
Museum, offering a comprehensive look at
the famous ironclad USS Monitor and its
famous battle with the CSS Virginia (formerly USS Merrimack) at Hampton Roads
March 9, 1862. The Center, using both traditional and state-of-the-art audio-visual
experiences, takes visitors through the
process of creating the Monitor, through
the dramatic “Battle of the Ironclads” and
finally the recovery of the Monitor wreck
off Cape Hatteras, NC. Highlights include
the “Battle Theater” that puts visitors in the
Former Confederate President Jefferson Davis in prison at Fort Monroe
middle of the ironclad battle. Admission
price for the Center includes the rest of
the fine museum, which covers 3,000 years
of maritime history. Open Monday, and
Wednesday–Saturday 10 am–5 pm and
Sunday 11 am–5 pm. $12/adult. 757-5962222 or www.monitorcenter.org.
Virginia War Museum, 9285 Warwick
Blvd., Newport News – More than 50,000
displayed artifacts document America’s
wars from 1775 to the present. Features
Civil War weapons, flags and accouterments. Inquire here about living history
programs and tours of the Newport News
Civil War sites. Open Monday–Saturday
9 am–5 pm; Sunday noon–5 pm. $6/adult.
757-247-8523.
Lee Hall, 163 Yorktown Road (take Lee
Hall exit from I-64) – Restored antebellum
mansion that served as Confederate headquarters during part of the 1862 Peninsula
Campaign now serves as a visitor center
for that phase of the war. Restored rooms
reflect both military and civilian life. The
English basement offers exhibits and other
material related to the commanders and
the fighting on the Peninsula. Civil War
Trails interpretation near a fortification on
the property. Guided tours. January–March
hours: Thursday–Saturday 10 am–4 pm;
Sunday 1–5 pm. April–December hours:
Monday, Thursday, Friday 10 am–4 pm;
Saturday 10 am–5 pm; Sunday noon–5 pm.
$6/adult. 757-888-3371 or www.leehall.org.
Endview Plantation, located on Yorktown Road just off the I-64 Lee Hall exit
– The grounds around Endview were occupied by Confederates until Union troops
took over during the May 1862 advance toward Richmond. The Federals stayed in the
area the rest of the war. Tours of the buildContinues on next page
BLACK HISTORY SITES
T
he experience of African-Americans
during the Civil War is extraordinarily
rich and often contradictory. Nowhere are
those stories, in their variety, better told
than in Virginia.
In Virginia, blacks were slaves and they
were soldiers. Free blacks and bondsmen
manned the iron works and helped build
the fortifications around Richmond. Other
blacks, wearing Union blue, attacked those
same fortifications in September 1864,
winning 14 Medals of Honor on the way.
Nearly every museum dedicated to the
study of the Civil War in Virginia includes
some black history. The national parks, especially the Richmond National Battlefield
Park and the Petersburg National Battlefield, highlight the role of United States
Colored Troops (USCT). The Museum of
the Confederacy in Richmond acknowledges the role of African-Americans in the
southern states.
Civil War Trails interpretation throughout Virginia tells stories such as Union
Gen. Benjamin Butler’s action in 1861,
while at Hampton’s Fort Monroe, to accept
and employ runaway slaves as “contraband of war.” Many blacks who eventually
served with the Union army are buried in
A United States Colored Troops member
Norfolk’s Elmwood Cemetery under
a monument to their service. Another
trail site, Freedman’s Village in Arlington, explains what happened to
some of those who escaped slavery.
Many village residents, along with
members of the USCT, are buried in
a special section at nearby Arlington
Cemetery.
Other stops on the trail are Baylor’s Farm in Hopewell, where black
soldiers took a leading role on the
road to Petersburg in June 1864, and
Deep Bottom in Henrico County,
where USCT crossed the James River
to assault Richmond defenses at New
Market Heights and Fort Gilmer
(part of the Richmond park’s Fort
Harrison unit) a few months later.
Outnumbered black troops successfully defended a James River
outpost located on the property of
Sherwood Forest Plantation in May
1864.
USCT troops played a significant
role in the Battle of Saltville in October 1864. There, as in other Virginia
battles, evidence exists that Confederate troops killed black prisoners.
Thousands of blacks certainly traveled
with the Confederate armies as well — as
cooks, teamsters and personal servants. For
most of the war, it was the official policy of
the Confederate government not to enlist
blacks as combat soldiers, although a handful may have served in that role. However,
blacks were preparing for entry into the
Confederate army in March 1865. Witnesses saw black Confederate recruits drilling on Richmond’s Capitol Square.
Those black Confederates may have
been the ones captured during Lee’s Retreat to Appomattox. A total of 36 blacks
were surrendered with the Confederate
army at Appomattox. All were listed as
cooks, teamsters, musicians and other nonsoldier roles. More about African-American involvement during Lee’s Retreat
is covered in a brochure of the Virginia’s
Retreat group, which is available free at
National Park sites in Petersburg, Appomattox and Richmond and at the Sailor’s
Creek State Park. Civil War Trails signs
now mark the location of homes and burial
places of USCT in Chesapeake.
Black Union troops took the lead in the
occupation of Petersburg and were among the
first to enter the city of Richmond in 1865. u
2014
19
Museums, cont’d
ing and grounds and frequent living history programs are highlighted at this site.
January–March hours: Thursday–Saturday
10 am–4 pm; Sunday 1–5 pm. April–December hours: Monday, Thursday, Friday 10
am–4 pm; Saturday 10 am–5 pm; Sunday
noon–5 pm. $6/adult. 757-887-1862 or
www.endview.org.
James A. Fields House, 617 27th St.,
Newport News – Trails sign located in
front of the house owned by Fields, who
was born a slave and escaped to Union
lines in 1862 as a “contraband of war.” He
later became a lawyer and served as justice
of the peace and as local representative to
the Virginia House of Delegates. Home
open by appointment. $3/adult. 757-2451991.
Hampton History Museum, 120 Old
Hampton Lane, downtown – Museum
covers 400 years of Hampton history and
includes inventive galleries on the Antebellum, Civil War and Reconstruction periods.
Topics in the Civil War gallery include
the Battle of Big Bethel, the Burning of
Hampton and the effort of Union Gen.
Ben Butler to declare escaped slaves “contraband.” Open Monday-Saturday 10 am–5
pm; Sunday 1–5 pm. $5 adult admission.
757-727-1610.
Hampton Roads Naval Museum, in
Nauticus on the downtown Norfolk waterfront – Well-done naval history museum
shares building with Nauticus. Much good
material on the battle of the ironclads and
other Civil War action. Free to visit this
museum. (There is a charge for Nauticus
but you do not have to pay if you only want
the Naval Museum.) Open Monday–Saturday 10 am–5 pm and Sunday noon–5 pm.
Shortened hours and closed Mondays during the winter. Call 757-322-2987 or www.
hrnm.navy.mil.
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum,
2 High St. on the waterfront – Excellent
Civil War exhibit is a highlight of this
museum dedicated to the history of the
Portsmouth area. This was the place where
the former USS Merrimack was recast as
the ironclad CSS Virginia. Open 10 am-5
pm Tuesday-Saturday and 1–5 pm Sunday.
$4. www.portsnavalmuseums.com or 757393-8591.
Riddick’s Folly, 510 N. Main St., Suffolk – This historic house, built in 1837,
served as Union headquarters. The top floor
interprets its Civil War use. Soldier graffiti.
Call for hours. $4. Civil War Trails sign.
757-934-0822 or www.riddicksfolly.org.
Tidewater Visitor Centers
Portsmouth Visitor Center, 6 Crawford Parkway, offers Civil War information
NEWS
Isle of Wight tours scheduled
• Fort Huger, 15080 Talcott Trail: 10 am,
first Saturday of each month through
November.
• Battle of Smithfield, Isle of Wight Museum in Smithfield: 2 pm, first Saturday
of each month through November.
• Fort Boykin, 7410 Fort Boykin Trail,
Dec. 20 at 3 pm.
All tours are free and reservations are
not required. More info: www.historicisleofwight.com or 757-357-0115.
Lee Hall van tours cover
anniversary sites
Van tours sponsored by Lee Hall Plantation in Newport News cover sites with
150th anniversary commemorations this
year. Here’s the lineup: “Wilderness and
Spotsylvania,” March 15; “North Anna and
Cold Harbor,” April 26; “Bermuda Hundred,” May 17; “Petersburg’s Eastern Front,”
June 21 and “Dahlgren’s Raid,” July 19. For
more info about the tours see www.leehall.
org or call 757-888-3371.
and walking tours of the historic areas.
Water and trolley tours are available in
season. For more info: www.portsva.com or
800-portsva.
Norfolk Visitor Centers are located at
9401 View St. and 232 E. Main St. For more:
800-368-3097 or visitnorfolktoday.com.
Gloucester Visitor Center, 6509
Main St., 866-847-4887, gloucesterva.info.
Hampton Visitor Center, in Hampton
History Museum, 120 Old Hampton Lane.
www.visitHampton.com, 800-800-2202.
Newport News Visitor Center, 13560
Jefferson Ave (I-64 exit 250B) is very near
site of some of the Peninsula’s most important Civil War sites. Get maps to area Civil
War sites and more here. 888-493-7386.
Williamsburg Visitor Center, Colonial
Williamsburg Foundation. www.history.
org.
Suffolk Visitor Center, 510 N. Main
St. 757-934-1390 or suffolk-Fun.com.
Yorktown National Park visitor
center. Although emphasis is on the
Revolutionary War, plenty of Civil War
information also is available here — be sure
to ask for it at the visitor center. Open daily
9 am–5 pm daily. Expanded hours during
the summer. Park fee charged. www.nps.
gov/colo or 757-898-3400. ◆
Fort Wool
Miss Hampton II Harbor Tours
PEOPLE HAVE
Explored HERE FOR OVER 400 YEARS.
COME HAVE AN ADVENTURE. 800.800.2202 VisitHampton.com
20
Guide to Virginia’s Civil War
TIDEWATER VIRGINIA: More to See
Hampton
Courtland
See also the museum/visitor center listings
for the Hampton Museum and the Casemate
Museum.
Fort Monroe National Monument,
41 Bernard Road, Hampton VA 23651.
757-788-3391 -- Strategically located
at the entrance to Hampton Roads, Fort
Monroe’s history spans centuries. The
Union maintained control of the fort
throughout the Civil War and was never
seriously threatened. In 1861, Union Gen.
Benjamin Butler announced his policy of
harboring escaped slaves here, calling them
“contraband of war.” The next year, Gen.
George McClellan launched the Peninsula Campaign from the fort. Confederate
President Jefferson Davis was imprisoned
here after the war. The NPS took over the
fort in 2011 and it’s a work in progress.
Watch www.nps.gov/fomr for ranger tours
of the site. Also see Casemate Museum in
“Museums and Visitor Centers.”
Mahone’s Tavern, Trails sign across
from the courthouse downtown – This
tavern was once the home of Confederate
Gen. William Mahone, hero of the Battle
of the Crater and able railroad executive.
Confederate troops camped here during
the war and the building was used as a
hospital.
The following sites all feature Trails signs. Ask
at the Hampton visitor center for locations.
Emancipation Oak, Trails sign on the
Hampton University campus – AfricanAmerican students, many freed by Union
Gen. Benjamin Butler’s “contraband” declaration early in the war, listened here as the
Emancipation Proclamation was read in 1863.
Camp Hamilton, Trails sign in Phoebus, Route 143 just before the bridge to
Fort Monroe – The first U.S. Army camp on
post-secession Virginia soil was established
here in May 1861, under the protection of
the Fort Monroe guns.
St. John’s Church, Trails sign on
Queen’s Way at the Hampton History Center and Museum – Built in 1728, St. John’s
was burned during the Confederate evacuation Aug. 7, 1861. Much of the city burned
that day on orders of Confederate Gen. John
B. Magruder. The church walls remained,
however, and services were held in the rebuilt
church in 1869.
Villa Margaret – The summer home of
President John Tyler stood across the river
from here. When Union troops occupied
the area in 1861, they seized the home for
barracks and the place was thoroughly vandalized.
Hampton Military Academy – This is
the site of an antebellum military school, one
of many educational facilities operated at Pee
Dee Point. It graduated many for service in
the Confederate army. The school burned
during the war.
Mary Peake – Mary Peake was born free
in Norfolk and later settled in Old Point
Comfort (Fort Monroe) teaching both slaves
James River Plantations
Captured Confederate battery at Yorktown
and free black children. Early in the war she
established a school with Federal backing.
Fox Hill in the Civil War – This hamlet
was used by watermen and farmers prior to
the Civil War. It became a no-man’s land in
1861, subject to Federal raids against Confederate supply vessels.
Hampton is Burned – This is the site
of a house burned during the Confederate
evacuation of Hampton, Aug. 7, 1861. The
site, probably used as a junk pile after the
burning, proved a treasure trove for archaeologists, who found buttons from both sides,
an inkwell and other Civil War soldier items.
Hampton Courthouse – This was one of
more than 500 buildings burned as Confederates evacuated Hampton in August 1861.
The site was soon used as a Union headquarters for the Peninsula Campaign. Later, the
American Missionary Association built a
school for freedmen on the site.
Williamsburg
Best known for the internationally famous attraction, Colonial Williamsburg, the
town also was the site of dramatic Civil War
events, including the May 5, 1862, battle
during the Peninsula Campaign. Confederate fortifications, many of which are now
open to the public, dot the outskirts of town.
Redoubt Park, 425 Quarterpath Road,
Williamsburg 23185 – Nice interpreted
walking trail through this city park preserving a couple of redoubts on the Williamsburg line, attacked by Union forces May 5,
1862. 757-259-3764.
Franklin and area
Battle of Franklin and Franklin During the War, a series of Trails signs located
at the Blackwater River, downtown Frank-
lin; follow the Trails wayfinding signs in
town – This regional transportation hub and
commercial center became a central Confederate supply center early in the war. In
1862, Confederates constructed a series of
earthworks that ran 50 miles north. Union
gunboats came up the Blackwater several
times in 1862 including a serious combined
army-navy attempt to capture the town on
Oct. 3. Confederates were able to repel that
adventure.
Thomaston, located west of Franklin,
take Route 671 (Gen. Thomas Boulevard)
from Route 58, turn onto Cypress Bridge
Road then 0.5 miles to left turn onto
Thomaston Road, then 1 mile to house –
This is the birthplace and boyhood home
of prominent Union Gen. George Thomas
who would earn the nickname “Rock of
Chickamauga.” His choice to remain with
the Union army caused family discord and
he never returned home.
Norfolk
Norfolk Civil War Tour – Driving tour
covers sites around the city including Fort
Norfolk, historic districts, the site of Abraham Lincoln’s 1862 “landing” and others.
Brochures available at the city visitor center.
Fort Norfolk, on the waterfront at 810
Front St. – Originally built in 1794, this interesting fort was occupied by both Confederate and Union forces. Entry to the grounds
during business hours Monday–Friday.
Black Soldiers Monument in Elmwood
Cemetery, Princess Anne Road – Rare
monument to African-American soldiers
who fought in the Civil War memorializes
soldiers buried in the West Point section of
the Elmwood Cemetery. Trails sign. 757441-2576.
Located along and near the James River
and State Route 5 between Williamsburg
and Richmond, each of these plantations,
large and small, figured in Civil War history. Shirley and Berkeley are open daily for
public tours.
Berkeley and nearby Westover (see
Peninsula Campaign) were the final stop in
Union Gen. George McClellan’s campaign
to take Richmond in 1862. Thousands of
soldiers camped on the banks of the river
after the battle of Malvern Hill. Shots were
fired at them from Evelynton’s “backyard.”
Shirley Plantation hosted a hospital for a
time. Sherwood Forest, home of President
John Tyler, was damaged by occupying
troops. A restored riverside fort at Wilson’s
Wharf (Fort Pocahontas) on the Sherwood
Forest grounds hosts an annual reenactment
and is open for special events and preplanned tours.
Smaller plantations, North Bend and
Piney Grove, both feature Civil War-oriented stories, enhanced by Trails signs. The story
of Union Gen. U.S. Grant’s remarkable James
River crossing in 1864 is told at North Bend
and at a county park at Wilcox’s Landing.
Suffolk
Siege of Suffolk – Confederates under
Gen. James Longstreet threatened Union
forces here in April 1863 but were unable to
dislodge the Federals. Trails interpretation
in Cedar Hill Cemetery.
Portsmouth
Stop at the Portsmouth Visitor Center,
6 Crawford Parkway, for more information.
757-393-5111, www.visitportsva.com.
Portsmouth Naval Hospital – Used by
Confederate and Union armies during the
war. More than 300 Union sailors killed
during the sinking of the USS Cumberland and USS Congress are buried on the
grounds. Trails sign on the waterfront.
Olde Towne Historic District – A
square mile of Revolutionary and Civil
War-era structures. Includes the Peters
House, headquarters for Union Gen.
Benjamin “Beast” Butler; the Pass House
Continues on next page.
2014
21
More Tidewater, cont’d
(Crawford and London) where citizens
had to obtain passes and swear allegiance
to the United States; and the Confederate
War Memorial (Court and High streets).
Civil War Trails sign.
Chesapeake
The following Chesapeake sites are marked
with Trails signs unless otherwise noted:
“Cuffeytown 13,” Civil War Trails
sign at the Gabriel Chapel, 2216 Long
Ridge Road (off Business Route 168) – A
concentration of men who fought with the
United States Colored Troops are buried
with honor in this small cemetery.
Village of Great Bridge, off route 168
north of Route 165 – Located at the strategic crossing of the Albemarle and Chesapeake canals. During the war’s early stages
the Confederacy benefited from the link.
Following the fall of Norfolk, Great Bridge
fell into Federal hands.
Glencoe, on the Dismal Swamp Canal
Trail (Old U.S. 17) – Home of William
Wallace, first lieutenant of the “Jackson
Grays.” Within view of this homesite is
the large antebellum house “Beechwood,”
home of the Stewart family.
Village of Deep Creek, just south of
I-64 west of Route 17 on Luray Road – A
50-building village, important link on the
Great Dismal Swamp Canal.
Dismal Swamp Canal, south of I-64 on
the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail (Old U.S.
17) – This, the oldest operating artificial
waterway in America, provided the Con­fed­
eracy with an important link between the
Chesapeake Bay and the North Carolina
Sounds until May 1862, when it was captured by Union troops.
“Seven Patriot Heroes,” from I-64,
take Route 168 south, then right at Old
Battlefield Boulevard, then right on Ballahack Road, then 3 miles to site – The homes
and final resting places of veterans of the
United States Colored Troops are located
nearby.
Pleasant Grove Baptist Cemetery, just
off Route 165 – A monument to the “Jackson Grays” honors the regiment formed in
the churchyard.
Colonial National Historical
Park
Although the main mission here is to
interpret the Colonial history of Jamestown
and Yorktown, there is much to interest Civil
War visitors. Information about the 1862
siege of Yorktown is available at the visitor
center and a Civil War fort, partially built
on the archeological remains of the original
John Smith 1607 fort, is a prominent feature
at Jamestown. Admission fee. www.nps.gov/
colo or 757-898-0838.
