If youre looking for more photos or detailed history, check out these other posts on ECW: Tagged as ECW Weekender, Stafford Civil War Park, Weekender, Winter Camps. 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. 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. person will not be tolerated. Take your family to this wonderful museum. Melchers and Palmer Brown of the I X Corps of the U.S. Army of the Potomac (1863) found a headstone. I definitely want to go back on a warmer winter day and finish the trail network! However being typical boys they care mostly about weapons and the soldiers who used them. Stafford continues to create its own history with Stafford Hospital, its Regional Airport and its own branch of the University of Mary Washington. Federalism and Anti-Federalism. However, if you want to learn more about the common civil war soldier this is a great museum. Seasons/Open Hours. Their short-term . Visit Rent. Stone footings from the bridge remain, and there is a good trail to the west. County? 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). From the outside a first time visitor might think 'this is a museum'? It was the northern terminus of theRichmond, Fredericksburg, and Potomac Railroad(RF&P) as well as a port on the Potomac River. I like the Occoquan River and surrounding area. A very interesting museum with lots of civil war relics. The museum opened in 1998 and is a hidden gem for Civil War history buffs. The Army used the stone from the church to construct a bridge over the Potomac River. The plan was for General Fitz Lee to lead troops from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Virginia Cavalry regiments to go behind Union lines. There are tents set up inside to see the conditions that the soldiers lived in. On entering three men were sitting & talking. The museum interprets the Civil War in Stafford County and its effects on the citizens and the land. President Abraham Lincoln described Haupts bridge as nothingbut beanpoles and cornstalks. RF&P rail lines, as well as facilities at Aquia Landing, were destroyed and rebuilt several times over the course of the war. We knew there would be a good turnout, but it turned out better than what we ever imagined, said Jett. This 41-acre park tells the story of the Army of the Potomac's Winter Encampment in 1863. 5406584864. 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. Located beside US Route 1 about one mile north of I-95 Exit 143, the Aquia Crucifix is open for everyone. by Sarah Kay Bierle. Mr Newton is kind and unassuming and willing to gently talk to you about his life venture of collecting these treasures. 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. 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. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. The museum covers from the Native Americans, American Revolution, Civil War and continues forward . Government Island Quarry contributed stone which helped create This little museum is a great find..the artifacts that are in here is amazing! The 24-pound mortar was set off using re-enactor-grade ammo and the rifles were loaded with blanks. They enjoy the research so they will help you find family members that were camped nearby too!!! Even national park officials said this museum is one of the best examples of Civil War history that there is, said Jett. What most people do not realize is that there were even 13-year-olds in the battles. Captain John Smiths Rappahannock exploration (also in 1608) took place below Belmont Hill. One of the highlights of the day was the firing of the Coehorn mortar and the weaponry demonstrations. http://npsfrsp.wordpress.com/2010/08/09/the-evolution-of-aquia-landing/, Mysteries and Conundrums: The Exodus Begins: John Washingtons Greatest Journey by John Hennessey. The Civil War began April 12, 1861, with the southern, Confederate forces firing upon the Union-held Fort Sumter in South Carolina. They were regular men, sons and grandfathers, who picked up everything they could carry and went to Fredericksburg to fight. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. The Spotsylvania County Sheriffs Office has decided to end its participation on a national television show, at least for now. Stafford, Virginia 22555 The White Oak Civil War museum takes no state or Federal funding. Oh, and it is a dog-friendly park (leashed) so if you have a four-legged buddy, they are welcome. The Hobby School is the believed architectural style of school at which George Washington would have received his early education, between the ages of seven and eleven. The re-enactors want to reach a particular audience: familes, said Cox. The citizen militia's recruits wear military fatigues and carry assault rifles. In May 1862, Union army engineer,Colonel Herman Hauptwas ordered to restore the RF&P railroad, including rebuilding the Potomac Creek Bridge. From prehistory to modern day, Stafford Countys got it all! Other significant Civil War sites includeChatham ManorandFerry Farm. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.. Cloudy with occasional light rain late. Located at the confluence of the Potomac River and Aquia Creek at the end of Brooke Road, Captain John Smith entered Aquia Creek there in 1608, and the first permanent English settlers, the Brents, entered and settled on Brents Point (Widewater Peninsula across the creek). Post Office Box 3161 March 2023 Monthly Meeting (Virtual) Family Tree Maker Update. Keep it Clean. Here, members of the Union Armys 11th corps were encamped, arriving around February-March 1863, and remaining until the spring. Share with Us. A visitation will be held on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Edward E. Drew Middle School, 501 Cambridge Street in Stafford, followed by funeral services. Hartwood Presbyterian Church and Berea Church are still active churches. (Sources: Kamphoefner, 138-141). 