More than 135,000 soldiers occupied Stafford County while their new commander, General Joseph Hooker rebuilt his army. 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. (Sources: Washington, 45-47; Hennessey Exodus), In February 1863, Confederate General Fitzhugh Lees cavalry led raids in the area of Hartwood Church. Privately owned, privately funded gem. But it was unusual for men to sleep in the tents; usually they slept on the ground outside. The museum interprets the Civil War in Stafford County and its effects on the citizens and the land. Suzanne Carr Rossi/The Free Lance-Star DP Newton, photographed at his White Oak Civil War Museum in. 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. Its not just bullets and cannonballs. Larger officer tents were set off to the side of the camp, while enlisted soldiers tents were small. Everyday items such as knives and forks are showcased alongside the cannonballs and bayonets. Free WiFi, free breakfast, free parking. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. The town was quite prosperous from its creation in 1728 until the late 1840s or early 1850s. Quantico Marine Base is established. A very interesting museum with lots of civil war relics. The relic hunter who created the White Oak Civil War Museum in southern Stafford died Tuesday at Johns Hopkins hospital in Baltimore. million years ago. Be Nice. Outnumbered 15 to 1 by Union soldiers the winter of 1862-1863 brought suffering to Staffords civilians as well. Patawomeck Park. Free WiFi, free breakfast, free parking. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Wednesday through Sunday. A river crossing close to Washington DC and a number of sites of little scrimmages. or anything. Your in a great area, all along the Potomac theyre installations constructed by both Confederate and Union. 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. Please contact us if you are willing to build our collection. this is not the museum for you. 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. A second oyster roast to support the museum had similar success. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Some Union soldiers called out and asked if anyone wanted to cross. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Photo by Mike Morones / The Free Lance-Star, FILE/SUZANNE CARR ROSSI/THE FREE LANCE-STAR, Independent Contractor (Newspaper Carrier), Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Spotsylvania School Board member charged with forgery, Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office ends affiliation with TV show, Spotsylvania man convicted of felony in driveway shooting, Police cite medical emergency in Spotsylvania crash, State rail plan advancing; includes Fredericksburg-area improvements, Bond denied for mother accused of starving her infant to death in Spotsylvania. The ruins of the Potomac Creek Bridge arelocatedoff of Leeland Road. Theres a lot of hard work that he put into researching the day-to-day life of these soldiers, said Milde. So, next time Im out for a drive. It saw significant use during the Civil War as a crossing site during three Federal occupations of Stafford. 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. Website. 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. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Stafford continues to create its own history with Stafford Hospital, its Regional Airport and its own branch of the University of Mary Washington. Have your child click a cherryandzoom their way to fun. Newton, curator of the White Oak Civil War Museum, dies. The best example (Ive ever seen) of a well preserved corduroy road runs through Stafford CW Park. The Belmont estate adjoins Falmouth. Captain John Smith visited the location in 1608 and it was subsequently used as a Virginia outpost (1609-c. 1620) and tobacco storage site. Across the river is Old Mill Park in Fredericksburg where Washington began his journey. 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. Some children were even killed in battle, which shows families the immensity of what was happening in their backyard in the 1860s. The park is near Stafford, Quantico and Aquia areas and is a definite stop whenever you are in the area. Keep it Clean. ). Such schools were open to plantation owners sons. Have you visited? It was used as a residence into the 20th century and is part of the Falmouth hamlet. Falmouth also contains the remnants of Union Church and the old-site (now Golgotha Church) and the current Falmouth Baptist Church. Staffords Historical ErasStafford County Historic PlacesRelated LinksStafford County, Virginia Genealogy & Historical ResearchDonate to SCHSVoices of StaffordKeepers of the Knowledge, SCHS MembershipHistory of Stafford County, VirginiaStoreMeetings & EventsPrivacy PolicyGalleryAboutContact, White Oak Civil War Museum and Stafford Research Center, Stafford County, Virginia Genealogy & Historical Research. The best civil war collection I have ever seen! For over 110 years, this church has served as a highlight of the Falmouth skyline, a beacon linking its citizens to the past. The tour will cover the site of fortifications and winter encampments of the Union Army 11th Corps. We'd love to hear eyewitness 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. D.P. However being typical boys they care mostly about weapons and the soldiers who used them. One of the highlights of the day was the firing of the Coehorn mortar and the weaponry demonstrations. From the outside a first time visitor might think 'this is a museum'? American Civil War Museum In partnership with the ACWM, the VMHC digitizes and provides access to the Confederate Memorial Literary Society Image Collection. A History of Our Own: Stafford County, Virginia, by Albert Z Conner, Jr. John Washingtons Civil War: A Slave Narrative, by John Washington. Grounds are kept well mowed with enough parking at all stops. The 11th Corps spent the winter of 1862-1863 in this vicinity. These two concepts divided the Founding Fathers more than any other. After speaking to his owner and returning the hotel keys to the proprietors wife, Washington walked through Fredericksburg. All of this started when his father returned from WWII with a very early metal detector. 