Gloucester
Two county parks located on the York
Riverfront at the foot of the U.S. 17 bridge
tell the early-war history of this strategic area.
Tyndall’s Point Park, 1376 Vernon St.
– See listing in Peninsula Campaign Driving
Tour.
The Gloucester Point Beach Park, 1255
Greate Road, features expansive river views
and an interpretive sign describing the first
shots of the war in Virginia (May 3, 1861).
See www.gloucesterva.info/pr/parks.htm or
call 804-642-9474 for directions and more
information.
Gloucester in the Civil War, Trails sign
at the courthouse in Gloucester – Union
raiders, looking to destroy Confederate supplies, raided, looted and damaged buildings
here April 7, 1863.
Smithfield / Isle of Wight
County
See historicisleofwight.com for information about free tours.
Fort Boykin Historic Park, 7410 Fort
Boykin Trail, Smithfield – Originally built
in 1623 and used during the American
Revolution and the War of 1812, this fort
was captured May 17, 1862, by Union
naval forces. A nice park includes interpretation outlining the fort’s history. Civil
War Trails and other interpretation on site.
Open 8 am-dusk. Free.
Fort Huger, 15080 Talcott Terrace,
Smithfield – Restored Confederate James
River fort with interpreted walking trails
about 8 miles from Smithfield. This was
one of the forts on the south side of the
James intended to block the approaches
to Richmond. It was captured (along with
its sister Fort Boykin) in May 1862 by a
Union flotilla about a week before Union
warships were turned back near Richmond
at Drewy’s Bluff. Open 8 am–dusk. Free.
Battle of Smithfield — Engagements
Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, 1864, resulted in the destruction of the Union gunboat USS SmithBriggs. Trails sign.
Northern Neck
The area between the Rappahannock and
Potomac Rivers is referred to as the Northern Neck. Route 3 is the major road.
Stratford Hall, north of Route 3 on
Route 214 – This is the birthplace of Robert
E. Lee. His cradle remains in place in one of
the rooms. $10/adult. Call or see website for
hours: www.stratfordhall.org or 804-4938038. ◆
Ships,
History
Great
Historic Homes
& Earthworks
and
the
Outdoors
USS Monitor Center at
The Mariners’ Museum
Battle of the Ironclads
888.493.7386
newport-news.org
Virginia
Minutes from Williamsburg,
A short drive from Virginia Beach.
22
Guide to Virginia’s Civil War
2014 ANNIVERSARY EVENTS
force the issue here, Grant moved to Cold
Harbor.
Living history, special tours and programs in and near the Shelton House on the
battlefield are planned at the Richmond National Battlefield Park property May 29-31.
A bus tour of the Union movement
toward Cold Harbor is planned May 30.
Web for all: www.nps.gov/rich
Here’s a summary of 1864 historic events
and their commemoration. Things change. Be
sure to check the websites of the host sites for
the latest information before attending.
Winter camps
Both the Confederate and Union winter
1863–1864 camps are getting special attention this year.
A Union Winter Camp Symposium is
set March 22 in Culpeper. Web: friendsofcedarmountain.org.
A bus tour of the camps of both sides is
planned April 11-12. Web: fowb.org.
Battle of Cold Harbor
May 31–June 12, 1864
Battles of Wilderness/Spotsylvania
May 5–6, May 8–21, 1864
Union Gen. U.S. Grant opened what would
be known as the Overland Campaign as he
plunged his army into “The Wilderness”
west of Fredericksburg.
The Fredericksburg and Spotyslvania
National Military Park plans a variety of
programs for the anniversaries of these battles. Special ranger programs and tours are
planned on the Wilderness battlefield May
3-4 and real-time tours for the anniversary
dates, May 5-6. More programs are planned
May 8–12 at Spotsylvania, with a special
evening program May 10. A commemoration of the last major attack at Spotsylvania
is set May 18.
Web: nps.gov/frsp/sesquicentennial.htm
A reenactment is scheduled for May 1–4
at Spotsylvania. Web: 150spotsylvania.com.
A bus tour with Gordon Rhea is set for
May 2-3. Web: fowb.org
More programs are planned at Elwood,
a Union headquarters on the Wilderness
battlefield. Web: fowb.org.
Bermuda Hundred
May 1864
On May 4, Union troops under Gen. Benjamin Butler landed at Bermuda Hundred,
the strip of land between the Appomattox
and James River south of Richmond. Grant
hoped Butler would put pressure on the
Richmond defenses and cut the communication and supply lines between the capital
and Petersburg. It didn’t work. After a series
of fights in May, Butler was “Bottled Up” at
Bermuda Hundred.
A reenactment is planned April 25–27
in Chesterfield County south of Richmond.
Web: visitchesterfieldva.com/bh150
Van and walking tours related to the
campaign also are planned. Web: chesterfieldhistory.com.
Attack at Petersburg
Cloyd’s Mountain
May 9, 1864
Battle of North Anna
May 23–26, 1864
Confederates confronted Union forces
heading for the important Virginia &
Tennessee Railroad. Savage hand-to-hand
combat and high casualty rates distinguished this battle in Southwest Virginia.
A reenactment is set for April 5–6.
Web: battleofcloydsmtn.org.
Lee set a trap for Grant on the south bank
of the North Anna River, but Confederates
failed to fully take advantage. The Union
army forced a crossing then continued
toward Richmond.
A bus tour, led by a National Park Service ranger is set for May 23.
Web: nps.gov/rich
Activities including living history and
special tours are planned May 24 at the
county battlefield park north of Ashland.
Call 804-365-7150 for details.
Battle of Yellow Tavern
May 11, 1864
Confederate cavalry commander J.E.B.
Stuart was mortally wounded during this
cavalry battle a few miles north of Richmond.
A living history “Dinner with J.E.B.
Stuart” is planned for May 9; special tours
of nearby Meadow Farm are scheduled May
10; and a Yellow Tavern bus tour is planned
May 11.
Web: henricohsitoricalsociety.org
Call 804-501-2130 for Meadow Farm.
Battle of Fort Pocahontas
May 24, 1864
United States Colored Troops played a key
role turning back a Confederate cavalry
attack against this Union fort on the James
River east of Richmond.
The annual anniversary reenactment is
set May 17-18. Web: fortpocahontas.com
Battle of New Market
May 15, 1864
Battle of Haw’s Shop
May 28, 1864
The cadets from the Virginia Military
Institute in Lexington helped turn back this
first (in 1864) Union thrust deep into the
Shenandoah Valley.
Free car-caravan tour of the entire
battlefield planned on the anniversary date.
The annual anniversary reenactment May
16–18 on the historic battlefield is special
this year.
Web: vmi.edu/newmarket
Opposing cavalry clashed near Enon
Church as the Union army crossed the Pamunkey River moving toward Richmond.
A real-time bus tour covering the river
crossing to the battlefield is planned on the
anniversary date.
Web: nps.gov/rich.
Battle of Totopotomoy Creek
May 28-30, 1864
Fighting erupted along Totopotomoy Creek
northeast of Richmond as Grant kept pushing south toward Richmond. Unwilling to
Grant almost broke through a thin Confederate defense here June 1, then staged an
ill-advised and very costly attack against a
built-up Southern line June 3. The armies
settled into what amounted to trench warfare until Grant pulled out and headed for
Petersburg.
The Richmond National Battlefield Park
plans weekend living history and ranger
tours May 31–June 1 plus special tours of
the June 3 attack on that date. A “Misery
in the Trenches” program is set for June 7.
Web: nps.gov/rich
Hunter’s Raid: Piedmont
June 5, 1864
Union Gen. David Hunter renewed the offensive in the Shenandoah Valley, attacking
and defeating Confederates in the shadow
of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Piedmont.
Several programs are planned to commemorate the battle including a June 7 tour.
Web: ShenandoahatWar.org
Hunter’s Raid: Lexington
June 11–14, 1864
Hunter entered Lexington after a brief
fight and proceeded to burn and sack the
Virginia Military Institute.
Reenactment, living history, lectures and
music commemorate the event in Lexington
Sept 10–14: “Thunder in the Valley.”
Web: lexingtonvirginia.com (click events).
Trevillian Station
June 11–12, 1864
While the armies were enduring a stalemate
at Cold Harbor northeast of Richmond,
Union cavalry ranged west, seeking to destroy Confederate supply lines. Confederate
cavalry confronted them near Louisa.
A reenactment of the event is scheduled
for June 21–22.
Web: trevbattleva.com
Complete and up-to-date calendar through December 2014: www.CivilWarTraveler.com/events
2014
23
2014 ANNIVERSARY EVENTS, cont'd
Hunter’s Raid: Buchanan
June 13, 1864
Park commemorate the event.
Web: mosbyheritagearea.org
Berryville Wagon Raid
Aug 13, 1864
Hunter’s advance continued his move east
from Lexington through Buchanan after
driving Confederate cavalry from the town.
Annual reenactment of the event during
Buchanan’s Civil War weekend April 25-27
includes street fighting.
Web: townofbuchanan.com (click events).
Battle of Fort Stevens
July 11–12, 1864
John S. Mosby’s Confederate rangers did
considerable damage to Union Gen. Philip
Sheridan’ supply wagon train.
An Aug. 16 living history walking tour
and first-person sketches in Berryville recall
the event. Web: mosbyheritagearea.org
Initial attacks at Petersburg
Mid-June 1864
After crossing the James River, U.S. forces
began attacking the thin defenses at Petersburg. The Confederates managed to hold
and the Siege of Petersburg began.
The Petersburg National Battlefield plans
a special “Opening Assaults Weekend” June
14-15 with guided walks, a bus tour and
living history. See the park website for other
anniversay events planned in 2014.
Web: nps.gov/pete
Hunter’s Raid: Battle of Lynchburg
June 17–18, 1864
Marching from the Shenandoah Valley
across the mountains, Hunter approached
the critical Confederate railroad, supply
and hospital center at Lynchburg. He was
met and defeated there by Confederate
Gen. Jubal Early. The Confederates chased
Hunter out of the picture, then headed
north toward Washington DC.
Living history, tours and more are
planned June 13–15 at Sandusky, Hunter’s
headquarters during the battle.
Web: historicsandusky.org.
Related events set June 20-22.
Web: discoverlynchburg.org.
Staunton River Bridge
(Wilson/Kautz Raid)
June 25, 1864
Union cavalry raiders, ranging almost
unopposed through South-central Virginia,
were finally stopped by a handful of regulars
and a collection of “old men and young
boys” at the bridge over the Staunton River
near present-day Randolph.
A reenactment is set for the Staunton
River Battlefield State Park June 21–22.
Web: stauntonriverbattlefield.org/150th.
html
Mosby action in Loudoun County
July 6, 1864
Confederate partisan John S. Mosby
soundly defeated Union pursuers at Mount
Zion Church near Aldie.
A lecture July 5 and a living history
program July 6 at Mt. Zion Church Historic
After Confederate Gen. Jubal Early defeated David Hunter’s men at Lynchburg,
he headed north to threaten Washington
DC. Confederates made it to the outer
fortifications of the capital where they were
turned back at Fort Stevens.
A reenactment of the event is set for Fort
Ward in Alexandria, another of the Washington forts, July 12–13.
Web: fortward.org
Battle of Cool Spring
July 18, 1864
JEarly’s Confederates held off Union pursuers here near the Shenandoah River after his
expedition threatened the Federal capital.
“On This Day” tour on the anniversary
date: nps.gov/cebe or www.ShenandoahatWar.org
Battle of Rutherford’s Farm
July 20, 1864
Decisive Union victory north of Winchester
on the Valley Pike did little to disrupt
Confederate plans to move their operations
south.
“On This Day” tour on the anniversary
date: nps.gov/cebe or www.ShenandoahatWar.org
Second Battle of Kernstown
July 24, 1864
Confederate Gen. Jubal Early’s army,
returning to the Shenandoah Valley after
its visit to the Washington D.C. doorstep,
turned and defeated Union pursuers here
south of Winchester.
A bus tour, living history programs and
guided walking tours are planned on and
around the battlefield July 19–20.
Web: kernstownbattle.org
“On This Day” tour on the anniversary
date: nps.gov/cebe or www.ShenandoahatWar.org
Battle of the Crater
July 30, 1864
Union soldiers tunneled under the Confederate lines in Petersburg, then exploded four
tons of gunpowder, creating the famous
“Crater” in the Southern defenses.
The Petersburg National Battlefield
offers several anniversary-date programs
and an evening event at Blandford Church.
Related programs set Aug 1–2.
Web: nps.gov/pete
Battle of Guard Hill
Aug. 16, 1864
Union cavalry ambushed Confederate
horsemen en route to the Valley near Front
Royal, capturing about 300 before withdrawing.
“On This Day” tour on the anniversary
date: nps.gov/cebe or www.ShenandoahatWar.org
Battle of Berryville
Sept. 3, 1864
Union Gen. Philip Sheridan began moving
his army south from the Harpers Ferry area
to Berryville. Confederate Gen. Jubal, near
Winchester, attacked but withdrew after
reinforcements arrived.
“On This Day” tour on the anniversary
date: nps.gov/cebe or www.ShenandoahatWar.org
Third Battle of Winchester
Sept. 19, 1864
of the James River, limiting Robert E. Lee’s
ability to reinforce either point. Although
stressed, the Confederate lines held.
A reenactment commemorating the
attacks south of the river at New Market
Heights/Chaffin’s Farm is set Sept. 26-28
at a site in Henrico County, southeast of
Richmond.
Web: civilwarhenrico.com
The Richmond National Battlefield Park
has scheduled living history programs with
anniversary ranger programs at its unit at
the Fort Harrison and New Market Heights
battlefields Sept. 26–30.
Web: nps.gov/rich
The Petersburg National Battlefield
commemorates the Battle of Peebles Farm
with living history and ranger programs at
the park’s Western Front unit Sept. 27-28.
Web: nps.gov/pete
Battles of Saltville
Oct 1–3 and Dec 20–21, 1864
The salt works here and other natural resources in southwest Virginia became major
targets in 1864. Two battles were fought
here, the first won by Confederates, the
second the Federals.
A 150th anniversary reenactment is
planned Aug. 16-17.
Web: battlesofsaltville.com
Union troops under Gen. Philip Sheridan
opened his version of the Shenandoah
Valley campaign by soundly defeating Gen.
Jubal Early, posted north of Winchester.
Lots of events are planned on the newly
preserved sections of the Third Winchester
battlefield north of Winchester, including an
anniversary date tour and a major event Sept
20 with living history, talks, music, a dance
and much more.
Web: ShenandoahatWar.org
Battle of Tom’s Brook
Oct. 9, 1864
Battle of Fisher’s Hill
Sept 22, 1864
A surprise attack initially routed Union
troops camped at Cedar Creek, but a dramatic counterattack saved the day for the
Federals.
Activities connected with battle are set
Oct. 17–19 with the annual reenactment
on the historic battlefield scheduled Oct.
18–19. Web: cedarcreekbattlefield.org
A ranger tour to the overlook at Signal
Knob is set for Oct. 17. Other anniversary
ranger tours and programs are scheduled
through the Cedar Creek and Belle Grove
National Historical Park.
Web: nps.gov/cebe ◆
Sheridan followed up his win at Winchester
with another victory over Early in the hills
south of Strasburg.
“On This Day” tour on the anniversary
date: nps.gov/cebe or www.ShenandoahatWar.org
In addition, a seminar/tour is planned
Sept. 27. Web: ShenadoahatWar.org
New Market Heights / Fort
Harrison / Peebles Farm
Sept 29–30, 1864
The Union army staged late September
attacks on Confederate lines on both sides
Big Union victory (sometimes called the
“Woodstock Races”) as Sheridam’s cavalry
scattered Confederate opponents in the
Shenandoah Valley.
“On This Day” tour on the anniversary
date: nps.gov/cebe or www.ShenandoahatWar.org
Battle of Cedar Creek
Oct. 19, 1864
Civil War events throughout America through December 2014: www.CivilWarTraveler.com/events
24
Guide to Virginia’s Civil War
INFO BY REGION
Central Virginia
3–14
New M
WEST VIRGINIA
Tidewater
17–21
Valley & Mountains
26–35
Southside
36–41
Northern Virginia
42–46
CALENDAR
150th Anniversary
Events
22–23
Le
DRIVING TOURS
Overland Campaign
14
WEST VIRGINIA
Buchanan
Peninsula Campaign
17
Lync
Bedford
460
Roanoke
Lee’s Retreat
36–37
KENTUCKY
Saltville
Wytheville
29
Ararat
Danville
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All the Civil War sites that are interpreted and open to the public in 30
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IT’S WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAN YOUR TRIPS. 2014
25
M
81
A
R
11
Y
LA
N
D
15
Winchester
Leesburg
Strasburg
50
Woodstock
New Market
A
Manassas
Alexandria
29
15
Lee’s Retreat
32
17
Culpeper
Elkton
Peninsula Campaign
www.civilwartrails.org
Remington
340
Harrisonburg
Arlington
Warrenton
Luray
Overland Campaign 12–13
Middleburg
Manassas
NBP
66
Front
Royal
Market Battlefield SP
~ Driving Tours ~
Ball’s Bluff RP
Cedar Creek
and Belle Grove NHP
3
15
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg &
Spotsylvania NMP
Orange
Staunton
Guinea
Gordonsville
Charlottesville
Waynesboro
81
MARYL
95
AND
11
64
exington
chburg
29
Richmond NBP
15
60
Appomattox CH
nhp
Sailor’s
Creek sp
Appomattox
295
360
60
64
Amelia Court House
Hopewell
Farmville
460
Petersburg Petersburg
95
Staunton River
Bridge SP
N
Richmond
National
Battlefield
360
85
Williamsburg
Yorktown
Hampton
Newport News
Portsmouth
Emporia
Norfolk
Virginia Beach
Chesapeake
Suffolk
NOW YOU CAN TAKE VIRGINIA ALONG
NEW
FIELD GUIDE for iPad™
for
VIRGINIA
• Civil War Trails driving tours
• Interactive maps locate sites
• Listings for top sites
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Requires IOS 6.0 or higher.
$3.99
26
Guide to Virginia’s Civil War
Mountains & Valley
B
ordered on the west by the Allegheny range and the east by the
Blue Ridge Mountains, the Shenandoah
Valley dramatically combines beautiful
landscapes with extraordinary Civil War
history.
The Valley is described often as an
avenue of invasion directed to the head
of the Federal government at Washington D.C. More importantly, it was
a vital (and vulnerable) granary for the
Confederacy and a worrisome flank for
both sides during operations around
Richmond.
In 1862, Stonewall Jackson played the
Valley’s terrain like a fine-tuned instrument when his “foot cavalry” embarrassed
three Federal armies sent against him.
Jackson’s efforts pinned down troops that
might have joined Gen. George McClellan’s drive against Richmond.
Confederate control over the Valley
eroded in the spring, then evaporated
in the fall of 1864. After deep Federal
forays at New Market and Lynchburg
were repulsed, Union Gen. Philip Sheridan took over and, after hard fighting at
Cedar Creek, pushed Gen. Jubal Early’s
Confederates out of effective contention.
