A second oyster roast to support the museum had similar success. They constructed huts out of wood and canvas and built batteries to protect the camp and the creek from possible Confederate attacks. After the war, a new rail line was built between Fredericksburg and Quantico which opened in May 1872. Melchers and Palmer Land was set aside for a church yard in Falmouths charter of 1728. by By April 18, 1862, Union troops had arrived at Falmouth, across the Rappahannock River from Fredericksburg. From May 29 to June 1, 1861, there were a series of skirmishes at Aquia Landing between Union gunboats and the Confederate defenses. 638 Kings Highway, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22405, USA. Love the cannon and the huts. He has many historical documents for research. The term Ferry Farm related to the operative ferry which connected it to Fredericksburg. Except for its remaining brick narthex, this place of worship was destroyed by a heavy rain storm in 1950. 69-year-old suffers stroke in his N.C. home; Realtor showing house leaves him there. Newton was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2017. ). Generations of Newtons have made their living fishing and crabbing the creek and the Potomac River. No matter the size of the tents, six men usually would be living in one tent. 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. Most of the men who fought, Cox said, volunteered or were mustered. 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. Book direct at the Quality Inn & Suites Quantico hotel in Stafford, VA near FBI Academy and Historic Fredericksburg. Suzanne Carr Rossi/The Free Lance-Star DP Newton, photographed at his White Oak Civil War Museum in. Hayden are world renowned. A solid artillery fortification with the dug remains of the ammunition storage house and the remains of a soldier-built road. The Utah Citizens' Alarm is only a month old, and yet it already boasts 15,000-plus members.. 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. 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. However being typical boys they care mostly about weapons and the soldiers who used them. 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. This historic workmans cottage dates back to around 1770. Civil War Relics Original OUTSTANDING Civil War Excavated Relic U.S. Information about locations and services can be found on their Web sites. By the end of the day on June 1, 1861, the Union commander,James Harmon Ward, disengaged. Following chemotherapy treatments and during his recovery, Newton was celebrated with an oyster roast. The main house, gardens, outbuildings, workshop and gallery of his work are included in this estate overlooking the historic port town of Falmouth. All of this started when his father returned from WWII with a very early metal detector. It's 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. 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. Some Union soldiers called out and asked if anyone wanted to cross. It is located in the Gordonsville Historic District . Soldiers built fortifications, bombproof, and winter huts to live in. The owner is a nice man who will gladly speak to you. You have permission to edit this article. Ask Rob he studied all these. Recognizing this, when Virginia seceded, troops from the state took control of Aquia Landing and established fortifications. This is across Va. Route 218 from the White Oak Church and occupies the former White Oak Elementary School Over 225,000 Civil War soldiers occupied Stafford County between 1861 and 1865. Federalists argued for a constitutional central or national government which would provide for finances, defense, and foreign policy for the new republic. Theres a lot of hard work that he put into researching the day-to-day life of these soldiers, said Milde. Five days later, Virginia seceded from the Union. My favorite things about Stafford Civil War Park: A few things to know before you visit (What I wished Id known before-hand). Steamships to Washington and the railroad to Richmond allowed for easy access between the North and the South. 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. Brown of the I X Corps of the U.S. Army of the Potomac (1863) found a headstone. (Sources: Washington, 45-47; Hennessey Exodus), In February 1863, Confederate General Fitzhugh Lees cavalry led raids in the area of Hartwood Church. It is located at 985 White Oak Road. Newton, photographed in 1999 on Potomac Creek, died on Wednesday. Landmarks and Outdoors, Park . https://fredericksburg.com/local/white-oak-museum-tells-stafford-s-story/article_85e88b89-ecd8-55cb-9f31-ca1a6fa9f1df.html, Mysteries and Conundrums: The Evolution of Aquia Landing, by John Hennessey. This is not a site a visitor would drive out of their way. Many early black members had been slaves at Chatham plantation. A very interesting museum with lots of civil war relics. D.P. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use. John Washington had been working at the Shakespeare Hotel when word arrived of the Union army camping in Falmouth. Mr. Newton was very helpful in telling us where the 1st corps camped, drew us maps and was a wealth of information. 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. During the winter of 1862-1863, the Union army had winter quarters here in Stafford County. 