Follow the signs and youre allowed to walk through the outer trench and look up and into the fortified artillery position. All of this started when his father returned from WWII with a very early metal detector. Although there were camps throughout the county, the remains of one winter camp can be seen at the newly openedStafford Civil War Park. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. They could easily imagine the life of a solider after walking through it. Established in 1891, it was originally home to the Falmouth Baptist Church congregation. Today, private residences fill the area. Stafford youths, George Washington and George Mason, Many escaped slaves passed through Aquia Landing on their way to freedom. It is located at 985 White Oak Road. D.P. By April 18, 1862, Union troops had arrived at Falmouth, across the Rappahannock River from Fredericksburg. So, here are a few things I learned as a first time visitor which might be helpful if youre planning a trip out to the preserved winter camp sites and hilltop forts. This is not a site a visitor would drive out of their way. 69-year-old suffers stroke in his N.C. home; Realtor showing house leaves him there. Our newest exhibit is all about Modern Stafford. 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. Miles of fences, thousands of acres, and many farm houses or outbuildings were used to construct camps or feed thousands of Union campfires, that burned 24 hours a day. But now people in White Oak, a close-knit community, fear theyll be the last to earn their living on the water. The town was quite prosperous from its creation in 1728 until the late 1840s or early 1850s. The best civil war collection I have ever seen! Newton, along with fellow relic hunter Glen Trimmer, worked to help preserve areas of the county that were being lost to development. Civil War Relics Original OUTSTANDING Civil War Excavated Relic U.S. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Newton heads out to crab on Potomac Creek as dawn peeks over the horizon. This is a privately owned museum located out in the country. Definitely start at Stop #1 (just drive until the road ends after you enter the park) because there are great interpretive panels and a good map of the sites in the preserved area to help decide what youll want to see and do. 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. Accessible and enjoyable by car or on foot. The best example (Ive ever seen) of a well preserved corduroy road runs through Stafford CW Park. John Washington had been working at the Shakespeare Hotel when word arrived of the Union army camping in Falmouth. (Sources: Washington, 45-47; Hennessey Exodus), In February 1863, Confederate General Fitzhugh Lees cavalry led raids in the area of Hartwood Church. The term Ferry Farm related to the operative ferry which connected it to Fredericksburg. For Civil War buffs, this area was the first to see naval fire d during the Civil War and is the place where 10,000 slaves were able to escape to freedom. And the collector is on site! Another popular attraction, said Newton, is a blackboard from the original elementary school. This church, organized in 1789, was first known as White Oak Church of Christ but changed its name in the 1830s in opposition to Baptists straying from original doctrines. By that time, most of the Confederates had been pushed back from their positions. Government Island Quarry contributed stone which helped create The museum covers from the Native Americans, American Revolution, Civil War and continues forward . Stafford Civil War Park 400 Mount Hope Church Road, Stafford, Virginia 22554 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMF649l9tNI This historic site, situated on 41 acres, allows visitors to tour eight stops that hosted the Union Army's 11th Corp, 1st and 3rd Divisions, following the December 1862 Battle of Fredericksburg. What most people do not realize is that there were even 13-year-olds in the battles. Danny is a very quiet person, but truly is an expert. Newton was also instrumental in the establishment of the Stafford Civil War Park, which preserves part of the winter encampment site of the Union Eleventh Corps . Its worth the walk down the remains of the old corduroy road to the historic Daniel Bridge site. Start of the Civil War in Stafford Before you read this section, please read the Antebellum Exhibit to see what Stafford was like leading up to the Civil War. Re-enactor Marvin E. Hambrick, a captain in the 30th Virginia Infantry, Company B, 1st Battalion, musters fellow re-enactors at the White Oak Museum on Nov. 21. Captain John Smith visited the location in 1608 and it was subsequently used as a Virginia outpost (1609-c. 1620) and tobacco storage site. Stafford is bordered to the east by the Potomac River and to the south by the Rappahannock River, for a combined total of 51 miles of shoreline. Then known as Rappahannock Farm, was the boyhood home of George Washington. Stafford County was greatly affected by the Civil War. Newton heads out for a morning of crabbing on Potomac Creek as dawn peeks over the horizon. Share with Us. No, its not a battlefieldbut what a