It’s possible to follow day-by-day
the various Valley campaigns, but a
chronological trip plan would look like
a corkscrew and plow the same ground
several times.
A more logical plan is to start at
one end of the Valley and work your
way to the other. Key to that idea is U.S.
Route 11, which generally follows the
path of the old Valley Pike. Most of the
following sites are either on the Pike or
close to it.
The suggested tour follows Route
11 taking visitors “up” the Valley —
north to south.
Route 11 – ‘Up’ the Valley North to South
Winchester/Frederick County
Civil War Orientation Center, in
the Winchester-Frederick County Visitor
Center, 1400 Pleasant Valley Road – Exhibits orient visitors to the wealth of Civil
War sites in the Winchester area and the
Shenandoah Valley. Pick up a free guide
to the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District here. Visitor center
open daily 9 am–5 pm. 877-871-1326 or
www.visitwinchesterva.com.
Old Court House Civil War Museum,
on the Loudoun Street pedestrian mall,
downtown – Emphasis is on the common
soldier. An excellent collection of artifacts
from every theater of the war is displayed.
The building, formerly the Frederick
County Courthouse, dates from 1840.
Graffiti scrawled by wounded soldiers and
prisoners from the war is visible. Trails
sign on site. Open Monday–Saturday 10
am–5 pm, Sunday 1–5 pm (May–October).
Closed Monday–Tuesday other times. $5.
540-542-1145 or www.civilwarmuseum.
org.
Stonewall Jackson Headquarters,
415 N. Braddock St. – Jackson used this
small house as his headquarters the winter
of 1861–1862 after he took command of
the Valley Army. Artifacts related to Jackson and his cavalry commander, Turner
Ashby, are on exhibit. House tours. Open
April–October, Monday–Saturday 10 am–4
pm, Sunday noon–4 pm. $5/adult. 540-6673242 or www.winchesterhistory.org. Civil
War Trails sign on site.
Museum of the Shenandoah Valley,
901 Amherst St. – Impressive new museum
highlights the life and history of the Valley using audio visual displays, artifacts
and much more. Civil War displays focus
on the civilian side of the conflict. A Civil
War Trails sign in the parking lot explains
the site’s role in all the battles for Winchester. Museum open Tuesday–Sunday
The Battle of Cedar Creek
10 am–4 pm. $10. shenandoahmuseum.org
or 888-556-5799.
Confederate and National cemeteries, across the street from one another,
near downtown – Federal troops buried in
one, Confederates in the other, these two
sites reflect Winchester’s history during the
war. National Cemetery, 401 National Ave.
Stonewall Cemetery is in Mt. Hebron Cemetery Complex, entrance end of Boscawen
Street.
Third Winchester Battlefield – On
Sept. 19, 1864, Union Gen. Philip Sheridan slammed into Winchester’s Confederate defenders under Gen. Jubal Early
northeast of the city. Heavy fighting on
the outskirts of the city eventually pushed
Early’s army back through Winchester in
disarray. An interpreted trail covers of some
of the heaviest fighting. For information
about visiting, stop at the Winchester/
Frederick County visitor center).
Star Fort, located near the intersection
of US 522 and Fortress Drive, Winchester
– One in a series of forts guarding the
northern approaches to Winchester, this
site figured in both the Second and Third
Battles of Winchester. An interpreted trail
describes the fort and its Civil War history.
Open daylight hours. Free.
The following Winchester sites are marked
with Civil War Trails signs.
The Kurtz Building, 2 N. Cameron
St. – Trails sign located on the side of the
building gives an overview of the action in
and around Winchester during the war.
Stephenson’s Depot, Trails sign near
Route 11 north of Winchester at Old
Charles Town and Milburn Roads – Robert E. Lee, marching north toward Pennsylvania, sent 17,000 troops ahead to clear
the way. After heavy fighting June 15, 1863,
the Southerners did just that, routing the
Union force and capturing thousands of
prisoners and much-needed cannon.
Shawnee Springs Hospital,Trails sign
located just off Pleasant Valley Road at the
site – This temporary hospital was established
following the Third Battle of Winchester in
September 1864. It treated and evacuated
thousands of Union sick and wounded from
the Winchester battlefield as well as from the
battle of Cedar Creek a month later. The site
was finally closed Jan. 4, 1865.
Abram’s Delight, Trails sign located
in front of the house near the Winchester/
Frederick County Visitor Center – The
oldest house in Winchester (built 1754)
survived the Civil War despite being in the
path of the First Battle of Winchester in
1862. Now a museum/house, it interprets
civilian life, which may have included a spy
or two. Union Gen. Franz Sigel and staff
occupied the house in 1864, paying the
family $5 for the privilege.
Rutherford’s Farm, three Trails signs
on US 11, 0.3 miles north of the intersection with I-81 (exit 317), entrance to
signs off southbound lane – A cluster of
signs tells the story of the battles here at
this strategic location along the main road
north of Winchester. Fighting erupted here
on John Rutherford’s Farm June 14-15,
1863, during the Gettysburg Campaign as
Union Gen. Robert Milroy evacuated the
city. On July 20, 1864, a Union force in
pursuit of Gen. Jubal Early’s army (recently
turned away from Washington DC) caught
up with Confederate defenders here, pushing them aside. The area saw its last action
during the Battle of Third Winchester
Sept. 19, 1864.
Kernstown Battlefield
Thanks to the efforts of the Kernstown
Battlefield Foundation and the Museum
of the Shenandoah Valley, large portions
of the Kernstown battlefields have been
preserved. The first battle, March 23, 1862,
was considered a defeat for Confederate
Gen. Stonewall Jackson, who impetuously
attacked a strong Union force gathered
Continues on next page
2014
27
The Shenandoah Battlefields National
Historic District encompasses eight
counties and four cities in the heart of
the Shenandoah Valley. The foundation
administering the district is charged with
preserving and interpreting Civil War
battlefields in the area.
The ongoing effort has resulted, most
Route 11, cont’d
in the area. Jackson’s aggressive behavior, however, scared official Washington
enough to hold up thousands of troops
destined for the major offensive against
Richmond. The tables were turned July 24,
1864, when Confederate Gen. Jubal Early
defeated an inferior Union force on nearly
the same ground.
Kernstown Battlefield, 610 Battle Park
Drive, off Route 11 south of Winchester
– More than 300 acres of the Kernstown
battlefields have been preserved here,
including Prichard’s Hill, which figured
prominently in both the First and Second
Battles of Kernstown. A visitor orientation
center is open weekends mid-May through
October, Saturday 10 am–4 pm and Sunday noon–4 pm. Free, donations welcome.
www.kernstownbattle.org.
Rose Hill, 1850 Jones Road, south of
Winchester – A Civil War Trails marker
describes the action that swirled around
this home March 23, 1862. Confederate
infantry defended a stone wall on the property until they ran out of ammunition and
were forced to retreat in some confusion.
Civil War Trails sign. www.shenandoahmuseum.org.
Opequon Church, watch for “Civil
War Marker” sign on west side of Route 11
south of Winchester – Good battle maps
and views highlight the action of both
battles of Kernstown from this historic
churchyard.
Stephens City
Newtown History Center, 5408 Main
St., Stephens City – Exhibits here trace
the history of the town (the “New Town”
on the wagon road) from its founding in
1758. Civil War exhibit includes items, letters and stories from local citizens. Open
June–mid-November. Call for hours. 540869-1700.
notably, in the preservation of parts of
the Third Winchester and Cross Keys
(near Harrisonburg) battlefields. Cooperating with Virginia Civil War Trails,
the district has helped install interpretive signs in dozens of places, including
a battle tour in Front Royal. Driving
tours also have been developed, with
more to come.
Pick up a copy of the visitor guide
and other Civil War information at the
SVBF orientation centers in Winchester,
Harrisonburg and McDowell. The guides
also are available at Civil War sites and
visitor centers throughout the Valley. For
more: www.ShenandoahAtWar.org.
Three Civil War Battles in 2014
with Exciting Programs & Events
A Civil War Trails sign along Route 11
just south of town describes the action here
between the battles of Front Royal and
Winchester in May 1862.
Second Battle of Kernstown
Third Battle of Winchester
Battle of Cedar Creek
Cedar Creek Battlefield
Union troops under Gen. Philip Sheridan, fresh from a string of victories over
Jubal Early’s Confederates, were camped
in the vicinity of Cedar Creek and Belle
Grove about 15 miles south of Winchester
on Oct. 19, 1864. A furious Confederate attack early that morning forced a
precipitous withdrawal by Northern soldiers that did not stop until they reached
Middletown. Near there, Sheridan, after
a breakneck ride from Winchester, rallied
his troops and led a counterattack that regained the field. The battle of Cedar Creek
ended Early’s opportunities and resulted in
a Confederate withdrawal back up the Valley. If you are on Route 11 heading south,
you reach the battlefield beginning in
Middletown and remain on the field until
Strasburg.
Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park, contact station
at 7712 Main St, Middletown – Visitor
contact station in Middletown features
exhibits, a fiber optic map program and
ranger help. Frequent free ranger programs
describe the 1864 battle and the history
and settlement of the Shenandoah Valley.
An overview program, “Cedar Creek and
Belle Grove in a Box,” is offered at 11:30
am daily at Belle Grove during the summer
( June 14–Aug 17) and weekends in the
spring and fall. Other programs including
a car-caravan tour of the battlefield are offered frequently. Check the park website for
dates and times for all the park activities.
Contact station is open daily 9 am–4:30
pm April-October and Wednesday–Sunday
10 am–4 pm other times. 540-869-3051 or
www.nps.gov/cebe.
Continues on next page
July 19-20
September 19-20
October 18-19
MUSEUMS - BATTLEFIELDS - TOURS
•
•
•
•
•
•
Guided Civil War Tours every weekend, June - October
Stonewall Jackson’s Headquarters Museum
Four preserved Civil War Battlefields
Old Court House Civil War Museum
Union and Confederate Cemeteries
Newtown History Center
28
Guide to Virginia’s Civil War
Route 11, cont’d
Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation
visitor center, 8437 Valley Pike (across
from Belle Grove) – Interpretive signs outside the building, and information, exhibits,
book store and more inside. Call for hours:
540-869-2064.
Belle Grove – 18th-century home was
a centerpiece of attack and counterattack
on Oct 19, 1864. Call 540-869-2028 for
hours. Admission fee. www.bellegrove.org.
Hupp’s Hill Civil War Park – The
Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation has
opened a visitor center with 1864 Valley Campaign exhibits at Hupp’s Hill on
Route 11 just north of Strasburg. The site
includes self-guided tours to the Civil War
trenches on the property. It’s open Thursday–Tuesday 9 am–5 pm. $5. Trails sign
outlining Oct. 13, 1864, battle here is on
site. 540-465-5884.
Strasburg to New Market
Tour continues on Route 11 south from
Hupp’s Hill into Strasburg and south.
Strasburg Train Station / Museum,
King Street – Civil War items and information here in the Strasburg Museum. This
is the place where T.J. Jackson re-employed
locomotives in the service of the Confederacy after hijacking them in Harpers Ferry
in April 1861. Open daily 10 am–4 pm
May–October. 540-465-3175.
Walking Tour – Historic walking tour
of Strasburg beginning at the Strasburg
Museum includes Civil War topics such
as the town’s role as a strategic intersection, Jackson’s raid on the B&O Railroad
that brought rolling stock and locomotives
overland to Strasburg and Signal Knob, the
2,110-foot mountain overlooking the town
that was used as an observation and signal
station during the war.
Fisher’s Hill Battlefield, a mile south
of Strasburg, west of Route 11. Follow
signs to the park – Jubal Early’s position
here was shattered by Union attacks Sept.
22, 1864. You are on the battlefield as you
wind your way to the park. You will pass
one of the few remaining antebellum mills
in the area. Civil War Trails signs on Route
11 and Battlefield Road leading into the
park.
The following sites are marked with Civil War
Trails signs unless otherwise noted.
Tom’s Brook – Union cavalry under
Gens. George A. Custer and Wesley Merritt routed their Confederate counterparts
under Gen. Thomas Rosser after hard
fighting here Oct. 9, 1864. The Southerners retreated in haste more than 25 miles
to infantry lines at Rude’s Hill. Battle also
Monument on the New Market battlefield
known as the “Woodstock Races.” Trails
sign in a county park just south of Tom’s
Brook.
Woodstock, Trails sign located a block
west of the courthouse – The citizens of the
seat of Shenandoah County experienced
the horrors of war in the late summer and
fall of 1864 witnessing the smoke and
flames of the infamous “Burning,” ranger,
guerrilla and bushwacker activities. Trails
sign details some of the worst.
Narrow Passage, east of Route 11, south
of Woodstock – Stonewall Jackson ordered
Jedediah Hotchkiss to make a map of the
Shenandoah Valley near here on March 26,
1862. The house on Narrow Passage Creek
still stands. Jackson’s spring campaign that
followed became famous. So did Hotchkiss’s
maps.
Edinburg Mill, 214 Main St, Edinburg
– The mill dates from 1848 and survived
the burnings ordered by Union Gen. Philip
Sheridan in 1864. Stony Creek, which provided the mill’s power, was used by Confederates two years earlier as they delayed
a Federal advance up the Valley Pike. A
museum now occupies most of the interior.
A highlight is the Civil War film “The
Burning” made especially for the site. Museum is open Monday–Saturday 10 am–5
pm and Sunday noon–5 pm. $2 admission
includes film. 540-984-8400 or www.edinburgmill.com. Two Civil War Trails signs
in the parking lot.
Mount Jackson – This small town hosted
a Confederate hospital complex established
early in the war. A Confederate cemetery
and monument honors those who died here.
Just south on Route 11 is Union Church,
a hospital site. Open some weekends. (No
Trails sign.)
Rude’s Hill, turnoff with interpretive
signs located just south of Mount Jackson
on Route 11 – This high ground on the
Valley Pike was a critical point of control
throughout the war. Stonewall Jackson’s
troops camped here during his 1862 campaign. Union troops covered the retreat
from New Market in May 1864 and later
that year Confederate Gen. Jubal Early
halted the “Woodstock Races” here.
New Market Battlefield
Confederates here blunted a Federal
foray “up” the Valley, part of U.S. Grant’s
multi-pronged Virginia offensive in the
spring of 1864. Cadets from the Virginia
Military Institute in Lexington played a
role in the Southern victory on May 15,
1864.
Virginia Museum of the Civil War and
the New Market Battlefield State Park,
8895 George Collins Pkwy, New Market VA
22844 – This site on top of the hill combines
a comprehensive museum with a special focus on Virginia’s Civil War experience with
the most critical areas of the May, 15, 1864,
New Market battlefield. Emphasis is on the
role of the Virginia Military Institute cadets
in the battle, a Confederate victory. Walking
tours of the battlefield include the historic
Bushong House and “The Field of Lost
Shoes.” Open daily 9 am-5 pm. $10/adult.
866-515-1864.
Lacey Springs, Trails sign located in
elementary school parking lot off Route 11
in Lacey Springs – Union cavalry under
Gen. George A. Custer was attacked here
Dec. 21, 1864, by Confederates commanded by Custer’s West Point classmate and
friend Gen. Thomas Rosser. This was one of
the last actions of the war in the Valley.
Harrisonburg, Port Republic
and Cross Keys
Civil War Orientation Center, in the
Hardesty-Higgins House, 212 S. Main
St, Harrisonburg – This antebellum home
now serves as the area’s visitor center and is
the site of a Valley battlefields orientation
center. The Valley Turnpike Museum also is
located here featuring a model portraying
Jackson’s troops hauling a captured locomotive through Harrisonburg on its way to the
railhead in Staunton. Union Gen. Nathaniel Banks briefly used this building as headquarters in 1862. Open daily 9 am–5 pm.
Free. 540-432-8935.
Harrisonburg Trails sites – Explore
Harrisonburg’s Civil War history with
a walking tour beginning at the Hardesty–Higgins House visitor center. Find
Civil War Trails sites at the Warren-Sipe
House, home of a local soldier killed in the
Battle of the Wilderness; Court Square,
used as a prison pen in 1862; and Woodbine Cemetery, final resting place of 250
Confederate soldiers. Interpretive signs are
located at the sites of the Harrisonburg
Female Academy, a Civil War hospital,
and Hill’s Hotel, which was used as a
temporary prison by Confederate partisan
Capt. John McNeill.
Turner Ashby Monument, 1 mile east
of the I-81 intersection, take a left off Port
Republic Road at small sign – Ashby, in
command of Jackson’s cavalry, was mortally
wounded at this site now marked with a
monument and a small park. His death, June
6, 1862, immediately preceded the battles
fought the next days. Harrisonburg battle
map here. Civil War Trails interpretation.
Cross Keys/Port Republic Battlefields
– Trails sign and battle map at the Ruritan
Club, 5094 Battlefield Road, just off Cross
Keys Road southeast of Harrisonburg,
anchor a driving tour of the Cross Keys
battlefield.
On June 8, 1862, Confederates posted in
the area turned back one wing of a Union
assault aimed at defeating the forces of
Stonewall Jackson, who had caused considerable trouble for the Federals elsewhere in
the Valley. The action moved the next day
to Port Republic where Jackson defeated
the other Federal wing. A small museum in
Port Republic is open Sunday afternoons
April–October and by appointment. Call
540-249-0040. There also is a set of streetside interpretive signs in Port Republic,
some of which describe the activity in town
during the battles. A walking tour on part
of the battlefield is offered at the site of
“The Coaling” located just off Route 340
northeast of town. See ShenandoahAtWar.
org for maps and other information
Mill Creek Church, Trails sign on
Route 253, three miles east of Route 276
– The current church stands on the site of
the wartime Mill Creek Church, used as a
hospital during the battle of Cross Keys,
June 8, 1862. More than two years later,
Continues on next page
2014
29
farther on, just across the railroad tracks –
Lt. John Meigs, eldest son of Montgomery
Meigs, the US Army quartermaster general,
was shot and killed here Oct. 3, 1864. Gen.
Philip Sheridan, told mistakenly that civilian bushwackers had done the shooting,
ordered the burning of buildings in a large
area.
Town of Dayton, Trails sign in town
(south of Harrisonburg) just off Route
42, 100 yards south of the Route 257 W
intersection – This small town was the
site of many examples of the nasty style of
warfare descending on the Valley in the fall
of 1864.
Daniel Bowman Mill at Silver Lake,
Trails sign one mile west of Dayton on
Route 290 – This was the site of one of the
mills that dotted the landscape in the Valley, the “breadbasket of the Confederacy.”
This mill and 35 others in the area were destroyed (along with barns and crops in the
field) by Union soldiers in the fall of 1864.
Route 11, cont’d
in September 1864, the church was at the
center of the Union effort to burn out the
Confederate “breadbasket” in this part of
the Valley.
Civil War Tourism Attraction, Trails
sign at 5 Grand Caverns Drive, Grottoes
VA 24441 – Confederate soldiers camped
nearby made candlelight tours of Weyers
Cave (now Grand Caverns) following their
victories at Cross Keys/Port Republic in
June 1862. At least some Union soldiers
visited the cave more than two years later
following the Third Battle of Winchester.
