Culpeper the most "marched on" in Civil War

Published February 21, 2011 in the Culpeper Star Exponent

“This is Gettysburg’s “Olympic” moment, and the eyes of the nation and perhaps the world will be on our town. This is an opportunity to enlighten and educate youth and adults alike about American heritage and how it continues to empower its citizens and the decisions that impact the future. Timeframe: Main Street Gettysburg defines the 150th commemoration extending from year 2011 to 2015. The “Olympic” moment is 2013 with “shoulder” periods of visitation two years before and after 2013 (MainStreetGettysburg.org)”.

We are in the midst of the Sesquicentennial commemoration of the Civil War. With all due respect to Gettysburg, Culpeper is the most “marched on” and “camped in” County in the American Civil War. Our heritage is significant as a pivotal location for over 160 battles (and skirmishes) during the Civil War period. The grounds of the Brandy Station Battlefield, the Cedar Mountain Battle Field, and even Davis Street are hallowed ground.  Both Union and Confederate soldiers gave their lives in these historic places of Culpeper.

The Culpeper Visitors Center staff was led thru a walking tour of Culpeper by local author and historian Virginia Morton (Marching Thru Culpeper) last week. Ms. Morton has been giving historic tours in Culpeper for more than a decade and her depth of knowledge shows. History came to life as we walked from the historic location of the Train Depot (home of the Visitors Center). “See that hill” as she pointed to a hill in the National Cemetery from the Depot balcony. An artillery battery was set up there to protect the train parked at the Depot. “Now look north along the train tracks. That is where the Union Soldiers came down the tracks toward the train in the midst of the artillery fire”.

Now let’s walk up to Davis Street. “Wounded Union Soldiers were lining the street from the Depot up to Main Street.” The soldiers were brought back to town after the Battle of Cedar Mountain, where over 3800 men gave their lives, were missing, or injured in one battle. We walked to the National Cemetery where she pointed out the monuments from Pennsylvania and Maine standing tall in solemn commemoration of the lives given at the Battle of Cedar Mountain.

“There is the Hill House” near the entrance to the National Cemetery. Ms. Hill saved her family silver by stepping over it with here hoop skirt as a union soldier inspected the home. The house is restored in perfect period condition bringing the era to life.

We drove to Cedar Mountain 5 minutes south of town. The battlefield vantage points are very visible. Some of the property is owned by the CWPT. Other properties are farms and open lands which look as if time stood still. We walked along the path open to the public where Ms. Morton sets the scene, ‘Artillery was raining down from Cedar Mountain onto the open field as the Union soldiers were advancing. The 13th Virginia held ground here with heroic bravery.” The men were trained by General AP Hill whose boyhood home can be found today at Main & Davis Street in downtown Culpeper.
Commemorate the Sesquicentennial by taking time to learn about the interesting stories of Culpeper. Check out the Culpeper Museum of History.

Jim Charapich, President/CEO
Culpeper County Chamber of Commerce