great place to look at Civil War history etched into the ground and study artillery fortifications up close. A wonderful treasure to be sure. During the Civil War, Aquia Landing was site of the wars first ship-to-shore naval engagement in May 31-June 1, 1861, and was one of two major Union logistical centers in Stafford supporting the battles of Fredericksburg (1862), Chancellorsville (1863), and Grants 1864 Overland Campaign. Click here. Countless museums dot the Virginia countryside. Newton, the owner and curator of the White Oak Museum. This was not the first time they visited a historical site take pictures. He and two other men left town and headed toward the river and Falmouth. It's full of Civil War history and artifacts, and Mr. Newton is really nice and helpful to answer all my questions. Just keep driving! You may have followed an old link. No one really believed the war would last as long as it did, he said. Especially those interested in the encampments throughout Stafford County! . Aquia Landingis a recreational park for fishing and swimming, but during the Civil War, it was an important transportation link. To find out more, please see our Privacy Policy. or anything. A number of these sites are in William County, Virginia, as part of the blockade of the Potomac River. The museum interprets the Civil War in Stafford County and its effects on the citizens and the land. Newton and his father started hunting for relics in the . On the Union side, there were no deaths but one injury. Have you visited? Half of Staffords historical records were taken as souvenirs or destroyed when Staffords Courthouse was looted and later partially burned. Amanda Motley can be reached at info@staffordcountysun.com. Still, many relics from the camp are on display. An older office typewriter in need of repair is a big draw with the youngsters, who poke at the keys and watch the type bars fly to the roller. (And there are restrooms. Aquia Landing is located at the end of Brooke Road and is open year-round. I highly recommend this cool little treasure palace. phone. Aquia Landingis on Aquia Creek where it empties into the Potomac River. I highly recommend it! I love this place, I go there all the time. Aleks Dolzenko/ Stafford County Sun, Jonathan Cox, foreground left, of the 30th, Company B, steps back as a charge used by re-enactors fires from the Coehorn mortar during a demonstartion Saturday at the White Oak Civil War Museum in Falmouth. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Suzanne Carr Rossi/The Free Lance-Star DP Newton, photographed at his White Oak Civil War Museum in. D.P. No matter the size of the tents, six men usually would be living in one tent. Bothsitesare on theTrail to Freedom, opens a new window. I drove out to to Battery #3 and dont miss this one! Stafford Civil War Park goes on my list of recommended sites when Im touring visitors around because its accessible and enjoyable for all ages and has easy and informative historical interpretation. The park is near Stafford, Quantico and Aquia areas and is a definite stop whenever you are in the area. No questions have been asked about this experience. It is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily from March through December. now for rental rates and other information about this property. Captain John Smiths Rappahannock exploration (also in 1608) took place below Belmont Hill. Stafford artists, Gari Follow Us! Let us know what's going on! I sent him copies of Charlie's picture and his pension application from The Archives to add to his "library". He was 66. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Free WiFi, free breakfast, free parking. Ask Rob he studied all these. Sarah Kay Bierle. Event Information for Beyond the Battlefield: Civil War Walking Tour at Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden in Alexandria, US on Saturday, March 25, 2023 - UpcomingEvents.com The Fredericksburg Regional Genealogical Society was organized in 1993 with the mission of encouraging genealogical research, sharing genealogical knowledge, educating members on methods and standards, preserving genealogical records, and promoting fellowship among its members. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. At about the same time, the Union army seized the steamships traveling along the Potomac and made them into gunboats. Amazing. Theres a lot of hard work that he put into researching the day-to-day life of these soldiers, said Milde. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Newton was remembered Wednesday as a humble man whose love of history helped preserve an important part of Stafford Countys past for future generations. (And a few photographs of the cold before the storm.). He carefully mapped out every Union camp in Stafford, as well as a few Confederate ones, and made sure people knew what happened in Stafford during that war, said Milde. He helped connect us to those who made those sacrifices years ago.. White Oak Museum is located in Stafford County. 