More than 230 Civil War-era signatures
have been identified on the cave walls.
Dayton
Dayton is located on Route 42 south of Harrisonburg, just west of I-81 and Route 11.
The Heritage Museum, 382 High St.
– The famous electronic map outlining the
1862 Valley campaign has been refurbished
and located here. Open Tuesday–Saturday
10 am–5 pm, Sunday 1–5 pm. $5. www.
heritagecenter.com.
Site of the death of Lt. Meigs, two
Trails signs located on Route 713 just off
Route 42 between Harrisonburg and Dayton. Turn east from Route 42 onto Route
713 (Meigs Lane). The site is 1/4 mile
Bridgewater
Trails signs in town park – Interpretation highlights Civil War activities here,
including Bridgewater’s role as Confederate
logistics center. Stonewall Jackson’s Valley
army moved through here May 18, 1862.
The famed general attended a church service
near this spot.
150
th
Anniversary Reenactment
New Market!
May 16-18, 2014
The nation’s oldest reenactment —
fought on the original ground!
Interstate 81, Exit 264 in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley
Staunton
See the Route 250 section.
Lexington
Home to Stonewall Jackson before the
Civil War and Robert E. Lee after, Lexington retains much of its 19th-century flavor.
Lee and Jackson both chose to be buried in
this small city. The centrally located Lexington Visitor Center, 106 E. Washington
St., is a good place to start. It’s open daily.
Lee Chapel, on the Washington and
Lee University campus – Robert E. Lee
and his family are buried here. The exConfederate commander served as college
president after the war, dying at his home
here in 1870. Lee’s office was in a room in
the lower level of the Chapel. It remains
as he left it. Museum displays highlight
his life. Lee’s horse Traveller is buried just
outside the Chapel. 9 am–5 pm Monday–
Saturday; 1–5 pm Sunday April–October.
Closes one hour earlier other times. Free.
For more info: www.leechapel.wlu.edu or
540-458-8768.
Virginia Military Institute Museum
– VMI’s signature Civil War displays, including Stonewall Jackson’s horse, Little
Sorrell, are on display. Soak up the atmosphere at the historic military school that
was virtually destroyed by Union Gen.
David Hunter in 1864. Open daily 9 am–5
pm. Free. 540-464-7334 or www.vmi.edu/
museum.
Stonewall Jackson House, 8 E. Washington St. – This 1801 house was home to
VMI Professor Thomas Jonathan Jackson
for two years before the war. Restored, it
now contains many of Jackson’s possessions
and period pieces. Open daily for guided
tours. Hours: 9 am–5 pm Monday–Saturday;
1–5 pm Sunday (March–December). $8/
adult. 540-464-7704. stonewalljackson.org.
Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery, south Main Street – Jackson lies
among hundreds of his fellow Confederates,
two Virginia governors and Revolutionary
War soldiers in this 18th-century cemetery.
The statue of Jackson above his grave was
dedicated in 1891. Open dawn to dusk.
Hunter’s Raid, Civil War Trails signs
in Jordan’s Point Park – Union Gen. David
Hunter crossed the North (Maury) River
here on his way into Lexington. After a
brief fight June 11, 1864, Hunter occupied
the town and ordered the burning of the
Virginia Military Institute and several other buildings. The buildings housing Washington University were pillaged. Hunter
left town June 13 to threaten Lynchburg,
where he was repelled. See also “Hunter’s
Raid” tour. ◆
New Market Battlefield
State HiStorical Park
New Market, VirgiNia
1.866.515.1864
30
Guide to Virginia’s Civil War
VALLEY & MOUNTAINS: Route 340 Corridor
T
he modern US 340 corridor
between U.S. Route 50 and
Interstate-64 encompasses some
of the most beautiful landscapes
and intriguing Civil War history
in Virginia. During the war, the
territory east of the Massanutten Mountain was connected by
a variety of roads, most of them
inferior to the “improved” and
more famous Valley Pike west of
the mountain. Stonewall Jackson
made good use of these roads
during his 1862 campaign as his
little army used the Massa­nutten
to screen his movements from
various Federal armies operating in the Valley. The area also
saw action in 1864 as competing
commanders maneuvered for advantage. Here’s a tour of the corridor from north to south. Begin
with the Battle of Front Royal.
Then continue south along the
Route 340 corridor.
“Valley Campaign” with victories at Cross
Keys and Port Republic June 8–9 before
joining Robert E. Lee in Richmond.
Tour highlights, interpreted by Civil
War Trails signs, include Asbury Chapel,
Bel Air, the bridges over the Shenandoah
River and Prospect Hill Cemetery.
Battle of Front Royal
Driving Tour
~
~
For a free map/brochure of the Battle
of Front Royal driving tour, stop at the
town visitor center or request a copy by
calling 800-338-2576. Two Civil War
Trails markers just outside the visitor center give general information about Front
Royal during the war.
The Virginia Civil War Trails driving
tour follows the action as Confederate
troops under Stonewall Jackson swept
through town May 23, 1862, sweeping
aside light Federal resistance. The stunning Southern victory outflanked the
main Union force under Gen. Nathaniel
Banks located to the west of the Massa­
nutten Mountain in Strasburg. From
Front Royal, Jackson marched northwest
toward Winchester hoping to cut off and
destroy Banks. Jackson was partially successful. Banks, soundly defeated at Winchester May 25, did manage to escape.
Front Royal museums
Bel Air, home of Lucy Buck, who left a vivid
account of the battle.
Jackson’s rapid successes alarmed Washington DC
and froze Union troops supposedly on their way to
the Richmond area to join Gen. George McClellan’s
campaign against the Confederate capital. President
Abraham Lincoln saw a chance to trap Jackson in his
exposed position and sent several Federal armies against
him. Jackson eluded them all and capped his dramatic
Belle Boyd Cottage, 101 Chester
St., Front Royal 22630 – House museum
decorated in Civil War style. Tour topics include Confederate spy Boyd (who
visited Front Royal often and played a
role in the 1862 battle), women, slavery
and journalists in the war. Call for hours.
warrenheritagesociety.org/belleboyd.php
or 540-636-1446.
Warren Rifles Confederate Museum, 95 Chester St., Front Royal 22630
– Battle flags, arms uniforms and items
relating to Belle Boyd, Stonewall Jackson,
Jubal Early, Turner Ashby and others are
displayed here. Open April 15–Nov. 1, 9
am–4 pm weekdays and noon–4 pm Sunday.
Fee. 540-636-6982. ◆
South of Front Royal
The following sites are marked with Civil War
Trails signs unless noted.
Yager’s Mill, Trails sign on US 340 0.5
miles north of Luray near the Route intersection – In September 1864 Union cavalry
attempted to move south on the east side
of Massanutten Mountain while the main
body of Federal troops advanced to Fisher’s
Hill on the Valley pike to the west. Union
Gen. Philip Sheridan wanted to cut off any
retreat by defeated Confederates. The advance in this area was stalled by Confederates Sept. 22 and the Southern withdrawal
from Fisher’s Hill was not disrupted.
White House Bridge, Trails sign on
Route 211 about three miles west of Luray
– Stonewall Jackson’s cavalry chief, Turner
Ashby, burned a bridge here June 2, 1862,
to delay Federal pursuit. The battles of
Cross Keys and Port Republic were fought
a week later.
New Market Gap, Trails sign on
Route 211 in National Forest parking lot,
four miles west of White House Bridge
site – Near here on Nov. 23, 1862, Jackson
announced that his Army of the Valley had
become the Second Corps of the Army of
Northern Virginia and soon would join
Robert E. Lee’s troops on east of the Blue
Ridge.
Pass Run Church, Trails sign about five
miles east of Luray just off Route 211 on
Route 674 (access from Route 211 West) –
Confederate units camped here following
the retreat from Gettysburg.
The Chapman-Ruffner House, Trails
sign just east of US 340, north part of
Luray – This 1739 house was home to the
colorful “Fighting Chapmans,” who served
with John S. Mosby’s Rangers during the
war.
Catherine Furnace, Trails sign just
west of US 340 on Route 613 north of
Shenan­doah – Remains of a once-busy iron
furnace, one of three operating in the area
during the war. Wagons transported pig
iron, produced here, to Richmond’s Tredegar Iron Works. The furnace produced solid
cannon shot.
Shenandoah Iron Works, Trails sign
just west of US 340 in Shenandoah – Iron
furnace here consumed an acre of wood
per day in peak use as it produced the raw
materials for Confederate guns. Although
thousands of soldiers, Union and Confederate, marched past this site, the furnace
was never destroyed.
Willow Grove Mill, Trails sign on
Business Route 340 a mile south of Luray
– The mill here and several other buildings
in the area were burned in early October
1864 by Union troopers. The action was
part of “The Burning” of the Valley ordered
by Union Gen. Philip Sheridan.
Grave’s Chapel, Trails sign just off
Business Route 340 on Route 611 between
the towns of Stanley and Shenandoah
– In late November 1862, Jackson led
32,000 troops across the South Fork of the
Shenandoah River en route to Fisher’s Gap
and the Army of Northern Virginia. This
would be the last time Jackson would see
the Valley. He died following the Battle of
Chancellorsville in May 1863.
Red Bridge and Somerville Heights,
Trails signs 6.7 miles east of US 340 on
Route 650 at boat landing – In late April
1862, Jackson ordered the bridges burned
here to keep Federal troops at bay while he
planned the next phase of his campaign.
Only one bridge was burned, leading to a
rift between Jackson and his cavalry chief
Turner Ashby. In early May, while Jackson
feinted east, Union soldiers stumbled into
Confederate infantry here, which resulted
in a brief but bloody battle.
Luray Caverns – Kiosk near the Garden Maze at Luray Caverns, 101 Cave Hill
Road, Luray, features map of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Historic District
and locates area Civil War sites. More local
Civil War information in the Luray Valley
Museum on the grounds. Fee for museum,
other attractions.
Shields Advance and Retreat, Trails
sign off US 340 just south of the town of
Shenandoah – Union Gen. James Shields
crossed Naked Creek here June 7, 1862, in
pursuit of Jackson’s army, then camped at
Port Republic. After losing to Jackson two
days later, Shields’ men halted here during
the retreat.
Jackson’s Headquarters, Elkton (Conrad’s Store during the war), Trails sign one
block east of US 340 on Rockingham Avenue – Stonewall Jackson made this home
(now known as the Miller-Kite House) his
headquarters April 19–20, 1862, while planning his spring campaign. The house was
built in 1827. Jackson’s sparse living quarters
were on the first floor. House open 1–5 pm
Sundays from May 23 to Sept 3. Donations
welcome. 540-298-1717.
Port Republic/Cross Keys Battlefields
– A significant section of the Port Republic
battlefield “The Coaling” is preserved just
off U.S. 340 north of Route 659. For more
on these battlefields, see the “Up the Valley” tour in the beginning of this section.
Battle of Piedmont, Trails sign on
Route 608 north of New Hope – Sharp
fighting north of here June 5, 1864, cleared
the road to Staunton, Lexington and
Lynchburg for new Union Valley commander David Hunter. Confederate Gen.
William “Grumble” Jones, fighting his outnumbered and ultimately defeated troops,
was killed here.
Plumb House, Waynesboro – See the
Route 250 Corridor section. ◆
EXPERIENCE THE LIFE
STONEWALL JACKSON
S TONEWALL J ACKSON H OUSE
T HE VMI M USEUM
Explore the only home Jackson ever
owned in the community he served
with piety and dedication for a decade.
Stroll his gardens. Gain insight into
the man before the legend.
Meet Professor Jackson and his horse,
Little Sorrel, at the Virginia Military
Institute Museum. Explore unique
artifacts spanning his academic and
military careers.
Follow Jackson’s military exploits from
First Manassas to Chancellorsville.
Located at New Market Battlefield
State Historical Park, site of the
1864 battle made famous by the VMI
Cadets.
Lexington, VA.
PH: (540) 463.2552
www.stonewalljackson.org
Lexington, VA.
PH: (540) 464.7334
www.vmi.edu/museum
New Market, VA.
PH: (866) 515.1864
www.vmi.edu/newmarket
Experience his home, his service, and the war
that made him a legend.
V IRGINIA M USEUM
OF THE
C IVIL W AR
32
Guide to Virginia’s Civil War
VALLEY & MOUNTAINS: Route 250
A
West View, about 7
from the rail station in 1861.
miles west of Staunton on
In June 1864 Hunter ordered
Route 254 – Confederate
it destroyed. The American
Gens. Edward “Alleghany”
Hotel across the street dates
Johnson began his move
from the war. Other sites
west from his camps here on
in Staunton worth a visit
May 6, 1862, with Stonewall
include the Thornrose CemJackson close behind. The
etery, established in 1849,
Confederates would meet
which contains a large ConUnion Gen. Robert Milroy’s
federate section. During the
troops a few days later at
summer check out weekend
McDowell. Trails sign.
concerts by the Stonewall
Jackson’s March, Trails
Brigade Band. A city visitor
sign at the Mountain House
center operates just west of
Stonewall Jackson
picnic area in the national
I-81 and U.S. 250 at the Muforest on U.S. 250 – Johnson and Jackson
seum of Frontier Culture.
moved through here and met some Federal
Barger Farm, Trails sign located on the
resistance in the area in May 1862 before
grounds of the Frontier Culture Museum,
moving on to McDowell, three miles west.
near the I-81 Route 250 exit at Staunton
Fort Johnson, just off U.S. 250 west of
– This typical Shenandoah Valley wartime
Mountain House – Overlook, walking trail
farmstead has been relocated to this site.
Civil War Trails interpretive sign puts a face and roadside markers here begin a trail of
fortifications built by Johnson’s troops in
on a typical family experience during the
April 1862 as he fell back from Camp Alwar. You do not have to pay admission to
legheny. Good stop to set up the battle at
the site to see the Trails sign and get a view
McDowell.
of the farm. Site is also the Staunton visitor
McDowell Battlefield – A critical part
center.
of this battlefield just east of the town of
McDowell has been preserved and a trail
Hunter's Raid
constructed from U.S. 250 to the area of the
fighting on May 8, 1862. Confederate forces
nother option for touring sites associated with the various Valley campaigns
is to use U.S. Route 250 east and west. The
road west of Staunton roughly parallels the
old Staunton-to-Parkersburg Turnpike. This
route will take you, sometimes on the original road, from rolling landscapes in the Valley into beautiful and nearly unspoiled areas
in the Allegheny Mountains. The following
tour takes Route 250 west from Waynesboro. Call the local visitor centers in this
section for a free, full-color Civil War map
outlining the route west to the mountains.
Waynesboro, Trails sign at the Plumb
House, 1012 W. Main St. – A battle here
March 2, 1865, closed the fighting in the
Valley. A small Confederate force under
Early was swept aside by Federals under
Sheridan. The Union general then pressed
on to Scottsville on the James River, then
to Petersburg to join Grant.
Staunton, Trails sign at the train station downtown – This city was an important Confederate supply depot with rail
connections to Richmond and access to the
Valley Turnpike. Confederate Gen. John
Imboden led his fellow townsmen to war
~
Driving Tour
T
his Civil War Trail follows the path of Union
Gen. David Hunter as he led
18,000 soldiers deep into the
Valley, then east across the
mountains to Lynchburg in
the early summer of 1864.
His mission was to disrupt
Confederate supply lines and
open up a “Western Front”
while Confederate Gen.
Hunter
Robert E. Lee’s diminished
army was digging in at Cold
Harbor near Richmond.
This trail offers some of the most
dramatic scenery in the state as it crosses
the Blue Ridge Mountains near Peaks
of Otter. Many of the soldiers on both
sides remarked on the beauty and some
took the opportunity to visit the famous
Natural Bridge.
Trails signs follow the Raid from start
to finish. See www.HuntersRaid.org for
more. Pick up a map a local visitor centers, download a copy from www.civilwartraveler.com, or call 800-732-5821.
~
Highlights:
See the Lexington, Lynchburg, “more Valley sites” and
the “250 Corridor” sections for
more Hunter’s Raid sites.
Natural Bridge – Trails
sign near the entrance describes
visits to this natural wonder by
soldiers of both sides.
Buchanan –Several Trails
signs tell the story of Hunter’s
disputed crossing of the James
River here. Confederates burned the
bridge to delay the raiders. The stone pilings of that bridge are still visible from the
town’s riverfront.
Peaks of Otter – Trails sign at park
visitor center offers wonderful views remembered by soldiers as they crossed the
mountains. They also remembered the bad
roads and hard marching.
Bedford – Trails sign describes the occupation of this town beginning June 15.
Hunter’s soldiers destroyed Confederate
facilities here before moving on to Lynchburg. Another Trails sign east of town on
Route 460 describes a challenge delivered
by Confederate cavalry. ◆
in position on the mountain were able to
fend off attacks made by Union forces attacking from the town. The Southern victory gave Stonewall Jackson his first Valley
Campaign victory. A Trails sign describing
the battle is located in the town, just across
the Bullpasture River on the south side of
the road. Civil War orientation center with
panel displays and a film is now open in the
Highland Museum and Heritage Center.
Hours are 11 am–4 pm Wednesday–Saturday and 1–4 pm Sunday year-round. Call
540-396-4478 or see www.highlandhistoricalsociety.com.
Monterey, Trails sign at the Courthouse – This small town was used as headquarters by both sides during the various
campaigns in the mountains in 1861 and
1862. Union soldiers retreated through
here after the fighting at McDowell.
Camp Allegheny, Trails sign just off
U.S. 250 at the West Virginia border –
Beautiful site, scene of a Confederate winter
camp used by Johnson’s troops, was attacked
unsuccessfully Dec. 13, 1861. Johnson withdrew shortly after the battle to West View.
Actual camp is located south of U.S. 250
and parts are preserved and interpreted by
the Monogahela National Forest. 304-6361875. ◆
MORE VALLEY & MOUNTAIN INFO
Front Royal
800-338-2576 www.DiscoverFrontRoyal.com
Harrisonburg
540-432-8935www.harrisonburgtourism.com
Lexington
877-453-9822www.lexingtonvirginia.com
Luray/Page County
540-743-3915
www.luraypage.com
Shenandoah County
888-367-3965
www.shenandoahtravel.org
Staunton
540-332-8917www.visitstaunton.com
Winchester/Frederick County 877-871-1326
www.visitwinchesterva.com
What is Virginia Civil War Trails?
The Virginia Civil War Trails is
a state-wide effort to identify and
interpret Civil War sites and create driving tours following the great
campaigns.
Interpretive signs with maps,
illustrations and text have been installed by the project at more than
400 previously uninterpreted Civil War
sites. Regional driving tours have been created that connect significant sites in the
Peninsula Campaign (1862), the Overland
Campaign (1865) and Lee’s Retreat (1865).
Colorful map-brochures cover regional
sites in Northern Virginia, Tidewater, the
Shenandoah Valley, Central Virginia and
the Route of Lee’s Retreat from Petersburg
to Appomattox. A state map also lists
most of the interpreted Civil War
sites in Virginia.
