Located about 40 miles northeast of Charlottesville and about 80 miles southwest of Washington DC, Orange County is one of the most beautiful parts of Virginia that you can visit. Sprawling vineyards, tree-lined roads, and historical sights are just some things that await you in the heart of the Old Dominion. So whether you live in the area and want to explore it further or are just visiting, you should set aside a few days to check out the most Instagrammable spots in Orange County, VA – the photos will surely impress your friends, family, and social media followers! So fill up your gas tank and charge your battery because you’ll have plenty of places to go.
Where can you find Instagrammable spots in Orange County?
Pretty much the whole of Orange County belongs on a postcard. You can easily find breathtaking spots anywhere you turn, whether it’s a specific location or just by the side of the road. This is why so many people decide that buying a vacation home in Virginia is a good investment – who wouldn’t want to come back and experience the beautiful landscapes of Orange County again? Whether you post photos of nature, architecture, or historical landmarks, you’ll find something for your Instagram here.
Wineries are not the only Instagrammable thing you’ll find in Orange County, VA, but they’re photo-worthy.
The most Instagrammable spots in Orange County, VA
In Orange County, VA, you cannot miss out on visiting the wineries. It’s an obvious choice of location for an Instagram-worthy photo shoot. But the wineries are far from the only thing you can see in the area. So prepare to fill up your feed with photos from your trip.
The finest and most beautiful wineries in the country
If Northern Italy is a bit far for you to go for a wine-tasting tour, don’t worry – Orange County’s Monticelli Wine Trail does not disappoint. So Named after Thomas Jefferson’s plan for the United States to produce its high-quality grapes and wines, this association of wineries counts more than 30 nationally and internationally recognized vineyards you can visit. It is simply a must-see in Orange County, VA. You cannot miss out on Reynaud Florence, with its 40 acres of vineyards that you can observe from the patio, or the Well Hung Vineyard, which has its restaurant.
But perhaps the most famous winery is the state’s largest grape-growing and wine-making operation – Barboursville Vineyards. This 900-acre property has several wine-tasting locations, walking trails, and even ruins of an 1821 mansion that belonged to the original owner before burning down. Sprawling vineyards under the setting sun, dark cellars with hundreds of bottles of tasty wine, or remnants of historical buildings – you’ll surely find photo inspiration here!
You don’t want to miss all the wineries that are excellent Instagrammable spots in Orange County, VA.
Historic homes and hotels
Are you one of those people who likes to post about where they’re staying on social media? If so, Orange County won’t disappoint. If not, Orange County may change your mind. You’ll have your choice of beautiful places to spend your nights here, from hotels to vineyards to historic homes for rent.
Stay at one of the cottages at Barboursville Vineyards to be close to the wineries, or opt for a night at the Inn at Willow Grove, an old plantation dating back to the Civil War era that is now a luxury hotel. If that’s not enough history, the Exchange Hotel in Gordonsville is a Civil War museum and a place to lay your head. Virginia has so much history that if you dream of owning a historical home, you may find your perfect property in Orange County. So keep a moving team on speed dial, as experts from 247logisticservices.com advise, just in case you decide it’s time to make one of those historic homes your own.
Madison’s Montpelier – the home of a US president
It may sound strange to call the home of the country’s fourth president one of the most Instagrammable spots in Orange County, but the Montpelier is something you’ll definitely want to post about. If you have the opportunity, take the guided tour around the exhibit. You’ll learn a lot about the life and work of James Madison and American history in general. The exhibit is fascinating but, at times, upsetting. More than 300 enslaved people spent their lives on the property, and portions of the Montpelier are dedicated to them, their lives, and the conditions they spent them – it’s pretty sobering.
The towns of Orange and Gordonsville
Orange County’s two biggest towns are Orange and Gordonsville. If you’re visiting because you’re considering a move to the area and you’re not going to be working in a winery or on a farm, the odds are that Orange and Gordonsville are among the locations you’re considering. Don’t worry – these towns have everything you need to live the good life. Not only will you be able to keep in touch after moving here long distance but you’ll have plenty of places to take your friends and family to when they visit. But before you start planning on how to maintain relationships after relocation, here are some of the reasons why Orange and Gordonsville are worth a visit:
Orange: A quaint little town that started as a railroad stop and courthouse, Orange is an excellent place for history lovers. Taking the history tour will help you understand the place a bit better. But if the tour is not for you, you can check out the shops in the town center – they offer some terrific art, antiques, and gifts.
