At this site, in April 1863, President Lincoln and Major General Oliver Otis Howard conferred, leading to Howards later appointment to head the Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands Bureau, a major force during Reconstruction, and his role in founding Howard University (Washington, D.C.) and Lincoln Memorial University (Tennessee) for poor blacks and whites respectively. The owner is a nice man who will gladly speak to you. Be Proactive. When the cheerleading coach broke the news to Katrina Kohel that she was the only one left on the cheer squad, Kohel was determined to compete anyway. Looking at patterns in the ground depressions or a few rocks piled together might be the starting clues that some Civil War soldiers camped here once upon a time. Before long, Newton became an expert on Union camps in Stafford, where they were, and what life was like for soldiers. Over the years, the two accumulated thousands of Mini balls, belt buckles, buttons, bayonets, caps and other military items. The plan was for General Fitz Lee to lead troops from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Virginia Cavalry regiments to go behind Union lines. This was a really interesting perspective, especially to see the cannons from the other side.. Now operated by the George Washington Foundation, archeology has revealed the original Washington homesite and numerous other buildings. The majority of sites in the Park are linked to the Union Army of the Potomacs 11th Corps 1st and 3rd Divisions. (The precise kidnapping spot is arguable between Indian Point on the peninsula and Passapatanzy further down river.) There was a problem saving your notification. My favorite things about Stafford Civil War Park: A few things to know before you visit (What I wished Id known before-hand). On February 24, 1863, Lee and his troops left Culpeper and crossed the Rappahannock River at Kellys Ford. No high end museum can provide what the White Oak Civil War Museum offers- Yes the Civil War was a war so you will find many bullets and cannon balls, in addition to many other things. You have permission to edit this article. The tour will cover the site of fortifications and winter encampments of the Union Army 11th Corps. Stafford Civil War Park - Tour Stafford Virginia Weddings Groups & Reunions Meetings Sports Tourism Industry Stories & Blogs Things To Do Stay Eat & Drink Plan Your Trip Our Neighbors Events Visitor's Guide This page has moved. Please subscribe to keep reading. It became an exodus point for some of the 10,000-12,000 escaping slaves that summer, and was a central reference point for the 135,000-169,000 man Army of the Potomac during the winter of 1863 undergoing that armys Valley Forge in Stafford County. Along a winding two-lane road some 20 miles southeast of North Stafford, a former elementary school is home to a museum of the countys Civil War history. Man died Wednesday. The museum also houses a bookstore. Newton and his father started hunting for relics in the . Chance of rain 60%. Its that metal structure on the east side of the highway you cant miss if your driving on 95. https://www.tourstaffordva.com/attraction/stafford-civil-war-park/. Sign up for free e-mail alerts. It is located at 985 White Oak Road. He was a Staffordian who, nine days after the start of the war, enlisted in the Confederacy as a sergeant in Company A, 9th Virginia Cavalry, the Stafford Rangers. On the Union side, there were no deaths but one injury. By the end of the day on June 1, 1861, the Union commander,James Harmon Ward, disengaged. I took the VERY steep climb up to Battery #2 and then walked back by the paved road to the parking lot for Stop #2 (Battery #1). Falmouth Beach is the site of"The Crossing,"where a slave named John Washington arrived after crossing the Rappahannock River to freedom. Samuel Argall. The Aquia Crucifix monument was erected in honor of the Brent colony, which welcomed and encouraged settlers of all faiths to reside here. White Oak Civil War Museum 4.5 30 #2 of 9 things to do in Falmouth History Museums Call Email Write a review About Private Civil War museum. D.P. Stafford County has a rich Civil War history including a naval battle, cavalry skirmishes, and Union encampments. (Sources: Conner, Albert, 88; Musselman, 49-50). Book direct at the Quality Inn & Suites Quantico hotel in Stafford, VA near FBI Academy and Historic Fredericksburg. Today, private residences fill the area. It was too cold, and I was racing the setting sun on this first visit, but its nice to see places to sit and relax along the trails. During the winter of 1862-1863, the Union army had winter quarters here in Stafford County. Look at the condition these soldiers lived and fought under. Newton, a lifelong Stafford resident, founded the White Oak Civil War Museum in 1998. Afternoon Activity: We will visit the White Oak Civil War Museum at 985 White Oak . In addition, woodlands were lost as the trees were cut down for firewood and huts. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Across the river is Old Mill Park in Fredericksburg where Washington began his journey. Box Plate Recovered At Stafford, Virginia Certified Original OUTSTANDING Civil War Excavated Relic U.S. person will not be tolerated. He helped connect us to those who made those sacrifices years ago.. White Oak Civil War Museum From VisitFred.com: "White Oak Museum houses a unique collection of hundreds of Union and Confederate artifacts collected from encampments and battle sites around the Fredericksburg area. Many escaped slaves passed through Aquia Landing on their way to freedom. In a matter of seconds, Newton could put his finger on a map and tell you exactly where 70,000 Union troops stood in review near the corner of Deacon and Leeland roads during President Abraham Lincolns visit to Stafford on April 8, 1863. It is located in the Gordonsville Historic District . Captain John For over 110 years, this church has served as a highlight of the Falmouth skyline, a beacon linking its citizens to the past. You can cancel at any time. Aquia Landingis on Aquia Creek where it empties into the Potomac River. The architecture, Late Federal, suggests it was constructed in the 1820s or 1830s. Each living history camp is set up as it would be in soldiers camps during the Civil War, said re-enactor Jonathan Cox, who portrayed a private in the 30th Infantry. This 41-acre park tells the story of the Army of the Potomac's Winter Encampment in 1863. History lovers can explore Civil War sites in Fredericksburg . What would you recommend for my second visit to the sites? This historic workmans cottage dates back to around 1770. From prehistory to modern day, Stafford Countys got it all! Stafford on the Trail to Freedom.. National Park Service. Oh, and it is a dog-friendly park (leashed) so if you have a four-legged buddy, they are welcome. One museum, thoug,h has always stood out to me as being the perfect mix of quaint and impressive. Stafford Civil War Park. Newton, the owner and curator of the White Oak Museum. Learn more about Staffords Civil War sites and county history by reviewing these resources. During the demonstrations Steve Schwartz and his wife were clicking away, trying to capture what living history was all about. The Brent Town tract consisted of some 30,000 acres that now includes parts of western Stafford, Prince William, and Fauquier counties. The site of an earlier courthouse, the current (1920s) building stands near the land route passage of Washingtons and Rochambeaus Revolutionary War column transiting to and from Yorktown. That raid at once demonstrated continued Confederate cavalry superiority and marked the impending rise of the Federal cavalry which engaged in a retaliatory operation the following month at Kellys Ford (Culpeper County). It is located at 985 White Oak Road. Southern Stafford's rural enclave is home to the White Oak Civil War Museum--an overwhelming labor of love built by native son D.P. To find out more, please see our Privacy Policy. Have you visited? A walk through the camp at the museum gives a glimpse of soldiers lives in the early 1860s, with the re-enactors in period uniforms cooking over a campfire with rifles by their side. A History of Our Own: Stafford County, Virginia, by Albert Z Conner, Jr. John Washingtons Civil War: A Slave Narrative, by John Washington. If anyone has even a small interest in the Civil War then you have to take the time to visit the White Oak Civil War Museum. Have your child click a cherryandzoom their way to fun. Their sizes vary from the impressive National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle to the quaint Weems-Botts Museum in Dumfires. I have lived less than an hour away for ten years and never knew it was there. The Utah Citizens' Alarm is only a month old, and yet it already boasts 15,000-plus members.. The park is near Stafford, Quantico and Aquia areas and is a definite stop whenever you are in the area. More than 135,000 soldiers occupied Stafford County while their new commander, General Joseph Hooker rebuilt his army. He was 66. There are five stops/parking areas along nice paved roads. Our newest exhibit is all about Modern Stafford. (Musselman, 78-79). He suffered from "camp fever" the rest of his life. Beautifully and professionally showcased items representing civil war soldiers and their lives. My daughter, who lives in Richmond, hopes to bring my 3 grand daughters up for a history lesson and we will probably meet up there. Restaurants near White Oak Civil War Museum: 985 White Oak Rd Rt. According to Marvin Hamrick, coordinator for the 30th Virginia Infantry, these events are to educate the public through immersion, while allowing the re-enactors to have a little fun. Although a bit embarrassed about that, I dont regret the opportunity to learn and use the experience as a jumping-off point for some extended historical reading about winter camps. My great great grandfather Pvt. 2023 Spring Lecture Series; Civil War & Emancipation Day; Videos; Current / Past Exhibits. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. With chalk at the ready, todays students take their own hands-on trip back in time as they draw and write on the item that was a staple of every classroom. Let us know what's going on! by Sarah Kay Bierle. Free WiFi, free breakfast, free parking. Established in 1891, it was originally home to the Falmouth Baptist Church congregation. Stafford, Virginia 22555 lived in Stafford. The project is spearheadded by the Friends of Stafford Civil War Sites (FSCWS) whose co-founder is D.P. Stafford Museum and Cultural Center It makes it more personal than seeing history from behind a glass case.. Quantico Marine Base is established. I drove out to to Battery #3 and dont miss this one! Sheer awe at the amounts that they have..all locally found and recovered. Explore history at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Stafford Civil War Park and George Washington's childhood home at Ferry Farm. The ruins of the Potomac Creek Bridge arelocatedoff of Leeland Road. . WELL WORTH THE TIME and the trifle $4 to visit. Excellent and worth the stop- Staff very knowledgeable and helpful. The economic devastation resulting from the Civil War just finished it off and it never recovered. It is operated by the University of Mary Washington. Aquia Landing changed hands in the spring of 1862. 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