Virginia Civil War Trails is a continuing program administered by a
non-profit corporation and supported
by local communities and the state
tourism office.
Free information about the Trails is
available at most of the visitor centers and
museums listed in this newspaper and at
state welcome centers. To get information
by mail, call toll-free 888-CIVIL WAR or
visit www.civilwartraveler.com and click
on the “Free Info” button at the top of the
home­page. ◆
Shenandoah
at war
ShenandoahAtWar.org • (540) 740-4545
Shenandoah
Valley Battlefields
National Historic
District
VIRGINIA
“The World on Fire”: 1864-2014
Sesquicentennial in the Valley
Front Royal-Warren County
In 1864, the Civil War returned to the Shenandoah Valley with a vengeance…
The stories of 1864 in the Valley are some of the most famed
of the Civil War, from the charge of the VMI cadets at New
Market, Jubal Early’s drive to the gates of Washington, and
the stone wall at Second Kernstown – to the “Basin of Hell”
at Third Winchester, the devastation of “The Burning,” and
Philip Sheridan’s dramatic ride to turn the tide at Cedar Creek.
By the end of the year, the war in the Valley – and the world –
had changed forever.
In 2014, sites throughout the Shenandoah Valley will commemorate the 150th anniversary
of that year with a series of programs that will allow you to walk in history’s footsteps, at the
actual battlefields and sites where the pivotal events took place. Come explore the history
while traveling through the beautiful landscapes that remain much as they did 150 year ago –
when the war returned to the Valley.
For free information about Civil War sites and 1864-2014 Sesquicentennial
programs in the Shenandoah Valley, please contact these organizations:
Shenandoah
Valley
Battlefields
National
Historic
District
Front Royal-Warren County Visitor Center
www.discoverfrontroyal.com
(800) 338-2576
Harrisonburg Tourism & Visitor Services
www.VisitHarrisonburgVA.com
(540) 432-8935
Lexington-Rockbridge County
Rockingham County
Shenandoah County Tourism
www.shenandoahtravel.org
(888) 367-3965
Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation
www.ShenandoahAtWar.org
(540) 740-4545
Lexington-Rockbridge Visitor Center
www.lexingtonvirginia.com
(877) 453-9822
Waynesboro Tourism
www.visitwaynesboro.net
(540) 942-6512
Rockingham County Tourism
www.rockinghamcountyva.gov/visitors
(540) 574-1896
Winchester-Frederick County Visitors Center
www.VisitWinchesterVA.com
(877) 871-1326
www.Virginia.org
Harrisonburg
www.CivilWarTrails.org
www.VirginiaCivilWar.org
Shenandoah County
Waynesboro
Winchester-Frederick County
34
Guide to Virginia’s Civil War
VALLEY & MOUNTAINS: More to See
Battle of Wytheville – A series of five
Civil War Trails interpretive signs describes
the action on July 18, 1863, as a Federal
raiding party marched to the Wytheville
area intending to destroy the Virginia and
Tennessee Railroad tracks and bridges.
In addition, the force planned to destroy
telegraph lines and the salt and lead mines
nearby. After some skirmishing and confusion on the advance, Union Col. John Toland
ordered his men into Wytheville. Hastily
organized Confederate resistance succeeded
in killing Toland and limiting the damage
to the railroad track and stock. Landmarks
of the battle and its aftermath are noted in
the Trails tour. Begin the battlefield tour at
the Big Walker Overlook (take I-77 exit
52 south on Route 52) For more about the
battle and other area history, contact the
Wytheville Museum at 276-223-3426.
Saltville, north of I-81 on Route 107
– Salt wells here were crucially important
to the Confederate war effort, important
enough to be the focus of Union attacks late
in 1864. Civil War Trails interpretation at
two sites. More info: www.saltvilleva.com
Battlefield at Cool Spring, Trails sign
off Route 7 at Route 603, east of Berryville
– State historical markers cite the action
here when Confederate Gen. Jubal Early
was pursued after his July 1864 foray to the
Washington D.C. suburbs. Union forces
were repulsed bloodily.
Engagement at Marion, Civil War
Trails sign on Route 11 in Marion – Confederates, outnumbered four to one here,
managed to hold off Union forces raiding
the Virginia & Tennessee Railroad and
the salt and lead mines in the area for two
days in December 1864. Local heros saved
county records and other town resources.
Marion – Civil War Trails sign in a
small cemetery on East Main Street tells
the story of Col. William Elisha Peters,
who enlisted as a private in the Confederate army and quickly rose in the ranks. He
was arrested briefly for refusing to join in
the burning of Chambersburg, Pa. Wounded three times, he surrendered with his unit
at Appomattox. He is buried nearby.
Hanging Rock Battlefield, near Roanoke just off Route 311 about one-half
mile north of I-81 exit 41 – Markers and
monuments mark the spot of a running
battle fought June 21, 1864, between
Confederate forces under Jubal Early and
Union troops under David Hunter as
Hunter was withdrawing from Lynchburg.
A new park with an interpreted battle trail
and Civil War Trails interpretation is open.
J.E.B. Stuart Birthplace, Patrick
County, 25 miles west of Stuart and 5
miles of Mt. Airy, N.C., on Route 773 – A
self-guided walking tour is available at the
site of the famed Confederate cavalry commander’s birth. 276-251-1833 or www.jebstuart.org. Civil War Trails interpretation.
Cumberland Gap National Historical
Park, extreme southwestern tip of Virginia
into Kentucky on U.S. Route 58 – Exhibits
and videos outline the history, including
the Civil War era, of the great mountain
gap, a gateway for armies passing between
theaters during the war. Call 606-248-2817
about visiting the park.
Bedford, Trails sign located at the intersection of Main and Bridge streets – Union
troops under Gen. David Hunter began
arriving here June 15, 1864, and continued
their mission of tearing up railroads and
burning buildings used as Confederate
supply depots. Following his occupation,
Hunter marched to Lynchburg where he
was defeated by Confederates under Jubal
Early June 18.
Cedar Bluff – Two Civil War Trails
interpretive markers describe the action
here as Federal raiders made their way to
the salt works at Saltville in 1864. Signs located at the Cedar Bluff Overlook Park off
US 460 and at the Old Post Office, which
was looted during the action.
Skyline Drive, Civil War signs located
at Franklin Cliffs Overlook, just north of
Big Meadows and the Byrd Visitor Center
– Great views from here locate the New
Market Gap and the Page Valley used so
effectively by Stonewall Jackson during the
war. A large map describes Jackson’s various
marches. Another sign tells of the last time
Jackson crossed the mountains.
New River Bridge, Radford. Trails sign
at far west end of Bisset Park off Route
11. Union troops attacked and burned this
critical railroad bridge May 10, 1864, following their victory at Cloyd’s Mountain
the day before.
Booker T. Washington National
Historic Monument, located in Franklin
County, 25 miles southeast of Roanoke –
The Civil War homefront on a small plantation is portrayed here. Washington was
born here in 1856 and, as a boy, saw the
white family go off to war. Freed following
the war, Washington went on to become a
pioneer educator. Open daily 9 am–5 pm.
Free. www.nps.gov/bowa or 540-721-2094.
Chilhowie, Trails sign at welcome
center, I-81 – Union Gen. George Stoneman headed into southwestern Virginia
from Tennessee aiming to destroy railroads
and the mines at Saltville. He camped here
enroute at a switching station on the critical Virginia and Tennessee Railroad. ◆
1864–2014
Arlington House in 1864
Arlington National Cemetery hosts Civil War events
The Arlington National Cemetery is hosting several special tours and events
commemorating the 150th anniversary of the first burial there. The programs begin
with a wreath laying ceremony May 13 and continue through mid-June. For details,
visit www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Events/ANC150.aspx.
Valley conferences
cover 1864 topics
Tour covers 1864
Washington forts
The Shenandoah Valley Battlefields
Foundation is sponsoring two sesquicentennial conferences focusing on spring
and fall events in the Valley. “
“‘May God forgive me for the Order’:
The War Returns to the Valley,” at the
Virginia Museum of the Civil War in
New Market March 8 covers May and
June 1864.
“‘Is the World Being Set on Fire?’
Sheridan’s Shenandoah Campaign and
the Burning” is set for Lord Fairfax
Community College in Middletown
Aug. 2.
See www.ShenandoahatWar.org for
details about both.
A tour visiting the 1864 defenses of
Washington DC is scheduled March 22.
The day-long bus tour, sponsored by the
Friends of Fort Ward in Alexandria, covers several of the remaining remnants of
the capital’s fortifications, featuring those
connected with the July 1864 Confederate assault on Fort Stevens. For more
information or to register, call the Fort
Ward Museum, 703-746-4848.
Medical living history
at Winchester hospital site
Civil War medical demonstrations
highlight the 150th anniversary commemoration of a Union hospital established by Union Gen. Philip Sheridan’s
army in Winchester in the fall of 1864.
The hospital, near the modern-day Winchester/Frederick County visitor center,
is thought to be the largest field hospital
operating during the war.
The Oct. 25 living history programs
are on the historic ground 10 am-4 pm.
See ShenanodahatWar.org for more info.
150th conference
takes world view
“The American Civil War in a Global
Context” is the theme for the 2014 Virginia Signature Conference. This year’s
event is set for May 31 at George Mason
University in Fairfax. Register at www.
virginiacivilwar.org.
Richmond 1864 focus of
symposium, tours
Boat tours of James River Civil War
sites and an evening symposium highlight the “Campaign Before Richmond
Sesquicentennial Weekend” June 20-21
in Henrico County near Richmond. A
free symposium Friday evening is followed by the Saturday boat tours.
Details: henricohistoricalsociety.org.
Come to Lexington and
Live the History.
Each day in Lexington is an
opportunity to tread in the footsteps
of Robert E. Lee and Stonewall
Jackson. Each moment beckons
you to become immersed in our
American heritage at Lee Chapel
or on the campus of Virginia
Military Institute (VMI). Take
a family carriage ride down a
cobblestone street. Yes, every
day is special in Lexington and
Rockbridge County. But on certain
days, history truly comes alive.
UPCOMING EVENTS – All FREE to the public
May 9–14 | Muster on the Maury
Paxton House in Glen Maury Park | Buena Vista
Wake up and smell the gunpowder at this fast-paced and
information-filled reenactment of Civil War life.
May 15 | VMI New Market Parade and Ceremony | VMI
This stirring VMI tradition honors the memory of the ten cadets
who were lost at the Battle of New Market, fought on
May 15, 1864. Contact the VMI Communications Office for
up-to-date schedule information.
May 23–24 | 15th Biennial Stonewall Jackson Symposium | VMI
The Stonewall Jackson Symposium examines the complex and
fascinating career and personality of General Jackson through
lectures by leading historians and biographers.
Sept. 11–14 | Thunder in the Valley | Virginia Horse Center
Be a part of the 150th anniversary events of Hunter’s Raid and
Confederate Resistance through Virginia. Activities include
cavalry ride, reenactment, dance and conference.
visitstonewall.com | Toll-free: 877-453-9822 or 540-463-3777
36
Guide to Virginia’s Civil War
SOUTHSIDE VIRGINIA
T
he area of Virginia between the
James River and the North Carolina border was virtually untouched by
warring armies during most of the war
but certainly was not unaffected by it.
~
Lee’s Retreat
Driving Tour
Important supply depots at Danville,
Lynchburg and Petersburg kept the
Confederate armies fed and supplied.
The behind-the-lines nature of this area
made it a relatively safe place for hospi-
tals and prisons.
By the summer of 1864, however,
things changed. A powerful Union army
threatened Petersburg, and another
made a stab at Lynchburg. Cavalry raids
~
Sutherland Station / Historic Fork
Inn, west of Petersburg on U.S. 460 at
Namozine Road – Confederates fought for
the doomed South Side Railroad near here
on April 2, 1865. The building just beyond
the Lee’s Retreat wayside is the Historic
Fork Inn, a restored 14-room 1803 plantation house. The house served as a Union
army hospital and later one of Southern
Virginia’s first post offices. Guided tours
are offered year-round by appointment.
804-943-2283 or email [email protected].
F
ollowing successful Union attacks on his
far right flank at Five Forks on April 1,
1865, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee decided to abandon Petersburg and head west
and south in an attempt to join Gen. Joseph
Johnston’s army in North Carolina.
Union commander Gen. U.S. Grant
followed aggressively. Rapidly moving Federal forces blocked Lee’s turn to the south,
forcing the Confederate army west. The
armies clashed at Sailor’s Creek, substantially weakening Lee as he continued his
agonized march across southern Virginia.
Grant finally cornered Lee at Appomattox Court House. Out of options, Lee
surrendered his Army of Northern Virginia
there April 9.
The Lee’s Retreat driving tour follows
the course of that critical action on roads
that were used April 2–9, 1865. Shortrange radio messages at more than 25
waysides along the way explain the activity.
Tune your radio to AM 1610 (near Appomattox, AM 1600) to hear the messages.
You must stop at the waysides to listen. The
signal does not reach much beyond them.
Civil War Trails interpretive markers
now enhance the radio stops with battle
maps, photographs and additional description of the sites.
For more information, see www.varetreat.com. For a copy of the map and more,
call 800-6-RETREAT. Or download a
copy of the map from www.civilwartraveler.
com.
See also Richmond-area listings (Powhatan County) for the story of Confederate
soldiers who evacuated Richmond.
South Side Station (Old Town Petersburg) – Civil War Trails sign and Lee’s
Retreat radio message tell of the Confederate’s turbulent last days in the city
and their forced evacuation. This stop is a
natural end for the Lee vs. Grant Overland
Campaign route and beginning of the Lee’s
Retreat tour. This is the oldest railroad station in the state. It was heavily damaged by
a tornado several years ago.
Campbell’s Bridge, Trails sign located
on the Petersburg side of the Route 36
disturbed previously peaceful areas
far from the war zones. Then, in April
1865, citizens of this area witnessed the
final great drama of the war as Lee’s
army limped to Appomattox.
The following Lee’s Retreat tour stops follow
the day-to-day (sometimes hour-to hour)
progress of the armies on their way west:
High Bridge in 1865
Bridge over the Appomattox – Part
of Robert E. Lee’s Confederate army
crossed to the north bank of the
Appomattox River here the night
of April 2, 1865, as he evacuated Petersburg. Lee ordered all the bridges
burned following the crossing to
impede Union pursuit. This portion of
the Confederate army turned west, later recrossing the Appomattox near Amelia. The
retreat ended at Appomattox. April 9.
The following four sites highlight the story
of the successful Union attacks against the
Confederate right flank in late March and
early April 1865. They are located just a
few miles south and west of downtown
Petersburg. Use U.S. Route 1 or I-85.
Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier,
entrance on U.S. Route 1, south of Petersburg and the I-85 intersection – Lee’s Retreat radio message and park describe the
Union breakthrough in this area. For
more on the museum and the park, see
the Petersburg area section in “Central
Virginia.”
White Oak Road, walking trail
located near the intersection of Routes
613 (White Oak Road) and 631 – A
new six-stop interpreted walking trail in
the well-preserved Confederate trenches protecting this road tells the story of Union advances (late March 1865) that isolated the far
right of the Confederate line at Five Forks.
Five Forks (west of Petersburg, south of
U.S. 460 on Route 627; four miles west of
the White Oak Road site on Route 613)
– Part of the Petersburg National Battlefield. This important and nearly pristine
place was the site of April 1, 1865, battle
that turned the flank of the Confederate
line. Often called “the Waterloo of the
Confederacy.” Visitor contact station open
daily 9 am–5 pm. 804-265­-8244 or 804732-3531.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Appomattox
434-352-8999www.HistoricAppomattox.com
Best Part of the Civil War
www.BestPartoftheCivilWar.com
Lynchburg
800-732-5821www.DiscoverLynchburg.org
Namozine Church – Church still
stands where cavalry clashed April 3, 1865.
Building was headquarters and hospital
after fighting.
Amelia Court House – The two
streams of Lee’s army, coming from Petersburg and the abandoned Confederate
capital at Richmond, met here April 4–5,
1865. Here, Lee expected to receive food
that never came. The delay proved costly.
Federal cavalry cut off the planned retreat
route to the south at Jetersville.
Jetersville – Entrenched Federal soldiers here deflected Lee to the west April
5, 1865.
Amelia Springs – The opposing forces
brushed up against one another as Lee
turned west on April 6, 1865.
Deatonville – The entire Confederate
army passed through here April 6, 1865,
with Union forces closing in.
Sailor’s Creek Battlefield – A cluster
of stops here — Holt’s Corner, Hillsman
House, Marshall’s Crossroads, the Lockett
House and Double Bridges — create a tour
of the Sailor’s Creek battlefield where Lee’s
army began disintegrating in earnest April
6, 1865. Centerpiece of the battlefield is a
state park surrounding the Hillsman House
where Federal forces gathered to attack the
Confederates across the creek. Radio messages at all stops. Hillsman House open
seasonally. Visitor center open 10 am–5 pm
Monday–Saturday, noon–5 pm Sunday. 804561-7510.
Continued on Next page
2014
37
Lee’s Retreat, cont’d
Rice’s Depot – Lee established headquarters here in advance of this army as it
passed Sailor’s Creek. Wondering what was
going on, Lee rode from the Depot toward
the battles on April 6. Seeing his disintegrating army struggle through the lowlands,
Lee remarked: “My God! Has the army
been dissolved?”
Cavalry Battle at High Bridge –
Union cavalry slashed through the area
before Lee’s arrival at Rice’s, hoping to destroy High Bridge across the Appomattox
River. Confederate cavalry intercepted the
force and captured most of the raiders.
Farmville – Lee hoped to feed his
stumbling army here on April 7, but Federal cavalry broke things up before his
Confederates were fully fed. Lee crossed to
the north side of the Appomattox hoping
to find an unobstructed route west and buy
some time from Union pursuit. Walking
tour of historic Farmville available.
High Bridge (High Bridge Trail State
Park). The parking area for the bridge is
on River Road northeast of Farmville. It’s
about a mile walk to the bridge itself. Parking fee charged – This multi-use park is a
“Rail-to-Trail” project following part of the
route of the Civil War-era South Side Railroad. The centerpiece is this bridge, which
when built in 1853 was a 2,400-foot-long
marvel towering 160 feet above the Appomattox River. It was a key landmark during Lee’s Retreat. After the Confederates
crossed it en route to Farmville, they tried
and failed to burn it, allowing Union forces
to continue their close pursuit. The parking
area for the bridge is on River Road northeast of Farmville. It’s about a mile walk to
the bridge itself. Parking fee charged.
Cumberland Church – Fighting near
here April 7, 1865, delayed Lee’s march
west. Lee received the first message from
Grant asking about surrender here.
Clifton – Historic home west of the
intersection of U.S. 15 and Route 636. Part
of the Confederate army passed here April
8, 1865, with Federals on its heels. Grant
spent that night in the house and received
Lee’s message suggesting a meeting.
New Store – Lee’s exhausted army
passed this tiny settlement on April 8. They
would be surrendered the next day.