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. From prehistory to modern day, Stafford Countys got it all! He helped connect us to those who made those sacrifices years ago.. Captain John Smith visited the location in 1608 and it was subsequently used as a Virginia outpost (1609-c. 1620) and tobacco storage site. In addition to Newtons work at the museum, he was also a driving force behind Staffords Civil War Park. Emerging Civil War has chosen D.P. Accessible and enjoyable by car or on foot. million years ago. Admission for adults, $4. D.P. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Patawomeck Park. Sun and clouds mixed. You have permission to edit this article. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Chatham Manor, now the headquarters for the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, was the Union headquarters in Stafford County. Free WiFi, free breakfast, free parking. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Before you read this section, please read the Antebellum Exhibit to see what Stafford was like leading up to the Civil War. Some children were even killed in battle, which shows families the immensity of what was happening in their backyard in the 1860s. See photos, floor plans and more details about 194 Telegraph Rd in Stafford, Virginia. It took more than 60 years for Staffords population and economy to again reach its pre-war levels. 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. Be Nice. Over 230,000 Union and Confederate soldiers are Look up when he will have reinactors outside. 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. ECW Weekender: Stafford Civil War Park. 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. During the Civil War, the large Union Windmill Point Hospital occupied the eastern end of the peninsula. Cambridge Inn is now a tavern-restaurant; the rest of the buildings are in private hands, but can be viewed in a driving tour. Please contact us if you are willing to build our collection. Camp Floyd / Stagecoach Inn State Park and Museum 18035 West 1540 North Fairfield, UT 84013 (801) 768-8932. The re-enactors want to reach a particular audience: familes, said Cox. Washington said he did and he crossed the river to freedom. I believe living histories put those aspects of war into a human aspect.. Aquia Landingis on Aquia Creek where it empties into the Potomac River. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. 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. Do your own research using our bibliographies, records, and library suggestions. City? Keep it Clean. (The precise kidnapping spot is arguable between Indian Point on the peninsula and Passapatanzy further down river.) And the collector is on site! Find interesting facts about Staffords history. The present structure, the third church to be erected on this lot, was built in the early nineteenth century. This small peninsula at the confluence of the Potomac River at Potomac Creek served as an important Native American location (Petomek village) associated with the northernmost Powhatan Confederacy tribe, the Patawomecks. 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. More than 135,000 soldiers occupied Stafford County while their new commander, General Joseph Hooker rebuilt his army. 206, Stafford, VA 22554. DP Newton was as much a gem as the museum and the several hours I spent there was not enough. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The trails are clear and marked, but not always clear how far to the next points of interest. The Stafford Civil War Park is a county-owned park in Stafford, Virginia: https://www.tourstaffordva.com/attraction/stafford-civil-war-park/. Especially those interested in the encampments throughout Stafford County! All locally discovered, this place is a treasure! 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. Use the 'Report' link on Real-time social media posts from local businesses and organizations across Northern Virginia, powered by Friends2Follow. Man died Wednesday. 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. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.. Cloudy with occasional light rain late. Patawomeck Museum & Cultural Center. Aquia Landing and the Potomac Creek Bridge, Today. This active, red-brick church, built by its congregation in 1858, replaced a small wooden Episcopal chapel and (after 1825) Presbyterian church. Larger officer tents were set off to the side of the camp, while enlisted soldiers tents were small. Box Plate Recovered At Stafford, Virginia Certified Original OUTSTANDING Civil War Excavated Relic U.S. Little has been documented on this structure. During the demonstrations Steve Schwartz and his wife were clicking away, trying to capture what living history was all about. One of the highlights of the day was the firing of the Coehorn mortar and the weaponry demonstrations. 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. Click here to see Stafford Attractions . There was a problem saving your notification. 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. Look at the condition these soldiers lived and fought under. Don't knowingly lie about anyone 540-658-5019. . The park includes historic markers, picnic tables, interpretive signs, and walking trails for a day of history and fun. Half of Staffords historical records were taken as souvenirs or destroyed when Staffords Courthouse was looted and later partially burned. The two men raised money for the park through donations to create it at no cost to area taxpayers. WELL WORTH THE TIME and the trifle $4 to visit. Newton, curator of the White Oak Civil War Museum, dies. by Sarah Kay Bierle. 