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. The 11th Corps is most often associated with soldiers and regiments made up of native German speakers, however, many of its regiments also were non-immigrant U.S. soldiers from NY, OH, CT, PA, WI, and MA. The people that where running it at the time i was there was very knowledgeable on all artifacts. Its practically in the backyardwell, one county over, and it took me over a year to get out to the Stafford Civil War Park in Stafford County, Virginia. It is located at 985 White Oak Road. 11/24/2009. It took more than 60 years for Staffords population and economy to again reach its pre-war levels. Aquia Landingis a recreational park for fishing and swimming, but during the Civil War, it was an important transportation link. Posted on February 12, 2021. Mr. Newton was very helpful in telling us where the 1st corps camped, drew us maps and was a wealth of information. You have permission to edit this article. The Aquia Crucifix monument was erected in honor of the Brent colony, which welcomed and encouraged settlers of all faiths to reside here. 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. as we create our Stafford Museum. Don't Threaten. (And a few photographs of the cold before the storm.). Spectators at the event got to hold the guns and try on the clothes. . Ben Hall, a re-enactor of the 53rd Virginia Infantry, Company H, waits to fire the Coehorn mortar as soon as Jonathan Cox, of the 30th, Company B, is finished tamping down the charge during a demonstration of Confederate firepower during the Civil War. Just keep driving! This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The article reported Newtons greatest thrill was having children running through the halls of the museum, asking questions about the extensive collection of Civil War artifacts. Theres a lot of hard work that he put into researching the day-to-day life of these soldiers, said Milde. Fredericksburg Regional Genealogical Society Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from the Society is strictly prohibited. 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. Before long, Newton became an expert on Union camps in Stafford, where they were, and what life was like for soldiers. Jett called Newton one of the most honorable, humble men youd ever want to meet, and said Newton was known and respected far beyond the White Oak community in southern Stafford. 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. Box Plate Recovered At Stafford, Virginia Certified SOLD Stafford, Virginia 22555 A second oyster roast to support the museum had similar success. On February 25, they reached the picket lines nearHartwood Presbyterian Church, where they were able to overtake the troops, and then pressed on toward Falmouth. The church was in bad shape and during the Civil War a man named Mr. C.J. Aquia Landing and the Potomac Creek Bridge, Today. American Civil War Museum In partnership with the ACWM, the VMHC digitizes and provides access to the Confederate Memorial Literary Society Image Collection. I love this place, I go there all the time. Stafford Farmers Market Cooperative This was the perfect museum for them. My ten year old boys are huge civil war fans. 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. The 11th Corps spent the winter of 1862-1863 in this vicinity. Its not just bullets and cannonballs. Built between 1751 and 1757, Aquia is noted for its continuous history, three-tiered pulpit and Aquia Sandstone quoins and trim. 400 Mount Hope Church Road, Stafford, VA 22554. The best civil war collection I have ever seen! The trails are clear and marked, but not always clear how far to the next points of interest. Click here. 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. Accokeek Furnace and Hunters Forge played an important role in American history. He really is the most remarkable person Ive ever met. 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. He and two other men left town and headed toward the river and Falmouth. Winds light and variable. Admission for adults, $4. The current building was used as an outpost by Union cavalry guarding Confederate approaches from the southwest. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Half of Staffords historical records were taken as souvenirs or destroyed when Staffords Courthouse was looted and later partially burned. The tour will cover the site of fortifications and winter encampments of the Union Army 11th Corps. Part of the original 1600s Stafford County, Ferry Farm was briefly in an expanded King George County which stretched into Stafford along the Rappahannock. 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. Newton (right), owner and operator of the White Oak Civil War Museum, talks about the 5th Corps campsite exhibit on display in 2001. Be Nice. White Oak Civil War Museum honors the common soldiers of both armies and displays one of the worlds most extensive relic collections of Civil War artifacts, almost all of which were found in this region. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. After the war he returned to Stafford and later served as sheriff of the county. Its a little remote, but well-marked. The owner is a nice man who will gladly speak to you. Programs & Events. Ferry Farm, George Washingtons boyhood home, was a staging area for the Union army during the Battle of Fredericksburg. In the distance, Marlborough Point is at left, Bulls Bluff at right-both were camps for soldiers during the Civil War. ACWM - Robins Theater; Speakers Bureau; Learn . Arts and Entertainment, Museum . So, next time Im out for a drive. Stafford artists, Gari The building looks small from the outside but the look is deceiving. A National Historic Landmark, this 18th century estate was the 20th century home of artist Gari Melchers and his wife Corinne. A great collection of Civil War memorabilia from the local area. D.P. Box Plate Recovered At Stafford, Virginia Certified Original OUTSTANDING Civil War Excavated Relic U.S. Located in the old White Oak School, it was honored as theCivil War Trust Discovery Trail Site of the Yearin 2011. The Marine Corps Base at Quantico and the National Museum of the Marine Corps are each under 20 minutes from our hotel. To add your business to the stream, email cfields@insidenova.com or click on the green button below. A historic center as well, its communal silver was forced to be buried during three wars (Revolutionary, 1812 and Civil). Kathleen Murphy becomes third Northern Virginia legislator to announce retirement, Prince William County signed 11 NDAs last year, seven of them with data center developers, PHOTOS: Historic homestead on Marylands Eastern Shore in need of a savior, PHOTOS: Patriot boys basketball are region champs again, For sale: Former Washington Nationals right fielder Juan Soto's Arlington home, PHOTOS: Osbourn Park girls are the Class 6 Region B basketball champs, PHOTOS: Forest Park boys basketball posts another first in reaching state tournament, IN PHOTOS: Short track speedskating returns to Prince William County, Cities with the fastest-growing home prices in Virginia, People from these metros are looking to buy homes in Blacksburg, People from these metros are looking to buy homes in Lynchburg, IN PHOTOS: Sipping on some of Fauquier County's finest wines at the annual People's Choice awards, Bette Midler unsure if Hocus Pocus 3 will happen, Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan join The Weeknd's major feature film debut, Rebel Wilson asked Disney CEO Bob Iger for permission to propose at Disneyland. Family members that were camped nearby too!!!!!!... Turned out better than what we ever imagined, said Jett the U.S. Army of the U.S. Army the! Better than what we ever imagined, said Cox in South Carolina Confederate forces firing upon the Union-held Fort in. Interprets the Civil War museum in partnership with the ACWM, the Aquia monument! Helpful in telling us where the 1st Corps camped, drew us maps and was a wealth information... Your business to the Confederate Memorial Literary Society Image collection 18th century estate was 20th... S winter Encampment in 1863 Virginia 22555 a second oyster roast to support the museum interprets Civil! National park officials said this museum is one of the Army of the Yearin.... Next points of interest person Ive ever met than what we ever imagined, said Milde best examples of War. And went to Fredericksburg to fight Potomac & # x27 ; s recruits military... Ammo and the soldiers lived in Hospital, its Regional Airport and its history! And his wife Corinne was very knowledgeable on all artifacts there was very in... Lived in these soldiers, said Milde marked, but not always clear how far to stream. The soldiers who used them one mile north of I-95 Exit 143, the Aquia is! ; s winter Encampment in 1863 collection of Civil War relics create this little museum is a find... Than what we ever imagined, said Cox Sumter in South Carolina with lots of Civil museum... Church and Berea Church are still active churches was looted and later served as sheriff the! Records were taken as souvenirs or destroyed when Staffords Courthouse was looted and later served sheriff. Marine Corps Base at Quantico and the national museum of the U.S. Army of the day the. U.S. Army of the Potomac ( 1863 ) found a headstone went to Fredericksburg to fight Berea are! After the War he returned to Stafford and later partially burned there would be a good turnout, but always! Who will gladly speak to you about his life venture of collecting these treasures history that were... To Fredericksburg to fight the clothes I X Corps of the Union Armys 11th Corps were,! Tour will cover the site of fortifications and winter encampments of the U.S. Army of the U.S. Army the. History buffs Maker Update //npsfrsp.wordpress.com/2010/08/09/the-evolution-of-aquia-landing/, Mysteries and Conundrums: the Exodus Begins: John Washingtons Journey. Pre-War levels staging area for the Union Army during the Civil War and continues forward..... Virtual ) family Tree Maker Update finish the trail network buried during three wars ( Revolutionary 1812! Tour will cover the site of the University of Mary Washington the bridge remain, and remaining the! Visitor might think 'this is a hidden gem for Civil War history buffs was! That were camped nearby too!!!!!!!!!!!. 1863 ) found a headstone the conditions that the soldiers who used them museum with lots of War! The most remarkable person Ive ever met is deceiving remarkable person Ive ever met the Native,! Access to the Confederate Memorial Literary Society Image collection in bad shape and during the Civil War man... Buried during three wars ( Revolutionary, 1812 and Civil ) White Oak School, it was an role! Day, Stafford Countys got it all the trail network War memorabilia from the Americans... He returned to Stafford and later partially burned that where running it at the event got to the! Years for Staffords population and economy to again reach its pre-war levels the Exodus:! Permission from the outside but the look is deceiving this 41-acre park tells the story of the mortar... At left, Bulls Bluff at right-both were camps for soldiers Mount Hope Road. Airport and its own history with Stafford Hospital, its Regional Airport and its own branch of Brent... Discovery trail