Lee’s Rearguard – The Confederate
rearguard entrenched here while the army
camped near Appomattox Court House.
Radio message on AM 1600.
Battle of Appomattox Station –
Union cavalry delivered the finishing blow
to Confederate hopes by capturing supplies
here on April 8, 1865. The stop is located in
the more modern Appomattox station, now
a visitor center for the town, located in the
postwar Appomattox Court House.
Several stops following Union movements
in early April 1865 are located between
Petersburg and Burkeville near U.S. Route 460:
Nottoway Court House – Grant spent
part of the evening here as Union troops
marched west April 5, 1865.
Crewe – Grant made a cross-country
night ride from here April 5–6 to join Gens.
Philip Sheridan and George Meade at
Jetersville.
Burkeville – Important junction of the
wartime South Side and Richmond and
Dan­ville Railroads served as logistics center
during Union movements. Confederate
President Jefferson Davis had passed through
here by train to Danville after evacuating
Richmond April 2.
Also interpreted with a Lee’s Retreat radio
stop near U.S. 460:
Appomattox Court House
National Historical Park
Visitor center located off U.S. 24 near U.S. 460
D
ramatic events in April 1865 made this tiny county seat a household
name. Finally trapped after a lingering week-long retreat from Petersburg, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered his Army of Northern
Virginia to Union commander Gen. U.S. Grant on April 9, 1865. The National Park is a preservation and a reconstruction of the village as it was in 1865.
The new county seat is a few miles away. The park visitor center is located in
the restored courthouse building at the center of town.
Open 8:30 am–5 pm. $3 per person, $5 maximum per carload; $4/$10 in
summer. www.nps.gov/apco or 434-352-8987.
Park highlight
McLean House – Rebuilt structure was the site of the actual surrender.
Rangers explain the circumstances. Tour includes restored rooms including
the surrender parlor.
Other park features include Lee and Grant’s headquarters sites, the Clover
Hill tavern where the paroles were printed, a small Confederate cemetery
and the Richmond-Lynchburg road where the final surrender of Confederate
troops occurred. A 4-mile hiking trail connects all the park features. ◆
Looking ahead to 2015
P
lans are taking shape for events commemorating the 150th anniversary of the
end of the war in Virginia. The Appomattox National Historical Park is planning
special ranger programs tours and living history commemorating Lee’s surrender
there April 9, 1865. State parks at the Sailor’s Creek battlefield and at High Bridge,
both on the Lee’s Retreat tour, also are planning events. Expect commemorations of
the fall of Richmond and Petersburg. The 2015 Virginia Signature Conference is set
for April 18 at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Stay tuned to the events
calendar at CivilWarTraveler.com for the latest info as plans are finalized.
Battle of Nottoway – Engagement
fought June 23, 1864, during a cavalry expedition led by Union Gens. August Kautz
and James Wilson. The objective was to
destroy portions of the railroads south and
west of Petersburg that supplied Lee’s army.
For more on the Wilson-Kautz raid, see list
of sites in this section or call 800-6-RETREAT for a tour brochure. ◆
Virginia’s Destination for
History & Outdoor Recreation
History
www.va retre at .co m
Amelia County
Appomattox County
National Park Service
Brunswick County
Buckingham County
Charlotte County
Dinwiddie County
Confederates
surrender at
Sailor’s Creek
• Lee’sRetreat&CivilRightsDrivingTours
• Virginia’sLargestLake&ManyRiversfor
Fishing,Kayaking,Swimming
• Festivals,Antiques,Boutiques&UniqueDining
Halifax County
Lunenburg County
•
•
•
•
EightVirginiaStateParks
HundredsofMilesofHiking,Biking&HorseTrails
FromSkydivingtoNASCAR
NEW!!!PassportProgram-receivesouvenirpatch
Mecklenburg County
Nottoway County
Prince Edward County
City of Petersburg
38
Guide to Virginia’s Civil War
SOUTHSIDE VIRGINIA: Lynchburg
Wilson-Kautz Raid
Driving Tour
~
For more information about historic sites,
stop by the Lynchburg Visitor Center, 216
12th St.
T
U
nion Gen. David Hunter reached the
outskirts of Lynchburg June 17, 1864,
hoping to capture the important supply and
hospital center. Hunter’s advance on Lynchburg followed a decisive victory over Confederates at Piedmont in the Shenandoah Valley
two weeks earlier. Following Piedmont,
“Black Dave” then occupied Lexington —
burning the Virginia Military Institute —
before turning east. See Hunter’s Raid Tour
in the Valley section.
Seeing the threat, Robert E. Lee rushed
Gen. Jubal Early to the scene. Arriving just
in time, Early turned back Hunter after
fierce fighting on June 18. Hunter retreated
all the way into West Virginia. Early then
launched his own campaign that ended finally in the suburbs of Washington DC.
Battle of Lynchburg Driving Tour
A Civil War Trails driving tour of
Lynchburg sites describes both the action
and the city’s role in the war. An excellent
tour tape (or CD) is now available for purchase at several places in town, including
the Lynchburg visitor center.
The tour starts at Sandusky, an 1818
Federal-style house that Hunter used as
headquarters after arriving on the battlefield June 17. Open by appointment. $5.
Information about visiting the house:
historicsandusky.org or 434-832-0162.
Tour highlights, interpreted by Civil
War Trails signs, include Fort Early, Fort
McCausland. Spring Hill Cemetery and
Civil War hospital locations.
Lynchburg museums, other sites
The Lynchburg Museum in the Old
Courthouse, 901 Court St. – Located in
the 1855 Court House, the museum describes all of the area’s history including
much on the Civil War. Flags, artifacts
from the 1864 Battle of Lynchburg, and
items used by Gen. Jubal Early are on
display. Civil War Trails sign outside.
~
Historic Sandusky
10 am–4 pm Monday–Saturday; noon–
4 pm Sunday. $6/adult. 434-455-6226 or
lynchburgmuseum.org.
Point of Honor, 112 Cabell St. – Trails
sign at the house museum tells the story
of its wartime resident, Col. Robert Owen,
president of the Virginia and Tennessee
Railroad. The 1815 Federal-style building is
part of the Lynchburg Museum system and
is open Monday–Saturday 10 am–4 pm and
Sunday noon–5 pm. $6/adult.
pointofhonor.org.
National Civil War Chaplains Museum, 2043 The Arthur S. DeMoss Learning Center, Liberty University – Exhibits
with paintings, artifacts and other material
highlight the role of Civil War chaplains,
priests, rabbis and religious organizations.
Call for hours. 434-582-2087 or
chaplinmuseum.org.
Old City Cemetery, Fourth and Taylor
streets – A new visitor center is open daily
11 am–3 pm and Sundays 1–4 pm (closed
winter Sundays) near the Pest House and
Confederate section of the cemetery. This is
a wonderfully restored cemetery, founded
in 1806, with a well-interpreted Confederate and Civil War section. There were 2,200
Confederate burials here. Next to the Confederate section, the Pest House Medical
Museum offers a glimpse of 19th-century
medical practices. The building was a quarantine building for Confederate soldiers.
A tape plays during exterior tours. You can
look in the windows. The Pest House is the
topic of a video played in the new Cemetery
Center, which includes a museum featuring
antique mourning items, a small gift shop
and restrooms. Cemetery is open dawn to
dusk. Free. www.gravegarden.org or 434847-1465.
Prisoner-of-War Camp, Trails sign at
Glass High School, 2111 Memorial Ave,
Lynchburg 24501 – Union prisoner-ofwar camp established here on the site of
an earlier Confederate training camp and
town fairgrounds. Established as a POW
exchange camp, the site quickly became
overcrowded and disease-infested after the
exchange system broke down in 1863. ◆
his 26-stop tour follows the
route of the June 1864 Federal
cavalry raid, led by Gens. August
Kautz and James Wilson, which
aimed to disrupt or destroy Confederate railroad lines leading into
Petersburg, then under attack by
U.S. Grant.
The Union raiders succeeded in
tearing up about 60 miles of track
on three railroads, but the damage
was repaired quickly. The raiders
were turned back by a collection of
Southern boys and old men at the
Staunton River Bridge.
This tour map is included on
the Civil War Trails Lee’s Retreat
map, free at local visitor centers
or download a copy from CivilWarTraveler.com/maps. For more
on both tours, see www.varetreat.
com.
Driving tour highlights:
Battle of Nottoway – First sizable engagement on the WilsonKautz Raid.
Charlotte Court House – After destroying railroad facilities
at Burkeville Junction, Meherrin
Station and Keysville, fears of local
citizens were eased when the detachment burned no buildings.
Staunton River Battlefield
State Park (listing under Clover) –
Confederate earthworks from the
June 25, 1864, battle.
Reams Station – Burned by
Wilson-Kautz raiders on June 22,
1864. During the return to Petersburg June 28, a 10-hour skirmish
ensued with Confederate Gen.
William Mahone’s forces. ◆
NEWS
Mt. Zion Church sets tours
Cemetery at Mt. Zion Church
Living history tours and demonstrations
are offered the fourth Sunday of each month
April–October, except June, at Mt. Zion
Church, on U.S. 50 just east of U.S. 15 near
Aldie. The historic church (1851) cemetery
holds remains of both Union and Confederate soldiers. The programs are scheduled 1-5
pm. Donations are welcome.
Details: www.nvrpa.org.
Gettysburg is command
conference focus
Free City Point
brochure
“The First Day at Gettysburg” is
the topic of this year’s annual Conference on the Art of Command in the
Civil War, sponsored by the Mosby
Heritage Area. The conference is
scheduled Oct. 3–5 in Middleburg.
For registration and details, see www.
mosbyheritagearea.org.
“The Civil War at City
Point” describes sites associated
with the vast Union supply
base and headquarters established by Gen. U.S. Grant in
1864 in what is now Hopewell.
To request a free copy of the
brochure, call 1-800-863-8687.
2014
39
The Battle of Staunton River Bridge
The battle of
Staunton River Bridge
150th anniversary commemoration
Saturday and Sunday
June 21-22, 2014
Staunton River Battlefield State Park
1035 Fort Hill Trail,
Randolph, VA, 23962
www.historicstauntonriverfoundation.org
Virginia State Parks |
SP_PE_SRB_GuidetoCivilWar_ad.indd 1
|
2/3/2014 3:26:35 PM
www.gohalifaxva.com
Halifax County
VIRGINIA
Rich in History. Rich in Culture. Rich with Adventures. Blessed with Good People.
This year in June, we will be celebrating 150 years of history. We have several adventures that share our history in an
informative, family fun, and exciting way. Every visitor should visit our: Civil War Trails, War Memorials and
Civil Rights Heritage Trails. Every adventure is truly a walk through history.
We have so many surprising adventures, you won’t know where to begin. Let us help!
Request a brochure at www.gohalifaxva.com or call 434.572.2543 • toll free: 1.866.464.2543
40
Guide to Virginia’s Civil War
SOUTHSIDE VIRGINIA: More to See
Appomattox
The Museum of the Confederacy –
Appomattox, 159 Horseshoe Road, Appomattox (intersection of US 460 and 24)
This branch of the Museum of the
Confederacy includes items from its collection relating to the Army of Northern
Virginia’s surrender including the sword
and uniform worn by Robert E. Lee April
9, 1865. The museum’s exhibits also will
cover the days leading up to the surrender
and the story of Confederate soldiers going
home. Open daily 10 am–5 pm. $10/adult.
Discounts available for those also visiting
the Richmond museum/White House site.
www.moc.org.
Danville
Civil War tour brochures are available at the
Danville Welcome Center, 645 River Park
Drive.
Sutherlin Mansion (Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History), 975
Main St. — Confederate president Jefferson Davis and his family stayed here
April 3–10, 1865. The remnants of the
official Confederate government met here
for the last time. Good permanent Civil
War exhibit. Tuesday–Friday 10 am–5 pm;
Saturday and Sunday 2–5 pm. $8/adult for
house tours. www.danvillemuseum.org or
434-793-5644.
The following Danville sites are marked with
Civil War Trails signs unless otherwise noted.
National, Freedman’s and Green Hill
cemeteries, Lee Street – The National
Cemetery here was established in 1867 to
rebury the 1,323 Union soldiers who died
in Danville’s six prisons. A memorial stands
over the Confederate section of the nearby
Green Hill Cemetery opened in 1863. Recently freed slaves and other black citizens
are buried in the adjacent Freedman’s cemetery established in 1872.
Civil War Prison No. 6, 300 Lynn
St. – This much-altered building (originally built 1855) is the only survivor of the
converted tobacco warehouses turned into
prisons during the war. More than 7,000
Union soldiers were kept in Danville’s prisons, including black troops captured at the
battle of the Crater near Petersburg.
Civil War Earthworks, just off Route
58 approaching Danville – These earthen
fortifications located on hills above the Dan
River are interpreted as part of the Civil
War Trails program.
Richmond & Danville Railroad, signs
located at railroad station off Craighead
Street – Three Trails signs tell the story of
the Richmond & Danville Railroad from
its earliest days. The road’s role as a key
supply route and later an escape route for
the Confederate government is covered
here.
Chatham, Trails sign located on North
Main Street two blocks north of the Pittsylvania Courthouse next to the visitor
center – Site of the Bilhartz, Hall & Co.,
established in 1862, manufacturer of the
rare “rising breech” carbine rifles for the
Confederacy. Weapons made here had the
distinctive feature of a curved bow which
acts as the loading lever and trigger guard.
Clover/Randolph
Staunton River Battlefield State Park,
located north of U.S. 360, take Route 600
from Clover to visitor center – A new
walking/bicycle trail through the actual
battlefield makes this well-done site even
better. A visitor center/museum/shop
tells the story of the June 25, 1864, battle
between Union cavalry raiders hoping
to destroy the bridge and about 500 “old
men and young boys” who defended the
position. The new trail explores Confederate earthwork defenses then crosses the
Staunton River following the railroad
right-of-way through the battlefield to
Randolph. Parking is available at Randolph
(Route 607) and at the main visitor center.
Battlefield is open 8 am–dusk daily. www.
stauntonriverbattlefield.org. Visitor center
open Monday–Saturday 9 am–4:30 pm and
Sunday 1–4:30 pm. 434-454-4312.
Emporia
Village View Manor House, 221
Briggs St. – Built in the 1790s, the front
parlor of this restored home hosted Confederate Gens. W.H. Lee, Wade Hampton
and Matthew Butler. The three led troops
attempting to head off a raid south from
Petersburg directed by Union Gen. Gouverneur Warren against railroad bridges
in early December 1864 (the Hicksford
Raid). Damage to the railroad was repaired
quickly. Civil War Trails interpretation.
Call 434-634-8687 or 434-634-2475 about
visiting the house. ◆
the best part of the civil war...
the end
Hillsman House
The High Bridge
McLean House
Museum of Confedera
cy
Appomattox
Travel the path of Lee and Grant to the Surrender
Grounds at Appomattox, where along the way, some of
the best shopping, antiquing, dining, lodging and outdoor
recreation are waiting for you.
For More Information Visit:
www.BestPartoftheCivilWar.org
For a free gift, bring this ad to any Visitor Center or
State Park in The Best Part of the Civil War region!
(one per family)
2014
41
Come to
Lynchburg
and learn why General Grant
was so interested in us in 1864!
CSA General Jubal A. Early
Jane Lathrop Stabler
Spring New for Spring 2014:
2014
Downtown Lynchburg in the Civil War Walking Tour
Confederate hospitals, railroads, canal, historic houses, museums, & more.
April
2014
Randolph College • 2500 Rivermont Avenue
www.randolphcollege.edu/slaverysymposium
Facing the Past, Freeing the Future: Slavery's Legacy, Freedom's Promise
April 3-5 • Randolph College and Poplar Forest symposium on slavery.
June
2014
to
Dec
2015
Lynchburg Museum • 901 Court Street • www.lynchburgmuseum.org
Experience The James: Lynchburg's Pathway to the World
June 6, 2014 - December 31, 2015 • The Lynchburg Museum's new
exhibit on "America's Founding River" will cover exploration,
settlement, war, ecology, and more through art, archaeology, and
museum objects borrowed from museums across Virginia.
Visit three historic cemeteries, the resting places of over 2,200 Southern soldiers and
five Confederate generals.
Our 11 Virginia Civil War Trails sites include Fort Early, Historic Sandusky, Union prisoner of war
camp, and the historic house, Point of Honor, visited by Union spies during the Battle of Lynchburg.
CSA Brigadier General John McCausland
June
2014
USA General David Hunter
Historic Sandusky • 757 Sandusky Drive • www.historicsandusky.org
June 13-15 • Living History encampments, tours and more at Historic
Sandusky. The home was used as Union headquarters by General
Hunter during the Battle of Lynchburg in 1864.
Guided Civil War Tours • Presbyterian Cemetery • 907 Bailey Street
www.presbyteriancemeteryva.com
The Legacy Museum of African American History • 403 Monroe Street
www.legacymuseum.org
June 20 • African American Genealogy - Organizing Your Family Tree
June 21 • Slave Life during the Civil War: Gardening, music, and
food preparation
June 22 • Civil War Slave Narratives
Old City Cemetery • 401 Taylor Street • www.gravegarden.org
June 21 • Civil War Day event
Lynchburg Museum and Point of Honor hours:
Monday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, noon to 4:00 p.m.
Visitor Information Center: 1-800-732-5821 • 216 12th St. Lynchburg, VA • www.discoverlynchburg.org • www.lynchburgmuseum.org • www.pointofhonor.org
42
Guide to Virginia’s Civil War
NORTHERN VIRGINIA
W
hen Virginia seceded, the Federal government in Washington
D.C. found itself virtually surrounded
by a hostile foreign country. Abraham
Lincoln moved swiftly to occupy a com-
fort zone around his capital.
Farther away from Washington,
however, Union control was less certain.
Confederate John Singleton Mosby
was a feared raider of Union patrols
and supply lines. Citizen loyalties were
almost always in question.
Today, many of the forts built by
Union engineers during the war still
exist in parks. The bloody battlefields at
Manassas & area
A
visitor center is located in an old railroad station in the heart of Manassas
and on the site of a critical Civil War rail
junction. Two major battles were fought
just a few miles north, along a creek known
as Bull Run. The center is a good place to
get oriented to the area and learn about the
town’s railroad history. See Manassas National Battlefield Park, this page.
The Prince William Civil War Heritage Trail – Dozens of Civil War sites and
museums are described in a free brochure/
map of the Manassas area. Sites related to
both battles of Manassas (Bull Run) are
included. The map is available at area visitor
centers or call 800-432-1792.
Manassas Museum System. Main
exhibit building located just east of Business Route 234, 9101 Prince William St.
ZIP code 22110 – Explore the history of
Manassas and the Northern Virginia Piedmont at this effective regional museum.
Good Civil War exhibits. The building
is near the historic railroad junction that
precipitated two major battles. A Civil
War Trails sign is on site. Also part of the
museum system is Mayfield Fort, a Confederate-built earthwork designed to protect
the railway junction and for use as a signal
station. An eight-stop walking tour takes
visitors through the fort. Stop at the museum for information about visiting the fort.