Gordonsville: The nearby town of Gordonsville started with a tavern that opened at the end of the 18th century. It was a critical railroad junction during the Civil War as it was home to a hospital that treated thousands of wounded. Today, that hospital is a hotel and a Civil War museum that are well worth a visit. But if you want to take a break from all the learning, Gordonsville has some great restaurants where you can eat Instagrammable yet tasty meals.
Local farms and stables
There are plenty of wineries and history to see in Orange County. But there’s also farmland. In truth, as you’re driving through the area, you may notice that most of what you’re seeing are large swaths of private land and not houses dotting the side of the road. Some of these family-owned farms are open to visitors. You can stop by to ride horses or buy from some of VA’s best farmer’s markets. This is an excellent option for a family trip, as both adults and children will have fun.
Take a photo with one of the majestic horses you can find in local stables.
Plan your road trip through Orange County, VA, to visit all the most Instagrammable spots in the area
Orange County is not that big, and most of its attractions are concentrated together. But if you want to visit all the Instagrammable spots in Orange County, VA, you’ll still need to plan your trip carefully because you can spend weeks touring the wineries alone. And all the historical sites and museums will take hours to explore. So don’t be fooled – there are many social media-worthy things to see and do here. If you want to experience them, get a map and mark your favorite attractions!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
There are many concerns that might discourage you from purchasing property during winter. You might be worried about what the weather conditions would mean for your move. You might want to wait for the peak house selling season. After all, if most people buy during that period, there must be something to it, right? Or you might want to take advantage of the sleepy season to rest. However, to truly know whether or not you should go for buying a house in Orange County, VA, in winter, you need to be aware of the advantages and drawbacks of the process.
Much less competition vs. fewer houses on the market
When buying a house during winter in Virginia, it is essential to know you are doing so at the peak of the off-season. This means that the housing market will be much less vibrant than it otherwise would be. Now, looking to buy a home, this can certainly be an advantage! Fewer competitors mean you will not have to deal with an exhausting rush to get at the best properties before someone else snatches them up. Unfortunately, not everything is ideal. The sellers know that the peak season is the best time to offload their property, so most will choose not to put up their homes for sale during winter, which results in a smaller selection of available homes.
It is easier to find excellent movers vs. it is harder to move
Of course, an important part of the process is moving into your new home. Here, too, you are in luck regarding the available resources. Even if you are moving long-distance, hiring movers with ample experience won’t be a problem, and you will organize your entire relocation quickly and easily. Due to the housing market being in a lull, movers will generally be more relaxed and have far more open schedules. Yet, it does mean having to tackle the wintry conditions to get your move done. Winters in Virginia might not be as severe as they can get elsewhere, but the temperatures and snow are still nothing to sneeze at. You will need to be extra careful to ensure all of your belongings arrive at your new home in perfect condition.
You will have to deal with hazardous road conditions when buying a house in Orange County, VA, in winter.
More time to get things done vs. moving at an awkward time
Winter typically means winter holidays and having plenty of time off work to get everything done. This means that you can get tons done during this period, especially if you take the time to make a plan of action in advance. And at a leisurely pace, too! You wouldn’t need to rush from work to realtor to home, where you’d be making tons of last-minute calls. On the other hand, this can be a somewhat awkward time of year to move. Work and school are only starting to get into the swing of things. Finding a job can be more difficult if you are moving long-distance. And your kids would have to jump into a new school just as things are getting serious.
If buying a house in Orange County, VA, in winter, you will be able to take time off the purchase to distress and have fun with the family.
Realtors are more available vs. things tend to go slowly
Finding a good real estate agent is a nightmare during the peak seasons for the housing market, whether you are looking to sell your old home or buy a new one. So, being able to have your pick of the best realtors can be a serious boon for your house-hunting efforts. Unfortunately, if you are hoping your top-of-the-line real estate agent will help you get the whole ordeal done within an instant, you would be disappointed. The housing market in the off-season tends to make everything go much more slowly, which can be a good thing! Still, if you are in a rush, you might find yourself feeling frustrated.