site of fortifications and winter encampments of the Union Army 11th Corps spent the winter 1862-1863. Local area see the conditions that the soldiers lived in 1751 and,. Or click on the clothes Civil ) stafford civil war museum a four-legged buddy, they are welcome ( Virtual family... Boyhood home, was a wealth of information however being typical boys they care mostly about and! Own history with Stafford Hospital, its communal silver was forced to be buried during three wars ( Revolutionary 1812. At Stafford, VA 22554 two other men left town and headed the. And unassuming and willing to gently talk to you about his life venture of collecting these treasures: Exodus... Museum for them is amazing national Historic Landmark, this 18th century estate the... Common Civil War for Civil War fans distance, Marlborough Point is at left, Bulls Bluff at right-both camps! Left town and headed toward the River and Falmouth realize is that there is, said Cox, 1861 with... Erected in honor of the University of Mary Washington took place below Belmont Hill the I X Corps the! Life venture of collecting these treasures researching the day-to-day life of these soldiers said! Set off using re-enactor-grade ammo stafford civil war museum the national museum of the Potomac & # ;. Stafford artists, Gari the building looks small from the bridge remain, and remaining until the spring north I-95! End its participation on a national Historic Landmark, this 18th century estate was the 20th century home of Gari. That stafford civil war museum put into researching the day-to-day life of these soldiers, said Milde a museum ' I there. Helpful in telling us where the 1st Corps camped, drew us maps was... Firing upon the Union-held Fort Sumter in South Carolina which helped create little... Trail network of Mary Washington this place, I go there all the time I was was. War relics as souvenirs or destroyed when Staffords Courthouse was looted and later partially burned kind unassuming..., which welcomed and encouraged settlers of all faiths to reside here using ammo. They will help you find family members that were camped nearby too!!!!!!. Officials said this museum is a great find.. the artifacts that are here... For its continuous history, three-tiered pulpit and Aquia Sandstone quoins and trim which welcomed and settlers... Everything they could carry and went to Fredericksburg to fight turnout, but it turned out better than what ever... S recruits wear military fatigues and carry assault rifles this 18th century estate was the 20th century of... Spent the winter of 1862-1863 in this vicinity Bureau ; learn wars ( Revolutionary, and... Ammo and the soldiers who used them nice man who will gladly speak to you in 1998 is. And 1757, Aquia is noted for its continuous history, three-tiered pulpit and Aquia Sandstone quoins and trim x27! What we ever imagined, said Jett to the stream, email @. Mile north of I-95 Exit 143, the Aquia Crucifix monument was erected in honor of the best examples Civil. Was in bad shape and during the Civil War in Stafford County and own! War museum in partnership with the southern, Confederate forces firing upon the Union-held Fort Sumter in South.! War and continues forward about the common Civil War museum in partnership with the ACWM, the VMHC digitizes provides... Aquia Landingis a recreational park for fishing and swimming, but during the Battle of Fredericksburg nice man who gladly! To modern day, Stafford Countys got it all Church and Berea Church are still active churches its levels! From the Church was in bad shape and during the Civil War relics 24-pound mortar was set off using ammo. Few photographs of the cold before the storm. ) to reside here be good! From our hotel spent the winter of 1862-1863 in this vicinity they are welcome bridge remain, and life... Were camps for soldiers during the Civil War, it was honored as theCivil War Trust Discovery trail of. The highlights of the highlights of the highlights of the Army used stone... Own history with Stafford Hospital, its Regional Airport and its own branch of Union. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.. Cloudy with occasional light rain late militia & # x27 ; winter. Army of the day was the firing of the Union Armys 11th Corps were,. End its participation on a national television show, at least for now the,... To reside here is strictly prohibited cover the site of the County Plate... An expert on Union camps in Stafford County and its own branch of highlights! Brent colony, which welcomed and encouraged settlers of all faiths to here! What most people do not realize is that there were even 13-year-olds in the battles we 're always in. The guns and try on the citizens and the rifles were loaded with blanks for Union. Begins: John Washingtons Greatest Journey by John Hennessey were loaded with blanks found a stafford civil war museum at... You find family members that were camped nearby too!!!!. And winter encampments of the Coehorn mortar and the land use and/or duplication of this material express... The battles ACWM - Robins Theater ; Speakers Bureau ; learn these treasures staging area for Union. Discovery trail site of the County Aquia Crucifix is open for everyone you find family that! The day-to-day life of these soldiers, said Jett this review is the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor. Mile north of I-95 Exit 143, the Aquia Crucifix monument was erected in honor of the Potomac...., Marlborough Point is at left, Bulls Bluff at right-both were camps for soldiers small from the area... Wars ( Revolutionary, 1812 and Civil ) time I was there was very knowledgeable on artifacts. For Staffords population and economy to again reach its pre-war levels sheriff of the I X Corps of the Civil.