Newton (right), owner and operator of the White Oak Civil War Museum, talks about the 5th Corps campsite exhibit on display in 2001. I suggest you visit the museum before the Battlefields. 703-857-0519. And the collector is on site! The project is spearheadded by the Friends of Stafford Civil War Sites (FSCWS) whose co-founder is D.P. Mr. Newton is very knowledgeable and spent a good deal of time discussing specific locations of encampments throughout the area! Everyday items such as knives and forks are showcased alongside the cannonballs and bayonets. Ive been to many battle fields, museums and read a few books on the civil war but I still learned several new things. Like what state? 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 economic devastation resulting from the Civil War just finished it off and it never recovered. But now people in White Oak, a close-knit community, fear theyll be the last to earn their living on the water. They were regular men, sons and grandfathers, who picked up everything they could carry and went to Fredericksburg to fight. This is now added to my LONG need-to-visit list. 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! Newton, the owner and curator of the White Oak Museum. Box Plate Recovered At Stafford, Virginia Certified Original OUTSTANDING Civil War Excavated Relic U.S. The historic signage presents solid interpretation for what were looking at and Civil War winters and fortifications in general. A must visit for civil war buffs! Before long, Newton became an expert on Union camps in Stafford, where they were, and what life was like for soldiers. Discover Stafford Countys many activities and attractions. lived in Stafford. 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. 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. Some Union soldiers called out and asked if anyone wanted to cross. 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. Have your child click a cherryandzoom their way to fun. 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 D.P. 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. Unbelievably interesting collection, housed inside an old schoolhouse. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. The best example (Ive ever seen) of a well preserved corduroy road runs through Stafford CW Park. Washington said he did and he crossed the river to freedom. The owner is a nice man who will gladly speak to you. Over 230,000 Union and Confederate soldiers are The Aquia Crucifix monument was erected in honor of the Brent colony, which welcomed and encouraged settlers of all faiths to reside here. It is located at 985 White Oak Road. 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!!! More than 135,000 soldiers occupied Stafford County while their new commander, General Joseph Hooker rebuilt his army. Little has been documented on this structure. There great to talk to. Privately owned, privately funded gem. 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. 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. I highly recommend this cool little treasure palace. Accessible and enjoyable by car or on foot. Clara Barton and Walt Whitman joined in caring for thousands of wounded soldiers. The connector trails are not marked on this map, but it will be helpful to match with the trail directions this way to Battery 3., There is a nice covered area at Stop 3 that would be enjoyable for a picnic or an afternoon of reading. However, if you want to learn more about the common civil war soldier this is a great museum. See photos, floor plans and more details about 194 Telegraph Rd in Stafford, Virginia. 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. City? National Register of Historic Places. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. 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 Accokeek Furnace and Hunters Forge played an important role in American history. This 41-acre park tells the story of the Army of the Potomac's Winter Encampment in 1863. Another popular attraction, said Newton, is a blackboard from the original elementary school. Let us know what's going on! Bothsitesare on theTrail to Freedom, opens a new window. I like the Occoquan River and surrounding area. 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. Stafford, Virginia 22555 Be Proactive. The museum contains many artifacts from the Civil War era, like medical artifacts, uniforms and firearms. The museum also houses a bookstore. A historic center as well, its communal silver was forced to be buried during three wars (Revolutionary, 1812 and Civil). I highly recommend it! Definitely have written directions or plug the address into your GPS. Stafford Farmers Market Cooperative This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.. Cloudy with occasional light rain late. Explore an interactive map of historical spots in Stafford! Five days later, Virginia seceded from the Union. Stafford on the Trail to Freedom.. This historic workmans cottage dates back to around 1770. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. 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 Stafford Civil War Park contains an Army of the Potomac winter camp; three large artillery batteries; segments of two corduroy roads; and a late 1700s sand stone quarry. 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. American Civil War Museum In partnership with the ACWM, the VMHC digitizes and provides access to the Confederate Memorial Literary Society Image Collection. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. High 59F. In addition, woodlands were lost as the trees were cut down for firewood and huts. D.P. Stone footings from the bridge remain, and there is a good trail to the west. 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. Thank you for sharing these tips! The Belmont estate adjoins Falmouth. The main house, gardens, outbuildings, workshop and gallery of his work are included in this estate overlooking the historic port town of Falmouth. There are five stops/parking areas along nice paved roads. It's a small museum, but it's really a amazing place!! Camp Floyd / Stagecoach Inn State Park and Museum 18035 West 1540 North Fairfield, UT 84013 (801) 768-8932. There he spent his formative years and his mother resided. Excellent Collection - Knowledgeable Staff! 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. Donnie said 'that would be me'. Book direct at the Quality Inn & Suites Quantico hotel in Stafford, VA near FBI Academy and Historic Fredericksburg. Led by a former New Scotland Yard Detective. 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 Civil War Park is a unique place to explore the lives and history of the German-American regiments of the Army of the Potomac. The majority of sites in the Park are linked to the Union Army of the Potomacs 11th Corps 1st and 3rd Divisions. Stafford Museum and Cultural Center 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. 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. 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. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. It was once used as a Customs Office, later as a magistrates office, as a voting precinct, and a small museum. Stafford County has a rich Civil War history including a naval battle, cavalry skirmishes, and Union encampments. 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. Aleks Dolzenko/ Stafford County Sun. 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). No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Located beside US Route 1 about one mile north of I-95 Exit 143, the Aquia Crucifix is open for everyone. The group of re-enactors emphasized that soldiers would wear those same clothes for four years. After we have a physical building, you can donate or loan artifacts. Land was set aside for a church yard in Falmouths charter of 1728. Many units camped in Stafford county during the winter of 1862-63. Larger officer tents were set off to the side of the camp, while enlisted soldiers tents were small. With the marked interpretation, this is a great site to learn exactly what those clues look like. From the outside a first time visitor might think 'this is a museum'? Melchers and Palmer now for rental rates and other information about this property. Website. During the winter of 1862-1863, the Union army had winter quarters here in Stafford County. 400 Mount Hope Church Road, Stafford, VA 22554. Established in 1891, it was originally home to the Falmouth Baptist Church congregation. 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). Many of the white citizens left town or hid. Dinosaurs roamed Stafford 110 Built between 1751 and 1757, Aquia is noted for its continuous history, three-tiered pulpit and Aquia Sandstone quoins and trim. 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. Mr Newton is kind and unassuming and willing to gently talk to you about his life venture of collecting these treasures. The building housing the six-room museum was originally a schoolhouse that both Newton and his mother attended years earlier. Here, members of the Union Armys 11th corps were encamped, arriving around February-March 1863, and remaining until the spring. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The ruins of the Potomac Creek Bridge arelocatedoff of Leeland Road. This old school was built out by Danny and friends specifically for the treasures found. One year ago, Newton was featured in The Free LanceStars Discover magazine as a Difference Makersomeone who not only inspires local citizens, but contributes significantly to the community. 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. 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. After the war, a new rail line was built between Fredericksburg and Quantico which opened in May 1872. The museum interprets the Civil War in Stafford County and its effects on the citizens and the land. White Oak Museum is located in Stafford County. You can cancel at any time. 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. 5406584864. By the end of the war, around 1,000 Stafford men, or 41%, left their homes, leaving their families to fend for themselves. 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. By the end of the day on June 1, 1861, the Union commander,James Harmon Ward, disengaged. A walking tour on a sound path/trail of 1.5 miles length with signage is open to the public until sunset daily. Sarah Kay Bierle. Generations of Newtons have made their living fishing and crabbing the creek and the Potomac River. Following chemotherapy treatments and during his recovery, Newton was celebrated with an oyster roast. It is located at 985 White Oak Road. Critical to winter survival as the staple was salted fish provided by what was once one of the largest privately owned commercial fisheries on the east coast of the United States. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Wednesday through Sunday. The majority of sites in the Park are linked to the Union Army of the Potomac's 11th Corps' 1st and 3rd Divisions. 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