Just keep driving! This is not a site a visitor would drive out of their way. 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. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Patawomeck Park. They often served as musicians and assisted nurses with the wounded. The majority of sites in the Park are linked to the Union Army of the Potomacs 11th Corps 1st and 3rd Divisions. phone. Sign Up For The Newsletter Sign Up 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. 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). 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. This critical time has been referred to in soldier's letters as "The Union Army's Valley Forge." The Stafford Civil War Park preserves 3 earthen artillery fortifications, many . Aquia Landing is located at the end of Brooke Road and is open year-round. Our newest exhibit is all about Modern Stafford. The Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad ended there after the 1840s and steamboats connected travelers with Washington, D.C., until the rail was extended in 1877. At the White Oak Civil War Museum the past weekend, re-enactors of the Army of Northern Virginia brought some Civil War history to life. Unbelievably interesting collection, housed inside an old schoolhouse. . Everyday items such as knives and forks are showcased alongside the cannonballs and bayonets. With the marked interpretation, this is a great site to learn exactly what those clues look like. 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. Civil War history re-lived at Stafford's White Oak Museum. 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. All locally discovered, this place is a treasure! This small, red brick building is Stafford countys oldest existing municipal building. The park includes historic markers, picnic tables, interpretive signs, and walking trails for a day of history and fun. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Box Plate Recovered At Stafford, Virginia Certified Original OUTSTANDING Civil War Excavated Relic U.S. Many early black members had been slaves at Chatham plantation. (Just dont climb on the trenches!) Little has been documented on this structure. Across the river is Old Mill Park in Fredericksburg where Washington began his journey. Displays include everything from drink bottles to china to weaponry and bullets. Naturally there were numerous Southern sympathizers in Stafford and many formed into units to defend Virginia. The Brent Town tract consisted of some 30,000 acres that now includes parts of western Stafford, Prince William, and Fauquier counties. But it was unusual for men to sleep in the tents; usually they slept on the ground outside. From prehistory to modern day, Stafford Countys got it all! Man died Wednesday. Many of Falmouths early buildings remain standing, including the Cotton Warehouse; Duff Green Warehouse; Cambridge Inn, Temperance Tavern; Barnes House; Magistrates Office; Counting House; Basil Gordon House; Moncure Conway House (boyhood home of the Souths most prominent abolitionist); and Shelton Cottage. Hayden are world renowned. And actually refreshing to play tourist for a change! A historic center as well, its communal silver was forced to be buried during three wars (Revolutionary, 1812 and Civil). Grounds are kept well mowed with enough parking at all stops. It is operated by the University of Mary Washington. Beautifully and professionally showcased items representing civil war soldiers and their lives. White Oak had been a Union Supply Dept during the war, so there was a lot to find. The park is near Stafford, Quantico and Aquia areas and is a definite stop whenever you are in the area. If you need a change of pace and havent checked out the National Museum of the Marine Corp near Dumfries, VA. Hartwood Presbyterian Church and Berea Church are still active churches. Don't knowingly lie about anyone The plan was for General Fitz Lee to lead troops from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Virginia Cavalry regiments to go behind Union lines. 2023 Spring Lecture Series; Civil War & Emancipation Day; Videos; Current / Past Exhibits. Ive taken them to many civil war museums and by far this was their favorite. The relic hunter who created the White Oak Civil War Museum in southern Stafford died Tuesday at Johns Hopkins hospital in Baltimore. A river crossing close to Washington DC and a number of sites of little scrimmages. The museum contains many artifacts from the Civil War era, like medical artifacts, uniforms and firearms. No one really believed the war would last as long as it did, he said. Website. 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. A Spotsylvania County man who fired a shot into a vehicle that had mistakenly pulled into his driveway last year was convicted of a felony off. I like the Occoquan River and surrounding area. Our newest exhibit is all about Modern Stafford. There was also damage to two of the gunboats. Today, the park features a plaque dedicated to Newton and Trimmer as the two men most responsible for securing that piece of the countys history.. 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. From the outside a first time visitor might think 'this is a museum'? Exterior of the White Oak Civil War Museum & Stafford Research Center. Aquia Landing and the Potomac Creek Bridge, Today. Danny is a very quiet person, but truly is an expert. It is located beside Union Church. Anyone interested in the Civil War history of Stafford County should visit theWhite Oak Civil War Museum. Some Union soldiers called out and asked if anyone wanted to cross. I suggest you visit the museum before the Battlefields. This was the perfect museum for them. I definitely want to go back on a warmer winter day and finish the trail network! Book direct at the Quality Inn & Suites Quantico hotel in Stafford, VA near FBI Academy and Historic Fredericksburg. The world really has lost an absolutely wonderful role model for people, how to live and how to treat people.. Recognized by the Virginia Historical Society, the museum and its founder D.P. Ive been to many battle fields, museums and read a few books on the civil war but I still learned several new things. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10am-5pm. 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. In the area nearBerea Church, Union defenses were able to overtake the Confederate Cavalry, which then retreated across the Rappahannock River to Fauquier County. Free WiFi, free breakfast, free parking. He has many historical documents for research. In addition to Newtons work at the museum, he was also a driving force behind Staffords Civil War Park. The Civil War began April 12, 1861, with the southern, Confederate forces firing upon the Union-held Fort Sumter in South Carolina. in Stafford during the Civil War. The main house, gardens, outbuildings, workshop and gallery of his work are included in this estate overlooking the historic port town of Falmouth. Stafford County has a rich Civil War history including a naval battle, cavalry skirmishes, and Union encampments. Falmouth Waterfront Park is located off of River Road in Falmouth and is open March through Labor Day. Now operated by the George Washington Foundation, archeology has revealed the original Washington homesite and numerous other buildings. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Visit Rent. They could easily imagine the life of a solider after walking through it. On the Confederate side, there were no deaths and no injuries, but there was a great deal of damage to the wharf, its buildings, and the railroad tracks at Aquia Landing. At the White Oak Civil War. 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. Ive seen the sign along I-95 many times while taking my kids back and forth to their colleges. {{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. I previously retired from the U.S. Navy and I am an avid motorcyclist. March 2023 Monthly Meeting (Virtual) Family Tree Maker Update. Theres a lot of hard work that he put into researching the day-to-day life of these soldiers, said Milde. Quantico Marine Base is established. By that time, most of the Confederates had been pushed back from their positions. Newton, a lifelong Stafford resident, founded the White Oak Civil War Museum in 1998. Its alive for him inside., On Wednesday, Bonny Newton said, So many people loved him. Fredericksburg Regional Genealogical Society Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from the Society is strictly prohibited. Virtual Tour. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The men who run the museum have a passion and love for the history of the area. Or are you looking forward to touring in the future? Explore Collection the White House and U.S. Capitol. Afternoon Activity: We will visit the White Oak Civil War Museum at 985 White Oak . The tour will cover the site of fortifications and winter encampments of the Union Army 11th Corps. Sun and clouds mixed. The museum opened in 1998 and is a hidden gem for Civil War history buffs. But now people in White Oak, a close-knit community, fear theyll be the last to earn their living on the water. The economic devastation resulting from the Civil War just finished it off and it never recovered. 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. Newton. One of the exhibits includes two hand-crafted dwellings that show how soldiers lived. Website. The trails are clear and marked, but not always clear how far to the next points of interest. Located on Aquia Creek, the quarries provided the sandstone for the White House and the original (now center section of the) U.S. Capitol, in addition to a large number of historic buildings and bridges throughout the Chesapeake region. Stone footings from the bridge remain, and there is a good trail to the west. In addition to being aVirginia Civil War Trailssite, the park is also anUnderground Railroad Network to Freedomsite. 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/. He was 66. It is located in the Gordonsville Historic District . 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. 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. Winds light and variable. Donnie said 'that would be me'. Amenities: Thanks to your excellent article, Im going to add extra time to my next trip so I can visit the Stafford Civil War Park. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. this is not the museum for you. Thanks Sarah! Stafford continues to create its own history with Stafford Hospital, its Regional Airport and its own branch of the University of Mary Washington. D.P. 5406584864. In addition to military memorabilia, the museum is filled with mounds of documents, including maps, letters and diary entries that Newton could thumb through and quickly pull answers from. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Civil War Curriculum: Inquiry Civil War Curriculum: Inquiry; Civil War Curriculum: Inquiry; Middle School; High School; Newsletter Signup Sign up now; National Teacher Institute July 13 - 16, 2023 Learn More; Low 48F. Built between 1751 and 1757, Aquia is noted for its continuous history, three-tiered pulpit and Aquia Sandstone quoins and trim. 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. Cambridge Inn is now a tavern-restaurant; the rest of the buildings are in private hands, but can be viewed in a driving tour. They dismantled the camp before they left, leaving only the cemetery and commissary building. I drove out to to Battery #3 and dont miss this one! The White Oak Civil War museum takes no state or Federal funding. 703-857-0519. Improve this listing All photos (6) The area 985 White Oak Rd Rt. Please subscribe to keep reading. In the summer of 1862, 10,000-12,000 freed slaves exited the war zone through the landing, earning it the title Gateway to Freedom. It is now a county park and beach. We are looking for documents, photographs, letters, and diaries that we can scan and return to you. Newton was remembered Wednesday as a humble man whose love of history helped preserve an important part of Stafford Countys past for future generations. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. This little museum is a great find..the artifacts that are in here is amazing! D.P. 218, Falmouth, VA 22405-3617. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Newton, the owner and curator of the White Oak Museum. Be Nice. Newton provide unique insights to Americas Civil War. It was the northern terminus of theRichmond, Fredericksburg, and Potomac Railroad(RF&P) as well as a port on the Potomac River. Newton, right, curator and owner of the White Oak Civil War Museum, allows visitors to get a hands-on experience of Stafford County's Civil War history. It was once used as a Customs Office, later as a magistrates office, as a voting precinct, and a small museum. Stafford County was greatly affected by the Civil War. Over the years, the two accumulated thousands of Mini balls, belt buckles, buttons, bayonets, caps and other military items. Its not just bullets and cannonballs. We were driving by on a rainy day and out of the corner of our eye saw the sign for a museum and noticed cars! It is unique and somewhat upscale in that it contains a chimney with six fireplaces in the center of the structure, rather than on the ends. You can cancel at any time. The Civil War began April 12, 1861, with the southern, Confederate forces firing upon the Union-held Fort Sumter in South Carolina. The camp also had four tents that replicated the types of lodging available to soldiers, Hamrick said. EXPLORE COLLECTION Reynolds Business History Center Explore business records from a wide variety of related commercial, economic, legal, labor, and industrial issues. The park is located south of Stafford, VA to the east of I-95 possibly exit 136. Melchers and Palmer To add your business to the stream, email cfields@insidenova.com or click on the green button below. Pocahontas, Indian princess, Aquia Landingis on Aquia Creek where it empties into the Potomac River. All of this started when his father returned from WWII with a very early metal detector. Driven by on 95 many times. Oh, and it is a dog-friendly park (leashed) so if you have a four-legged buddy, they are welcome. He really is the most remarkable person Ive ever met. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to FRGS with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Four days after that, trains began running. 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