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 . Stafford Farmers Market Cooperative 11/24/2009. The Belmont estate adjoins Falmouth. Falmouth Beach is the site of"The Crossing,"where a slave named John Washington arrived after crossing the Rappahannock River to freedom. The majority of sites in the Park are linked to the Union Army of the Potomacs 11th Corps 1st and 3rd Divisions. The rivers and their tributaries were extremely important as Amerindian villages and during Colonial- and later periods, when water was used to power mills and to transport people and goods. (Sources: Kamphoefner, 138-141). 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. Exterior of the White Oak Civil War Museum & Stafford Research Center. Click here. It is located beside Union Church. Website. Newton and his father started hunting for relics in the . Box Plate Recovered At Stafford, Virginia Certified Original OUTSTANDING Civil War Excavated Relic U.S. Spectators at the event got to hold the guns and try on the clothes. To find the answer to the question, view the following YouTube video. Another popular attraction, said Newton, is a blackboard from the original elementary school. The large majority of the relics are from other people who have loaned them.. DP Newton, photographed at his White Oak Civil War Museum in Stafford, Va. on Oct. 10, 2018. Captain John Smiths Rappahannock exploration (also in 1608) took place below Belmont Hill. Quantico Marine Base is established. According to Cox, all of the items the re-enactors wore and displayed, from the clothing to the weapons, were bought from merchants who sell memorabilia for Civil War re-enactments. The museum opened in 1998 and is a hidden gem for Civil War history buffs. Federal, state . When his dad was living, they would go metal detecting before and after school just about every day, said former Stafford County Sheriff Charles Jett. But it was unusual for men to sleep in the tents; usually they slept on the ground outside. Established in 1891, it was originally home to the Falmouth Baptist Church congregation. Pocahontas, one of Powhatans daughters, was visiting there in 1611, when she was kidnapped and held hostage by Capt. Resources are: Virginia Museum of Natural History and Culture Draper Manuscript Collection Fredericksburg.com Its alive for him inside., On Wednesday, Bonny Newton said, So many people loved him. This was the perfect museum for them. Another goal of re-enactments, Cox said, is to encourage the public to experience the history in their backyard, and, in this case, to support the White Oak Civil War Museum. Discover Stafford Countys many activities and attractions. Be Truthful. The world really has lost an absolutely wonderful role model for people, how to live and how to treat people.. Aleks Dolzenko/ InsideNoVA.com. At the end of the conflict, Stafford suffered both financial and population losses. Free WiFi, free breakfast, free parking. To find out more, please see our Privacy Policy. Or are you looking forward to touring in the future? The Brent Town tract consisted of some 30,000 acres that now includes parts of western Stafford, Prince William, and Fauquier counties. Just keep driving! Homes became hospitals or headquarters. Piles of bullets are displayed along with some the rifles and pistols used by soldiers of both sides. Trust the signs. A National Historic Landmark, this 18th century estate was the 20th century home of artist Gari Melchers and his wife Corinne. It is located at 985 White Oak Road. Excellent Collection - Knowledgeable Staff! 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. 5406584864. Your in a great area, all along the Potomac theyre installations constructed by both Confederate and Union. 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 Civil War began April 12, 1861, with the southern, Confederate forces firing upon the Union-held Fort Sumter in South Carolina. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Here, members of the Union Armys 11th corps were encamped, arriving around February-March 1863, and remaining until the spring. Stafford Civil War Park. Thank you for sharing these tips! The White Oak Civil War museum takes no state or Federal funding. The plan was for General Fitz Lee to lead troops from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Virginia Cavalry regiments to go behind Union lines. Aquia Landing changed hands in the spring of 1862. Samuel P. Langley launched airplanes from Staffords shore. I kept wondering when I was going to get there. Today, private residences fill the area. 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. If you have a question, Danny can likely answer it. My great great grandfather Pvt. Aquia Landingis a recreational park for fishing and swimming, but during the Civil War, it was an important transportation link. 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. The park is near Stafford, Quantico and Aquia areas and is a definite stop whenever you are in the area. 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. Led by a former New Scotland Yard Detective. phone. It is now a county park and accessible from US Route 1 about 0.5 miles south of I-95 Exit 143 via Coal Landing Road. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. It is too bad that it doesn't get more visitors. They often served as musicians and assisted nurses with the wounded. Nearby in a camp in February 1863, Captain Robert Gould Shaw, 2nd Massachusetts Infantry, was offered command of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, composed of African American soldiers and made famous in the film, Glory.. These two concepts divided the Founding Fathers more than any other. Newton heads out for a morning of crabbing on Potomac Creek as dawn peeks over the horizon. (Sources: Conner, Albert, 88; Musselman, 49-50). White Oak had been a Union Supply Dept during the war, so there was a lot to find. Attached is a membership form to become a Friend of Stafford Museum and Cultural Center Foundation. Definitely have written directions or plug the address into your GPS. Although a bit embarrassed about that, I don't regret the opportunity to learn and use the . Driven by on 95 many times. Smith wrote about its Native This site uses cookies to enhance the user experience and measure marketing activities. The exhibits include artifacts found in various Union encampments throughout the county, replicas of winter camp huts, and much more. accounts, the history behind an article. The Museum of Southern History was established to maintain and perpetuate an educational facility for those who are interested in the history of the United States, its early and current problems and difficulties in becoming the Nation it is today. Stone footings from the bridge remain, and there is a good trail to the west. D.P. Like what state? 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. "Exclusively German" regiments that camped in the vicinity were the 82nd Illinois; 29th, 41st, 45th, 54th, 58th and 68th 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. . Sheer awe at the amounts that they have..all locally found and recovered. EXPLORE COLLECTION Reynolds Business History Center Explore business records from a wide variety of related commercial, economic, legal, labor, and industrial issues. D.P. phone, Stafford's First Permanent English Settlers, Liberty's Sons and Birthplace of the Bill of Rights, Second Federal (Union) Occupation and "Valley Forge" Period, Third Federal (Union) Occupation and Reconstruction. Newton, a lifelong Stafford resident, founded the White Oak Civil War Museum in 1998. Newton, the owner and curator of the White Oak Museum. Their short-term . If you need a change of pace and havent checked out the National Museum of the Marine Corp near Dumfries, VA. Their sizes vary from the impressive National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle to the quaint Weems-Botts Museum in Dumfires. The economic devastation resulting from the Civil War just finished it off and it never recovered. Over the years, the two accumulated thousands of Mini balls, belt buckles, buttons, bayonets, caps and other military items. Stafford Museum and Cultural Center Post Office Box 3161 Stafford, Virginia 22555 StaffordCountyMuseum@gmail.com email phone WEBSITE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT BY Donate Get Involved Virtual Museum Prehistory and Native Americans Stafford's First Permanent English Settlers Liberty's Sons and Birthplace of the Bill of Rights First Arsenal of Democracy There are so many positives, I can't say it all. 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. Have your child click a cherryandzoom their way to fun. 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 museum was opened in 1999 by D.P Newton through a public-private ownership. The architecture, Late Federal, suggests it was constructed in the 1820s or 1830s. Newton. We are looking for documents, photographs, letters, and diaries that we can scan and return to you. The citizen militia's recruits wear military fatigues and carry assault rifles. With Strong Blue Nice+++ Rare Navy Model Starr Civil War Pistol Serial # 2136 All Matching with Traces of Blue Outstanding Civil War US Government Issued Savage Pistol However, if you want to learn more about the common civil war soldier this is a great museum. The majority of sites in the Park are linked to the Union Army of the Potomac's 11th Corps' 1st and 3rd Divisions. The museum also houses a bookstore. 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). Mr Newton is kind and unassuming and willing to gently talk to you about his life venture of collecting these treasures. 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. 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. Thanks for the article. This was a really interesting perspective, especially to see the cannons from the other side.. Even national park officials said this museum is one of the best examples of Civil War history that there is, said Jett. Many of the white citizens left town or hid. 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. A wonderful treasure to be sure. 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. Stafford County was greatly affected by the Civil War. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. A great collection of Civil War memorabilia from the local area. During the Civil War, the courthouse was raided by Sickles brigade in April 1862 (during which many documents were destroyed, damaged and stolen) and a number of Union headquarters and camps surrounded it in the winter of 1863. 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. or anything. Aquia Church is one of the oldest colonial churches still actively used in America.