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. Newton, a lifelong Stafford resident, founded the White Oak Civil War Museum in 1998. Over 12,000 self-emancipated former slaves traveled through Little has been documented on this structure. Charles Bramble Massey spent the winter of 1862/63 camped at White Oak Church between the Battle of Fredericksburg in December and Salem Church(where there is a monument to the 23rd) in May. A must visit for civil war buffs! Restaurants near White Oak Civil War Museum: 985 White Oak Rd Rt. Resources are: Virginia Museum of Natural History and Culture Draper Manuscript Collection Fredericksburg.com The park is located south of Stafford, VA to the east of I-95 possibly exit 136. 5406584864. The current building was used as an outpost by Union cavalry guarding Confederate approaches from the southwest. Stafford County has a rich Civil War history including a naval battle, cavalry skirmishes, and Union encampments. Post Office Box 3161 The project is spearheadded by the Friends of Stafford Civil War Sites (FSCWS) whose co-founder is D.P. UPDATED: Man stole designer sunglasses before fatal police shooting at Tysons Corner Center, UPDATED: Husband tells 911 he shot man stabbing wife, as Fairfax police investigation continues, State police trying to identify driver killed in fiery Maserati crash on I-495, Woman arrested, man wanted after children found in Woodbridge apartment with guns, drugs, Jewelry stolen in violent Sterling robbery, Final boundaries approved for new elementary school outside Manassas, Student, 12, charged with making threats toward Lake Ridge Middle School over Snapchat, Del. Learn more about Staffords Civil War sites and county history by reviewing these resources. They constructed huts out of wood and canvas and built batteries to protect the camp and the creek from possible Confederate attacks. Edited with an Introduction and Notes by Crandall Shifflett, Lincoln in Stafford, by Jane Hollenbeck Conner, The Life of Billy Yank: The Common Soldier of the Union, by Bell Irvin Wiley, Sinners, Saints, and Soldiers in Civil War Stafford, by Jane Hollenbeck Conner, A Slave No More: Two Men Who Escaped to Freedom: Including Their Own Narratives of Emancipation,by David W. Blight, Stafford County in the Civil War, by Homer D. Musselman, They Called Stafford Home: The Development of Stafford County, Virginia, From 1600 Until 1865, by Jerrilyn Eby, The Union Cavalry Comes of Age: Hartwood Church to Brandy Station, 1863, by Eric J. Wittenberg, Virginia Shade: An African American History of Falmouth, Virginia, by Norman Schools, The Free Lance-Star:White Oak Museum Tells Staffords Story, by Jonas Beals. The artifact digs by Newton and his father resulted in an incredible collection of war relics and military memorabilia, which were incorporated into the White Oak Civil War Museum, at 985 White Oak Road. DP Newton, photographed at his White Oak Civil War Museum in Stafford, Va. on Oct. 10, 2018. The majority of sites in the Park are linked to the Union Army of the Potomacs 11th Corps 1st and 3rd Divisions. The 24-pound mortar was set off using re-enactor-grade ammo and the rifles were loaded with blanks. Cambridge Inn is now a tavern-restaurant; the rest of the buildings are in private hands, but can be viewed in a driving tour. Anyone interested in the Civil War history of Stafford County should visit theWhite Oak Civil War Museum. Attached is a membership form to become a Friend of Stafford Museum and Cultural Center Foundation. The Civil War began April 12, 1861, with the southern, Confederate forces firing upon the Union-held Fort Sumter in South Carolina. The Stafford Civil War Park contains an Army of the Potomac winter camp; three large artillery batteries; segments of two corduroy roads; and a late 1700's sand stone quarry. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. From May 29 to June 1, 1861, there were a series of skirmishes at Aquia Landing between Union gunboats and the Confederate defenses. 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. The Church was an early focal point for social and governmental interaction in Overwharton Parrish. It took many years before the woodlands recovered. See the equiptment they pulled or carried. Washington said he did and he crossed the river to freedom. StaffordCountyMuseum@gmail.com email He really is the most remarkable person Ive ever met. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. During the winter of 1862-1863, the Union army had winter quarters here in Stafford County. The liberty and rights of the people would be secured by common values. Box Plate Recovered At Stafford, Virginia Certified Original OUTSTANDING Civil War Excavated Relic U.S. There great to talk to. Find interesting facts about Staffords history. For over 110 years, this church has served as a highlight of the Falmouth skyline, a beacon linking its citizens to the past. Take your family to this wonderful museum. These two concepts divided the Founding Fathers more than any other. Oh, and it is a dog-friendly park (leashed) so if you have a four-legged buddy, they are welcome. Stone footings from the bridge remain, and there is a good trail to the west. A member of the Spotsylvania County school board was arrested Thursday on two charges, including a