Museum open daily 10 am–5 pm Memorial
Day–Labor Day (closed Mondays other
times). $5/adult. www.manassasmuseum.
org or 703-368-1873.
Downtown Manassas walking tour
– A multi-stop walking tour beginning at
the Manassas Museum describes life and
Main visitor center off Route 234 just north
of I-66.
P
ark boundaries encompass key sites
associated with the First ( July 21,
1861) and Second (Aug. 28–30) Battles
of Manassas (Bull Run). First Manassas is
remembered as the first major land battle of
the war, won by inexperienced Confederates who routed an equally raw Union force.
Confederate Gen. Thomas J. Jackson became
“Stonewall” for his role in the fighting. The
second battle, also a dramatic Confederate
View of the Manassas battlefield from the Stone House
National Park Service
Manassas National Battlefield Park
victory, was much bloodier. More than 3,000
soldiers were killed during the battle.
Henry Hill visitor center offers an audiovisual program, interactive displays, a big book
store and ranger help. Frequent guided walking tours of Henry Hill offered. Driving tour
information available. Visitor center open daily
8:30 am–5 pm. Other buildings open seasonally. Park open dawn to dusk. Three-day pass cost
is $3/adult (16 and older). A 45-minute film
is offered on the hour. www.nps.gov/mana or
703-361-1339.
Park highlights
Henry Hill – Self-guided walking tour
outside the visitor center highlights key
spots in the first battle.
Stone Bridge – Key spot in the first battle
as Union attacks spilled across Bull Run.
Union line of retreat during both battles. Get
Manassas have been preserved in a National Park, which is an oasis in a rapidly growing area of development. Farther
west, the countryside remains much the
same as Mosby might have found it.
military events in the tiny railroad junction
town during the war. Among the topics
covered are the great Confederate feast
in 1862, early battlefield relic collectors,
camps and hospitals. For more information and a map of the new tour, see www.
manassasmuseum.org.
Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage
Park, 10604 Bristow Road – This county
park includes walking trails related to the
1862 Battle of Kettle Run (a precursor to
Second Manassas) and the Oct. 14, 1863,
Battle of Bristoe Station. The 1863 battle
was part of a short-lived Confederate offensive led by Gen. A.P. Hill. After suffering great losses attacking a strong Union
position, the battle was judged a blunder by
the Confederates. The property also is the
site of several Confederate cemeteries established during a large winter camp here.
Self-guided tour brochures are available at
a kiosk in the parking area, or download a
copy from CivilWarTraveler.com/maps.
Battle of Kettle Run, Nokesville Road
(Route 28) and Aden Road, Nokesville
20181 – As Stonewall Jackson’s troups occupied and looted the railroad junction at
Manassas Aug. 27, 1862, Federal forces
approached his rear guard at Kettle Run.
The Confederates there managed to delay
the Union force before withdrawing to
the junction and then to the old Manassas
battlefield.
Ben Lomond Historic Site (Pringle
House Civil War Hospital), 10321 Sudley Manor Drive, east of Route 234 – The
interior has been restored to its July 1861
appearance when it served as a Confederate field hospital following the First Battle
Continues on NEXT page
information about walking trails at the visitor
center.
Stone House – Battlefield landmark was
Union headquarters during the second battle.
Served as a field hospital during and after both
battles. Open seasonally and on special occasions.
Unfinished Railroad Cut – Jackson
defended this position against strong Union
attacks during the second battle. The railroad grade is still visible. ◆
2014
Manassas area, cont’d
of Manassas. Civil War Trails and other
interpretive markers (one indicating the
old road trace used by soon-to-be “Stonewall” Jackson on the way to the battle) are
on site. Guided tours Thursday–Monday
11 am–4 pm (May–October). Details: 703367-7872.
Signal Hill, located just off Signal View
Drive across the street from entrance to Signal Hill Park. For specific directions, contact
the Manassas Museum or the Manassas
National Battlefield – A Confederate observation post here warned of the Union effort
to turn the flank of the Southern position
during the initial stages of the First Battle
of Manassas. It was the first use of wig-wag
signals during wartime. Memorial cites first
telecommunication on a battlefield. Parking.
Trails sign.
Old Stone Church, Trails sign located
1/4 mile east of the intersection of Routes
29 and 28 at Church of the Ascension on
Braddock Road in Centreville – An inexperienced Union army marched past here
on their way to the Manassas battlefield.
Many soldiers returned wounded on the
way back and were treated in the church.
The area then became a Confederate campground during the winter of 1861–1862.
Blackburn’s Ford, Trails sign located
at the Ford, just off Route 28 – Signs here
describe significant incidents prior to the
First Battle of Manassas in July 1861.
Union attackers July 18 at Blackburn’s Ford
on Bull Run ran into well-placed Confederates on the other side and were unable to
dislodge them. Three days later the armies
would meet again in a much larger battle
farther north along the same creek.
McLean House site, Trails sign at the
intersection of Centreville Road (Route
28) and Yorkshire Lane – The home of the
Wilmer McLean stood near this intersection and became the headquarters for
Confederate Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard July
18, 1861, when the Battle of Blackburn’s
Ford erupted. The home sustained damage
during the fighting with subsequent occupation and nearby skirmishing devastating
43
the property. McLean eventually moved
his family to Appomattox Court House to
get out of the war. But his home again was
invaded April 9, 1865, during the surrender
of Robert E. Lee’s army. McLean’s plight
gave rise to the popular saying that “the war
started in his front lawn and ended in his
front parlor.”
Battle at Bull Run Bridge, two Trails
signs commemorate this Aug. 27, 1862,
battle, a prelude to the Battle of Second
Manassas (Aug. 28–30, 1862). Learning that
Confederates had occupied Manassas Junction, Union Gen. John Pope sent infantry
to the scene thinking that the occupiers
were cavalry only. The Union detachment
instead found Confederate infantry under
Gen. Stonewall Jackson. The one-sided fight
sent the Northerners fleeing back to Centreville. One sign is located at the corner of
Portner and Breedon avenues near Liberia
(near intersection of Route 28 and Liberia
Avenue). The other is at the Conner House
(see below).
Conner House, Trails signs at the
historic house. From Route 28, turn east
on Manassas Drive, then south on Euclid
Avenue, then east on Conner Drive – This
house served as headquarters for Confederate Gen. Joseph Johnston following the
Battle of First Manassas in 1861. A year
later, the home was a occupied by Union
troops as Stonewall Jackson advanced to
the old battlefield prior to the Battle of
Second Manassas.
Brentsville, Trails sign located at the
historic courthouse three miles west of
Route 28 on Bristow Road (Route 619) –
The Prince William County seat during
the war, this town suffered severe damage
during the war with many of its homes and
public buildings destroyed or heavily damaged. Park open sunrise-sunset daily. Tours
Friday-Sunday (May-Oct). 703-365-7895.
Leesylvania State Park, entrance west
of U.S. 1 on Neabsco Road, exit 156 from
I-95 – Well interpreted remains of a Confederate artillery battery are located in this
Potomac River park named for the former
residents, the Lee family. The battery was
in action Sept. 25, 1861, when it exchanged
shots with Union vessels in the river. The
fort is located and other Civil War stories
are told on a history walking trail. Trails
interpretation at the trailhead. Parking at
the end of the park road. Restrooms. Great
river views. Open daily. Parking fee. 703670-0372.
Greenwich, Trails sign at Greenwich
Presbyterian Church, 15305 Vint Hill
Road, Nokesville – Federal units pursuing
Stonewall Jackson to Manassas Junction
camped here in August 1862; fighting
involving John S. Mosby’s rangers flared
near here, and Confederates marched past
toward nearby Bristoe Station in October
1863.
Haymarket, two Civil War Trails signs
on Route 55, 1/2-mile east of Route 15 –
This small town’s location put it directly in
the path of marching armies throughout
the war. Soldiers passed through here on
the way to both battles at Manassas and
uncounted smaller actions. After Confederate bushwhackers fired at Federal troops
near here in 1862, a Union general ordered
the entire town burned, leaving only one
house and the shell of a church.
Chapman’s Mill, Trails sign at the mill
near Haymarket – Built between 1737
and 1742, this massive mill served as a
Confederate meat curing and distribution
center early in the war. The mill changed
hands several times as the Battle of Thoroughfare Gap swirled around it on Aug.
24, 1862. The battle, a Confederate victory,
immediately preceded the Battle of Second
Manassas fought nearby. To get there from
Haymarket: Take Route 55 west, turn north
onto Turner Road, cross I-66 then turn left
(west) onto Beverley Mill Road parking.
Occoquan, Trails sign located adjacent
to the Mill House Museum, 413 Mill St.
in Occoquan – An important river crossing between Alexandria and Fredericksburg, this small settlement was a busy and
sometimes dangerous place during the war.
Confederate cavalry raided here in December 1862 and Union Gen. Joseph Hooker’s
army constructed a 300-foot-long pontoon
bridge here as he moved north toward Gettysburg in 1863.
Dumfries, Trails sign located on southbound Route 1, just north of Main Street
split (south of Route 234 exit from I-95)
– Confederates evacuated their camps here
in March 1862 and the town remained in
Union hands throughout the rest of the
war. A raid Dec. 27, 1862, by Confederate
Gen. J.E.B. Stuart resulted in the destruction of many buildings.
Hopewell Gap, Trails sign at Antioch
Church 16513 Waterfall Road, Haymarket 20169 – This pass in the Bull Run
Mountains was used as an avenue of approach and escape during the war. Federal
cavalrymen escaped through here June 18,
1863, after being defeated at Middleburg.
Confederate partisan John S. Mosby maintained a prisoner of war camp here in July
1863.
Confederate Winter Encampments,
Trails sign located at Ferlazzo Government Building, 15941 Donald Curtis Drive,
Woodbridge 22191 – This area along Neabsco Creek was the center of Confederate
wintercamps and fortifications in 1861–
1862. These troops were used to support the
Potomac River batteries that successfully
blockaded the Potomac River that winter..
Bacon Race Church, Trails sign located
at Bacon Race Cemetery, 5213 Davis Ford
Road., Woodbridge 22192 – This cemetery is
all that is left of the Oak Grove/Bacon Race
Baptist Church, which dated to the 1770s.
In the winter of 1861-1862 this area became
the supply depot for the Confederate troops
camped in the eastern section of Prince
William County. There were also several
Confederate encampments in this area, including Wade Hampton’s famous “Hampton
Legion.” There are several Civil War burials
in the cemetery.
Buckland, sign located at the 16211 Lee
Hwy, Gainesville – Positioned along the
Warrenton Turnpike, campaigning armies
traveled and skirmished through this village
numerous times during the war. On October 19, 1863 the Battle of Buckland Mills
was fought here. As part of the Bristoe
Campaign, Confederate cavalry under Gen.
J.E.B. Stuart routed Federal cavalry under
Gen. J. Kilpatrick inflicting nearly 300 casualties. ◆
NEWS
Mobile tour follows Bristoe Campaign
Discover all the key facets of the 1863
Bristoe Campaign in a free mobile
tour. The tour covers 50 miles and
seven stops ending at the Bristoe
Station Battlefield Heritage Park
near Manassas. QR codes at each stop
link to a mobile website with maps, images and site descriptions. Details: pwcgov.org/bristoe.
HistoryMobile hits
the road
The Virginia 150 HistoryMobile is on the road again in
2014.
Follow the free traveling
exhibit schedule at www.virginiacivilwar.org.
Brandy Station car caravan battlefields tours scheduled
Car-caravan tours of various sections of
the Brandy Station battlefield near Culpeper are set. The two-hour tours leave at 10
am from the Graffiti House visitor center,
19484 Brandy Road, Brandy Station. Cost is
$10. Here’s the schedule:
• Beverly Ford and St. James Church:
April 5, May 31 and July 26.
• Kelly’s Ford and Stevensburg: April 19,
June 14 and Aug. 9.
• Fleetwood Hill: May 3, June 28 and
Aug. 23.
• Buford Knoll and Yew Ridge: May 17,
July 12 and Sept. 6.
See www.brandystationfoundation.com
or call 540-547-4106 for more information.
44
Guide to Virginia’s Civil War
NORTHERN VIRGINIA: Inner Suburbs of Washington DC
Alexandria
Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site,
4301 Braddock Road – One of the 68 forts
that ringed the Federal capital has been
restored and interpreted. Nearby museum
offers excellent Civil War exhibits relating
to Alexandria’s wartime experience and
other topics. This is the place to get oriented
for a tour of Civil War fortifications in the
DC area. "The Masrshall House Incident"
exhibit continues through 2012. Open
10 am–4 pm Tuesday–Saturday; noon–5 pm
Sundays. Free, donations welcome. www.
fortward.org or 703-746-4848.
Alexandria National Cemetery, Wilkes and Gibbon streets – One of the earliest of the National Cemeteries, established
as the Soldiers Cemetery in 1862.
The City of Alexandria – Trails sign
at the train station on King Street tells the
story of the first officer killed in the war
(Union Col. Elmer Ellsworth) and the initial Federal occupation of the city in 1861.
A Civil War walking tour is available at the
visitor center.
Arlington
Arlington National Cemetery and
Arlington House – Robert E. Lee left his
home in Arlington and his long career in
the Federal army to take command of Virginia forces in April 1861. Union soldiers
occupied his estate a month later. In 1864,
burials of Union soldiers began on the
grounds and by the end of the war 16,000
graves scarred the lawn and gardens of Lee’s
former home. Today Arlington National
Cemetery is studded with famous memorials including the Tomb of the Unknown
Soldier and the graves of John F. and Robert
Kennedy. A small section is devoted to the
remains of Confederate dead. Another section (27) is dedicated to the United States
Colored Troops and residents of the Freedman’s Village. Don’t miss the self-guided
tour of the restored Arlington House (Lee’s
home). Admission is free but there is a
parking charge. The cemetery is open 8
am–7 pm April–September. It closes at 5
pm other months. More info: www.arlingtoncemetery.org. Arlington House is open
daily 10 am–4 pm (closed Monday–Tuesday.
More info: nps.gov/arho or 703-235-1530.
Freedman’s Village, historic location in
what is now Arlington National Cemetery
– Refugee slaves made their way to the
Washington area after the outbreak of the
war. The government selected this site to
house and educate them. Civil War Trails
interpretation located in Foxcroft Heights
Park (corner of Oak Street and Southgate
Road) overlooking Arlington National
Cemetery.
Fort C.F. Smith, county park located
at 2411 N. 24th St. between I-66 and the
George Washington Memorial Parkway, off
Spout Run Parkway, (turn on Lorcom from
Spout Run, right on Fillmore and right on
24th Street) – Well-preserved Union fortification built in 1863 to extend the Arlington defenses to the Potomac River. Nice
county park. Call for programs. Civil War
Trails interpretation. 703-243-7329.
Fort Ethan Allen, located just off the
Old Glebe Road at the Madison School
just south of the George Washington Parkway – Built in 1861 to command approaches to the Chain Bridge over the Potomac
into Washington, this is a companion fortification to Fort Marcy (Fairfax County), on
the Washington Parkway. Historical marker
and school parking lot at the south face of
the fort. Civil War Trails interpretation located near the south face of the fort past the
soccer fields.
Falls Church
Falls Church, Civil War Trails interpretation near the Route 50 intersection, just
off Route 7 – Material here highlights first
Union occupation of this once-small farm
town and the balloon ascensions here by
the famed Thaddeus Lowe.
Fairfax
Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center,
10209 Main St. in City of Fairfax – Exhibits describe the rich history of this early
court house site with emphasis on Civil
War history. Open daily 9 am–5 pm. Free,
donations welcome. 800-545-7950. Trails
interpretation.
Civil War Interpretive Center at Historic Blenheim, 3610 Old Lee Highway,
Fairfax – This 1855 home was shelter and
hospital for soldiers during the Civil War.
Many left their names, poetry and art behind
on the walls, creating one of the finest collections of Civil War graffiti in the country. The
interpretive center highlights the history of
the house and Civil War Fairfax. Open Tuesday–Saturday 10 am–3 pm. House tour at 1
pm. Free. 703-591-0560.
Chantilly (Ox Hill) Battlefield – A
small but excellent park located a short
distance south of US 50 is devoted to the
Sept. 1, 1862, battle that immediately followed the Second Battle of Manassas.
Stonewall Jackson’s attempt to block the
Federal retreat toward Washington was
turned back here in a driving thunder-
storm. The Union army lost two generals
during the battle, Phillip Kearney and Isaac
Stevens. Monuments to both generals are
located along a paved pathway as well as
excellent interpretive displays and signs.
The 4.9-acre park represents only a tiny
piece of this battlefield, now surrounded
by modern development; but a kiosk near
the parking lot does a good job setting the
scene. A modern aerial photograph with
troop movement overlays is especially helpful.
Fairfax Station, 11200 Fairfax Station
Road, Trails sign at station – Nurse Clara
Barton played a role here as the wounded
streamed in after the Second Battle of
Manassas. Countless Union soldiers guarded the Orange and Alexandria Railroad
stop against raids by J.E.B. Stuart and J.S.
Mosby. Building now houses the Fairfax
Station Railroad Museum, open most Sundays 1–4 pm. $4. Includes Civil War history.
703-425-9225.
Stuart-Mosby Civil War Cavalry
Museum, 13938 Braddock Road, Centreville 20120 – Features artifacts related to
Confederate horsemen J.E.B. Stuart and
J.S. Mosby. Open Saturday and Monday 10
am–4 pm. Free. 703-971-4984.
Fort Marcy, parking lot off northbound
George Washington Parkway near Route
123 – Part of the Washington defenses,
these earthworks were built in 1861 to protect the Potomac River crossing at Chain
Bridge. The fort boasted 17 guns and three
mortars and was named for Gen. Randolph
Marcy. A trail connects several hundred
yards of well interpreted and preserved
earthworks maintained by the National
Park Service. For more information, contact the Park Service (George Washington
Parkway) 703-289-2500 or www.nps.gov/
gwmp.
Old Stone Church, Trails sign located
at the Church of the Ascension, 13941
Braddock Road in Centreville – An inexperienced Union army marched past here
on the way to the Manassas battlefield.
Many soldiers returned wounded on the
way back and were treated in the church.
The area then became a Confederate campgound during the winter of 1861–1862.
St. Marys Church, about 1.5 miles
south of Fairfax Courthhouse near Fairfax
Station – Civil War Trails sign at this 1858
church describes the action here Aug. 8,
1864, when Confederate horsemen led by
John Singleton Mosby routed a Union cavalry encampment.
Sully, historic plantation located off
Route 28 just north of Route 50 – This
late-18th-century estate, established by
Richard Bland Lee (Robert E. Lee’s uncle),
offers tours of the nicely preserved house
and outbuildings. The estate was visited by
troops of both sides during the war. The men
of the Union-favoring family often fled to
Alexandria escaping capture by Confederate visitors, leaving the estate’s management
to the women during much of the war. Pick
up a Civil War-oriented flyer with your
ticket. Some Civil War material and exhibits offered during tours of the 1794 home.
Trails sign. Open every day except Tuesday
11 am–4 pm. $7/adult. 703-437-1794.