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. The article described the museum as, A sight to behold, especially considering it is one mans lifelong labor of love, helped to fruition by friends and family., Newtons wife Bonny was quoted in the article: Hes an 1860s man in his heart, she said. Look up when he will have reinactors outside. Donnie said 'that would be me'. Pocahontas, Indian princess, In addition to Newtons work at the museum, he was also a driving force behind Staffords Civil War Park. . 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. John Washington had been working at the Shakespeare Hotel when word arrived of the Union army camping in Falmouth. Melchers and Palmer Or are you looking forward to touring in the future? 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. At the parks five stops, you can see the ruins of one of the Union Armys winter camps as well as the remains of three Union batteries, as well as those of a corduroy road and an old sandstone quarry, along with the ruins of a bridge dating to about 1837. Part of the original 1600s Stafford County, Ferry Farm was briefly in an expanded King George County which stretched into Stafford along the Rappahannock. DP Newton, photographed at his White Oak Civil War Museum in Stafford, Va. on Oct. 10, 2018. A historic center as well, its communal silver was forced to be buried during three wars (Revolutionary, 1812 and Civil). 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. You have permission to edit this article. I saw an opportunity to share artifacts and I took it, said Newton. Established in 1891, it was originally home to the Falmouth Baptist Church congregation. What restaurants are near White Oak Civil War Museum? 11/24/2009. The large majority of the relics are from other people who have loaned them.. Its alive for him inside., On Wednesday, Bonny Newton said, So many people loved him. March 2023 Monthly Meeting (Virtual) Family Tree Maker Update. During this occupation, on May 31, 1861, there was the first engagement of the Civil War between the shore batteries of the Confederacy and the U.S. Navy in the Potomac River at Aquia Landing. It is operated by the University of Mary Washington. Oh, and it is a dog-friendly park (leashed) so if you have a four-legged buddy, they are welcome. However, if you want to learn more about the common civil war soldier this is a great museum. Sheer awe at the amounts that they have..all locally found and recovered. 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. It was involved in several Confederate raids during the Civil War, the most notable being on February 25, 1863. Like what state? Aquia Landing and the Potomac Creek Bridge, Today. 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. Hyatt Place Fredericksburg at Mary Washington, Courtyard by Marriott Fredericksburg Historic District, View all hotels near White Oak Civil War Museum on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near White Oak Civil War Museum on Tripadvisor, Hotels near Gari Melchers Home and Studio, Hotels near Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), Hotels near Baltimore-Washington Intl Airport (BWI), Motels near Baltimore-Washington Intl Airport (BWI), Motels near Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), Hotels near University of Mary Washington, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Falmouth, Gari Melchers Home and Studio: Tickets & Tours, Oxford: Official CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien Walking Tour, Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon and Cotswolds Tour from London, Jack the Ripper tour. Land was set aside for a church yard in Falmouths charter of 1728. It took more than 60 years for Staffords population and economy to again reach its pre-war levels. 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 . In addition, woodlands were lost as the trees were cut down for firewood and huts. Former NFL star Chad Johnson says he saved money by living inside Cincinnati Bengals stadium for 2 years, Man gets 10 years in child sex abuse case in Stafford, 55 library books have been challenged in Spotsylvania schools since last year, On 'emotional' day, female wrestlers finally get to compete for their own Virginia state title, Spotsylvania man to serve nearly 5 years in molestation case, National Register Of Historic Places In Stafford County, Millions at Risk of Slipping Into Poverty as COVID-Era SNAP Benefits Set to End, More than 300 words have been added to the English dictionary, Citizens travel to Peru's capitol Lima to protest against Boluarte, Russia accuses U.S. of intent to use chemical weapons in Ukraine. The White Oak Civil War museum takes no state or Federal funding. Stafford Museum and Cultural Center Camping And Lodging Along The Blue Ridge Parkway, George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Micro-Brasseries et Cidreries Artisanales, Spend a History-Packed Weekend in Fredericksburg, Abingdon: Your Gateway to Southwest Virginia. Exterior of the White Oak Civil War Museum & Stafford Research Center. During the Civil War, the large Union Windmill Point Hospital occupied the eastern end of the peninsula. Do your own research using our bibliographies, records, and library suggestions. 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 Except for its remaining brick narthex, this place of worship was destroyed by a heavy rain storm in 1950. Spectators at the event got to hold the guns and try on the clothes. 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