felony offense. All the proceeds went to improve the museum and support its operational costs. I believe living histories put those aspects of war into a human aspect.. Newton, photographed in 1999 on Potomac Creek, died on Wednesday. A river crossing close to Washington DC and a number of sites of little scrimmages. Samuel P. Langley launched airplanes from Staffords shore. What hotels are near White Oak Civil War Museum? I suggest you visit the museum before the Battlefields. The camp also had four tents that replicated the types of lodging available to soldiers, Hamrick said. The tour will cover the site of fortifications and winter encampments of the Union Army 11th Corps. A History of Our Own: Stafford County, Virginia, by Albert Z Conner, Jr. John Washingtons Civil War: A Slave Narrative, by John Washington. Virtual Tour. They enjoy the research so they will help you find family members that were camped nearby too!!! I previously retired from the U.S. Navy and I am an avid motorcyclist. Newton, curator of the White Oak Civil War Museum, dies. This little museum is a great find..the artifacts that are in here is amazing! ). I kept wondering when I was going to get there. The people that where running it at the time i was there was very knowledgeable on all artifacts. Captain John He and his family started checking the lands wher they lived. Historical Reenactments Whether large scale, such as the 150th reenactment of the Battle of Fredericksburg in 2013, or smaller scale encampments in Falmouth, or the White Oak Civil War Museum, Union and Confederate reenactment units have come to Stafford from all over America. 2023 Spring Lecture Series; Civil War & Emancipation Day; Videos; Current / Past Exhibits. Seasons/Open Hours. Danny Newton, who created the museum is amazing. Explore Collection Their short-term . Newton (right), owner and operator of the White Oak Civil War Museum, talks about the 5th Corps campsite exhibit on display in 2001. In May 1862, Union army engineer,Colonel Herman Hauptwas ordered to restore the RF&P railroad, including rebuilding the Potomac Creek Bridge. Event Information for Civil War Hospital Tour at Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden in Alexandria, US on Saturday, March 04, 2023 - UpcomingEvents.com When the Union army began to take control of the entire RF&P Railroad, the Confederates burned the facilities at Aquia Landing and destroyed the railway bridges over Accakeek Creek, Potomac Creek, and the Rappahannock. However, if you want to learn more about the common civil war soldier this is a great museum. Newton. Very impressive collection, also show you the troops lived in huts during the war. The world really has lost an absolutely wonderful role model for people, how to live and how to treat people.. The museum also houses a bookstore. A walking tour on a sound path/trail of 1.5 miles length with signage is open to the public until sunset daily. On February 24, 1863, Lee and his troops left Culpeper and crossed the Rappahannock River at Kellys Ford. After we have a physical building, you can donate or loan artifacts. accounts, the history behind an article. Exterior of the White Oak Civil War Museum & Stafford Research Center. http://npsfrsp.wordpress.com/2012/05/02/the-exodus-begins-john-washingtons-greatest-journey/, BiblioWeb: webapp05 Version 4.9.1 Last updated 2023/02/16 09:41, Image by Kara Rockwell, Central Rappahannock Regional Library, 2023 Central Rappahannock Regional Library, Meeting Room, Study Rooms, or Privacy Pods, Jack Knights Brave Flight: How One Gutsy Pilot Saved the U.S. Air Mail Service by Jill, Library Cards and Free Books for Kindergarten, Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Potomac Railroad, Germans in the Civil War: The Letters They Wrote Home, A History of Our Own: Stafford County, Virginia, John Washingtons Civil War: A Slave Narrative, The Life of Billy Yank: The Common Soldier of the Union, Sinners, Saints, and Soldiers in Civil War Stafford. Along the Potomac and made them into gunboats Farm related to the Falmouth Baptist Church congregation, said... 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Artillery position form to become a Friend of Stafford Museum and Cultural Center Foundation theTrail to freedom opens! Through little has been documented on this structure after we have a four-legged buddy, they are welcome sites! Out in the country Brooke road and is open to the operative Ferry which connected it to Fredericksburg subjective! Park are linked to the historic Daniel Bridge site in South Carolina show you the troops lived huts... Americans, American Revolution, Civil War Excavated Relic U.S. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled go all! Members that were being lost to development, also show you the troops lived in huts during Civil... Collection, also show you the troops lived in huts during the War encampments throughout Stafford County all artifacts metal... The proceeds went to improve the Museum covers from the U.S. Navy and i an. The Union-held Fort Sumter in South Carolina, 1861, with the southern Confederate! 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