Dranesville Tavern, Trails sign just off
Route 7, 1/4 mile east of Fairfax County
Parkway – This 1820 roadside inn was in
no-man’s land between armies in the winter
of 1861. On Dec. 20 Union infantry and
Confederate cavalry and infantry clashed
here. Both sides withdrew from the area
after the battle, but the Federals claimed a
tactical victory, lifting their morale after the
disaster at First Manassas.
Orange and Alexandria RR (Lake Accotink), directions to Trails sign: From the
Capital Beltway, take Exit 54B to Braddock Rd. E., turn south on Backlick Road,
turn right on Highland Avenue and follow
signs to the park – The park’s access road
lies on top of the original roadbed of the
strategic Orange and Alexandria Railroad.
The area was occupied early by Federal
troops, but the railroad continued to be the
target of frequent Confederate raids.
Herndon
Mosby’s Raid, Trails sign at train station – Story here about a March 1863 raid
by famous Confederate partisan John Singleton Mosby against this lightly protected
rail station. Mosby’s action captured dozens
of prisoners and forced Union outposts to
move closer to Washington.
Vienna
The following sites in Vienna are marked
with Civil War Trails signs.
Freeman Store/Museum, 131 Church
St. – Trails sign tells the story of the role of
this site, used by Union and Confederate
troops, and directs visitors to other historic
sites.
Civil War Fortification, near American
Legion Post No. 180 – Star-shaped Civil
War fortification is of undermined heritage
but is one of many unidentified field works
in the hotly contested Northern Virginia
area. 703-938-9535 (Legion phone number). ◆
2014
45
NORTHERN VIRGINIA: Route 50 Corridor
T
he John Singleton Mosby
to remind visitors of the
Heritage Area covers
town’s Civil War associations.
approximately 1,600 square
Fighting raged through here
miles in five Northern Virduring the “Prelude to Getginia counties west of Washtysburg” cavalry fighting June
ington DC. Confederate Col.
19, 1863. The town also was
Mosby’s irregular troopers
a Mosby base. Trails sign in
and tactics so controlled the
front of Mosby Tavern.
area that it became known as
Battle of Unison, a series
“Mosby’s Confederacy” durof Trails signs following the
ing the later years of the war.
course of the battle are loInformation about touring
cated near Route 50 between
the area is carried at the visiMiddleburg and Upperville
John Singleton Mosby
tor centers in Leesburg and
– Urged by Lincoln to pursue
Warrenton.
Lee’s army following the September 1862
A variety of taped driving tours and
Battle of Antietam, Union Gen. George
maps covering Mosby’s exploits and other
McCellan finally moved south Nov. 1 led
Civil War area topics have been created by
by cavalry under Gen. Alfred Pleasonton.
the folks at the Mosby Heritage Area. For
Pleasonton’s command soon encountered
more, call 540-678-6681 or www.visitmosConfederate horsemen led by Gen. J.E.B.
byheritagearea.org.
Stuart. They fought a three-day running
Mt. Zion Historic Park, just east of
battle from near Unison (north of modern
Route 15 on U.S. Route 50 – Built in
Route 50) toward Upperville. The Confed1851, this building and its grounds served
erates managed to evade the trap. McClelas hospital and battlefield during the war.
lan was relieved of command Nov. 5.
Confederate partisan rangers under John
Rector’s Crossroads, Trails sign just
S. Mosby routed Federal pursuers here July
south of Route 50 at Atoka Road (between
4, 1864. Currently under restoration. Civil
Middleburg and Upperville) – ConfederWar historical marker on site. Open for
ates under J.E.B. Stuart fought a delaying
tours the fourth Sunday April–October
action just west of here allowing the main
1–5 pm. www.nvrpa.org.
body of Southern cavalry to concentrate at
Ewell’s Chapel, Trails marker just west
a strong position on the west side of Goose
of US 15 on Route 615, 2.7 miles north of
Creek Bridge. In the parlor of the stone
Route 234, south of Route 50 – A Federal
house seen from the intersection, John S.
trap set for John S. Mosby June 22, 1863,
Mosby first wrote orders for his famous
failed to capture the Confederate partisan
“Rangers.”
and his rangers. A Union casualty of the
Goose Creek Bridge – The circa 1810
little fight is buried near the chapel.
bridge is now bypassed by Route 50. J.E.B.
Aldie Mill Historic Park, just west of
Stuart’s Confederate cavalry held off Union
Route 15 on U.S. Route 50 – Cavalry fightcavalry and infantry here for awhile during
ing swirled around this four-story structure
the fighting June 21, 1863. Trails sign.
June 17, 1863. Horsemen from both sides
Upperville, Trails signs at both the east
were screening their main armies as both
and the west sides of town along Route 50.
marched north toward what would become
Look for the wayfinder signs — Stuart’s
the Battle of Gettysburg. Fighting eventutroopers again fought hard in and around
ally extended west along modern US 50 to
this small town as they attacked, gave
Upperville. The mill is open for tours weekground and counter-attacked along the
ends from mid-April to mid-November.
road June 21. The Confederate resistance
Civil War Trails signs. 703-327-9777.
proved successful in the end as Lee moved
Middleburg – Lots of rural charm
his army to Pennsylvania unseen. ◆
and clusters of historic buildings remain
NEWS
Soldier art exhibit
at Manassas Museum
Bristoe battlefield
tour schedule set
Art by Union artist/soldier Robert
Sneden is on display at the Manassas Museum June –August. The exhibit, “Civil War
Journey: The Maps and Sketches of Private
Robert Sneden,” offers selections from the
Virginia Historical Society Sneden collection. More info: manassasmuseum.org
Guided tours of the Bristoe Station
Battlefield Heritage Park are offered the
second and fourth weekends of each month
May–October. Tours leave on the hour 11
am–3 pm. The tours include two battles
fought on the ground (1862 and 1863) plus
cemeteries and other features in the park.
They are free, but donations are encouraged. The park is located off Iron Brigade
Unit Avenue in Bristow, south of Manassas.
More info: 703-366-3049.
Manassas bike tours
scheduled
Two-hour guided bicycle tours of historic sites in Manassas are offered through
the Manassas Museum the second Saturday
morning of each month March–November.
Bring your own bike. Cost is $5.
Details: www.manassasmuseum.org.
Crab Orchard hosts
May reenactment
The Crab Orchard Museum in Tazewell
hosts its annual Civil War reenactment and
living history weekend May 16–18. The
“Skirmish at Jeffersonville” weekend features
battles Saturday and Sunday with living history camps and demonstrations all weekend.
See craborchardmuseum.wordpress.com
for details.
Civil War/Emancipation Day
in Richmond: April 12
Shuttle busses take visitors to more than
25 sites in the Richmond area during Civil
War and Emancipation Day April 12. Open
houses at the major Civil War sites and attractions feature living history, special tours,
music and more. Details: civilwar.emancipationday.net.
Culpeper Remembrance Days
A weekend full of living history, special
tours, music and more is on tap for several
locations in Culpeper. For more information, see www.visitculpeperva.com.
Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site
Civil War Defenses of Washington
MORE NORTHERN VIRGINIA INFORMATION
Alexandria
Arlington County
Fairfax County
City of Fairfax
Fauquier County
Loudoun County
800-388-9119www.Funside.com
800-296-7996
www.stayArlington.com
800-732-4732
www.visitFXVA.com
703-385-8414
www.fairfaxva.gov
800-820-1021
www.visitFauquier.com
800-752-6118
www.visitLoudoun.org
• Preservedand
PartiallyRestored
Union Fort
• MuseumExhibits
PleasevisitFORT WARD soon!
4301W.BraddockRoad
Alexandria,VA22304
703-746-4848,www.fortward.org
• Reconstructed
Officers’Hut
• LivingHistory
• SeasonalEvents
46
Guide to Virginia’s Civil War
NORTHERN VIRGINIA: More to See
Loudoun County
General information: VisitLoudoun.travel
See also Route 50 section.
Ball’s Bluff Battlefield, park located
west of the Route 15 bypass north of
Leesburg (route takes you through a large
housing development) – A tiny National
Cemetery and a 173-acre park represent
this small but significant battle fought Oct.
21, 1861. Federal troops tried to cross the
Potomac River here but were overwhelmed.
Pushed off the bluffs on the Virginia side,
the Union soldiers made easy targets for
Southern guns as they tried to recross the
river. Bodies floated downstret to Washington. Lincoln’s good friend Edward
Baker was killed in the battle. Audio tour
available on the park website. Guided
tours offered weekends at 11 am and 1 pm
(April–October). In addition to the park,
a Civil War Trails sign locates a concealed
Confederate battery that controlled the approaches to Lees­burg. The sign is located
about 3/4 mile from the bypass on Edward’s Ferry Road. 703-737-7800 or www.
nvrpa.org/ballsbluff.html.
Morven Park, Trails sign located at the
mansion, 17263 Southern Planter Lane
– Confederate troops used the land surrounding the mansion Swan’s Castle as a
training ground from the summer of 1861
to March 1862. The soldiers were stationed
here and elsewhere in Leesburg to guard
the many Potomac River fords in the area.
They built log structures here this winter.
More than 50 of those sites have been
located on the property. See www.morvenpark.com or call 703-777-2414 about
visiting.
Mile Hill, at Morven Park, north of
downtown Leesburg – A surprise attack led
by Confederate Col. Thomas Munford on
Sept. 2, 1862, routed Federal forces. Trails
interpretation at Tutt Lane, 1/4 mile west
of Route 15, north of Leesburg.
Loudoun Museum, 16 Loudoun St.,
Leesburg – Exhibits cover history of this
rapidly changing area. Much Civil War content including information about Ball’s Bluff
and the county’s role in the no-man’s-land
of the war. Civil War Trails sign. Open Friday and Saturday 10 am–5 pm, Sunday 1–5
pm. $3/adult. 703-777-7427.
Guilford Signal Station, site in Claude
Moore Park, Sterling, entrance on Cascades Parkway just south of Route 7 – The
First Corps of the Union Army of the Potomac commanded by Gen. John Reynolds
camped here June 18–24, 1863, keeping a
Federal force between Washington and the
Confederate army then known to be on
the move. The armies collided a few days
later at Gettysburg. A telegraph/flag signal
station was located on high ground here
with a commanding view of the Potomac
River Valley. Information about the Civil
War history is available at the visitor center.
Trails interpretation near visitor center.
The site of the signal station, its view still
commanding, is a short hike away. Free.
Visitor center open 9 am–5 pm daily. 571258-3700.
Oatlands, south of Leesburg on Route
15 – Confederate troops preparing for another Union attack after the Battle of Ball’s
Bluff in October 1861 concentrated on the
grounds here. Gen. Nathan “Shanks” Evans
made the house his headquarters. Civil War
Trails interpretation.
Ambush at Heaton’s Crossroads,
Trails sign at the Loudoun Valley High
School, 340 N. Maple Ave., Purcellville
– Union cavalry attacked a column of Confederates under Gen. Jubal Early here July
16, 1864, after the Southerners ended their
campaign into Maryland, which briefly
threatened Washington DC. The attack
captured or destroyed dozens of Confederate wagons, many of which were filled with
booty from the campaign.
The Loudoun Rangers, Trails sign in
town square, Lovettsville – The Rangers,
composed of fewer than 200 men from
Waterford and Lovettsville, were the only
organized body of Union troops raised in
present-day Virginia. The Rangers clashed
frequently with Confederate units with the
Southerners mostly getting the upper hand.
An estimated 40 Rangers died in Union
service.
Fauquier County
and Warrenton
For more: www.FauquierCivilWar.com.
The following sites in Fauquier County
are marked with Civil War Trails signs
unless otherwise noted.
Warrenton Cemetery, off Business
Route 17 – A dramatic new memorial to
more than 600 Confederate soldiers who
died in nearby makeshift hospitals stands
near the grave of Confederate raider John
S. Mosby.
Spilman-Mosby House, 173 Main
St. – Constructed 1859–1861 by Judge
Edward Spillman, this home was owned by
the famed Confederate cavalryman John
S. Mosby, who bought the house in 1875.
When his wife died Mosby sold the home
to another famous Confederate, Eppa
Hunton.
Old Jail Museum, Warrenton – Good
Civil War displays, with some great Mosby
items, are included in the excellent small
museum. Jail dates to 1808. 10 am–4 pm
Tuesday–Sunday. Free. Trails sign begins a
walking tour of the town. 540-347-5525.
Thoroughfare Gap – Major route
through the Bull Run Mountains was the
site of dramatic Civil War events including
those leading up to the Second Battle of
Manassas. Trails signs located on Route 55
between The Plains and Marshall.
Sky Meadows State Park (Mount
Bleak), on Route 17 – Beautiful vistas and
the historic Mount Bleak, home of the
Abner Settle family, are highlights in the
park. Stonewall Jackson’s troops camped
here before leaving for the Battle of First
Manassas. Many Mosby associations. Trails
sign at house. Park open 8 am–dusk. Check
at Visitor Center about house tours. 540592-3556.
Rappahannock Station, Business
Route 29 just outside Remington – The
Orange and Alexandria Railroad crossed
the Rappahannock River here, making
this place a strategic goal for both armies.
Fighting Nov. 7, 1863, put the crossing under Union control for the rest of the war.
Catlett’s Station, Catlett – J.E.B. Stuart’s cavalrymen attacked this Union supply
depot Aug. 22, 1862, capturing, among
other things, Federal commander John
Pope’s cloak, hat and dispatch book. Intelligence gathered here helped Stonewall Jackson plan his Second Manassas campaign.
Delaplane (Piedmont Station) –
Stonewall Jackson’s troops boarded trains
here July 19, 1861, to travel to Manassas. It
was the first time in history railroads were
used to move soldiers to an impending
battle. Many Delaplane buildings date to
that time.
Buckland Races, Trails sign at the
commuter parking lot near the junction of U.S. 17 and 29 – Trap sprung by
Confederate Gen. J.E.B. Stuart’s cavalry
on approaching Union counterparts Oct.
18–19, 1863, resulted in precipitous Federal
withdrawal.
Marshall (historic Salem) – Trails sign
features John Singleton Mosby’s Confederate raiders who fought (Oct. 5, 1864) and
finally disbanded (April 21, 1865) here.
Stonewall Jackson marched through here
and was cheered silently on his way to the
Battle of Second Manassas.
Rectortown, near intersection of Route
713 and 710, north of I-66 – Sprawling
Union campground around the small railroad town where Federal commander Gen.
George McClellan was relieved of command, replaced by Gen. Ambrose Burnside,
Nov. 7, 1862.
Town of The Plains – Located on the
Manassas Gap Railroad and the Warrenton Turnpike, The Plains was a busy place
during the war. Spies of all sorts reported
on the movements of campaigning armies
(including Second Manassas) as they
marched through. Trails sign at intersection
of Routes 55 and 626.
Rappahannock County
See CivilWarTraveler.com for a complete list
of Rappahannock County sites.
Corbin’s Crossroads, Trails sign at
Amissville Baptist Church, 776 Viewtown
Road, Amissville VA 20106 – Confederate
Gen. J.E.B. Stuart fought a series of running cavalry battles while screening Robert.
E. Lee’s infantry march through the Blue
Ridge following the Battle of Antietam in
September 1862. The last fight was here.
Stuart escaped but got a “close shave” when
a bullet clipped his moustache.
Sister Caroline,Trails sign at footbridge,
12018 Lee Highway, Sperryville VA 22740
– Born a slave, “Sister” Caroline Terry lived
most of her life in Rappahannock County.
Her owner bought several buildings in town
including the Sperryville Hotel.
“Twlight of Slavery,” Trails sign in
parking lot, intersection of US 211 and VA
Route 729, Rappahannock VA 20106 –
Slaves in this area fled to Union lines when
the Federals occupied the region in the
summer of 1862. Commanding Gen. Robert
Milroy put the men to work in various capacities and created a construction company
composed of the ex-slaves. A year later, a
local slave became a cook for Union Gen.
George A. Custer.
Confederate Monument, Trails sign at
the Rappahannock County Courthouse, 250
Gay St, Washington VA 22747 – More than
1,000 county men served in the Confederate army and at least 115 died during the
war. This monument, sculpted by William
Randolph Barbee, was erected in the early
20th century.
“Kitty Payne,” Trails sign on the Rappahannock County Courthouse grounds,
250 Gay St., Washington VA 22747 – Born
in 1816 to her owner, Samual Maddox, and
one of his slaves, Katherine Payne had to
deal with the physical and legal constraints
of slavery her entire life. She married a
freedman, was emancipated by her owner,
yet she and her children had to struggle in
the courts over their status. They eventually
used the “Underground Railroad” to freedom in Gettysburg, Pa. ◆
in Prince William County & Manassas, Virginia
Potomac River Blockade Boat Tours
on
eria Plantati
Historic Lib
Attic Tours
Basement to
Ben Lomond Civil War Encampment
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oration Tou
Liberia Resteum admission)
April 12 & 26, May 10, June 14 & 28, September 13 & 20,
October 11 & 25
February 22
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June 1 - A
April 11-13
The Cavalry Comes to Brentsville April 26
Joseph McGill Slave Quarter Project at Ben
Lomond Historic Site May 17
U.S. Colored Troops in Richmond-Petersburg
Campaign Bus Tour June 14
Pringle House Hospital Weekend at Ben
Lomond Historic Site July 19-20
Kettle Run Weekend at Bristoe Station Battlefield
August 26-27
Camp Jones Luminary at Bristoe Station
Battlefield September 13
Bristoe Station Anniversary Weekend
October 11-12
www.pwcgov.org/historicpreservation
Experience a place where the past speaks and the present beckons.
Visit the sacred ground where the nation’s history was forged and enjoy
the hospitality of quaint towns and attractions beyond the battlefields.
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The American Civil War Museum
CONFEDERACY  UNION  FREEDOM
T WO R IC H M ON D I N S T I T U T ION S
The Museum of the Confederacy and the American Civil War Center are joining together
to create a brand new museum: The American Civil War Museum. Headquartered at the
historic Tredegar Iron Works site, the American Civil War Museum will tell a multitude
of military, political and civilian stories of the Civil War, through dynamic and interactive
exhibits, and engaging educational programs.
There is much work to be done as we prepare for our opening in 2015-16. In the
meantime, we encourage you to visit our museums in Richmond and Appomattox.
You’ll find it all at The American Civil War Museum.
MUSEUM & WHITE HOUSE
OF THE CONFEDERACY
Open Daily 10 am to 5 pm
1201 E. Clay Street, Richmond VA
Toll free: 855-649-1861
www.moc.org
Civil War Traveler ad.indd 1
AMERICAN CIVIL WAR CENTER
AT HISTORIC TREDEGAR
Open Daily 9 am to 5 pm
500 Tredegar Street, Richmond VA
804-780-1865
www.tredegar.org
MUSEUM OF THE CONFEDERACYAPPOMATTOX
Open Daily 10 am to 5 pm
159 Horseshoe Road, Appomattox VA
Rte. 24 at Rte. 460
Toll free: 855-649-1861  www. moc.org
1/31/2014 4:31:25 PM