Prices of real estate are lower vs. less likely to find homes with newer amenities
Due to less competition and things going more slowly, the prices of real estate during this period are typically much lower. After all, prices can be artificially inflated when multiple people compete over a single property. If someone wants it badly enough, they might be willing to pay well over what is reasonable. So, the prices during winter can make you feel like you are getting away with a steal. The moving experts from Fairfax Transfer and Storage note that moving prices are also lower during this season! And yet, sellers know this fact as well. This means that those in possession of particularly valuable pieces of real estate, or those whose homes boast top amenities, tend to hold off on selling until the peak season comes around.
Ascertaining the condition of houses is easier vs. the weather makes viewing more difficult
A tricky part of going house hunting during peak housing market seasons is that good weather makes it hard to tell whether houses are actually in good condition. After all, both mold and water damage can be covered up with relatively low expenses without treating the root cause. On the other hand, doing your viewing during the peak of the winter season makes it much more likely for you to detect problems with the homes you like. It is hard to cover up issues if the roof is leaking right in front of prospective buyers! Still, the cold weather and the way holidays affect real estate can make it more challenging to schedule and attend viewings. It is harder to feel motivated to snoop around when you feel like you are freezing.
Knowing how well the property can withstand the cold is one of the best things about buying a house in Orange County, VA, in winter.
Final word
Now that you know more about buying a house in Orange County, VA, in winter, it is up to you to decide whether this would be the right time for you to make a move. Just remember to carefully balance the pros and cons before deciding, and you will be just fine!
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Join us today as we discuss buying a house in Orange County, VA, in winter so you can decide whether you want to take advantage of the season or wait.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
If you are looking for a place to spend your vacation or move from your hometown in Canada, look no further than Orange County, Virginia. “Why,” you ask? This region is one of the most incredible areas you can visit on the East Coast. Namely, one of the reasons why Canadians love Orange County, VA, is because it is exceptionally uncommon ever to have a dull moment in this county.
So, if moving to or visiting this place has been on your mental map for some time, we are pleased to give you an overview of all the fun and exciting activities and other things that await you here.
Some Canadians choose to relocate to Orange County, VA, permanently
Before you start to plan out your itinerary in detail, it is helpful to have a clear idea about what you want to do here. If you wish to move to Orange County from Canada permanently, you might want to consider looking into how living here is similar and different from living in Canada.
This includes checking out the general expenses of moving from Canada, what you need to pack and move to settle down in the new city in the county, real estate market trends in Virginia, local educational institutions, job prospects, etc.
Travelling is one of the reasons why Canadians love Orange County, VA.
In order to help you with this, we will discuss the main ‘attractions’ that grace this lovely region from a Canadian point of view. In this way, you should get a clearer picture of what makes it so interesting and irresistible to Canadians.
On the other hand, if you simply love to spend time here in Virginia, this article will help you get acquainted with the region’s overall vibe. This should inspire you to visit some local amenities that make up the spirit of Orange County and that you, perhaps, were not aware of by now.
Historical sights in Orange County VA
This county has a rich history that makes it an unavoidable destination for all Canadian history buffs out there. Scenic tours of the region give you a chance to dive into Virginia’s rich and proud past. Since history and landscapes are a sight to behold here, it is no surprise that many Canadians cannot get enough of this region.
Orange County, VA, has amazing landscapes and history.
In fact, historical sights are one of the main incentives for visiting or relocating here. In case you have set your mind on moving to Orange County, Virginia, from Canada, we highly suggest hiring a company that can handle your relocation, that is, a company with the necessary experience, expertise, and equipment to do the job right. Getting a quote from number1movers.ca is the first step to take.
Lovely rustic cottages in the countryside
As we have mentioned, what is great about this region is the fact that you can investigate American history that is not as represented in your average history book. Namely, Virginia was the first of the original 13 European colonies, which means these cottages are, in a way, the first seeds of the American dream on the continent. The very thought of visiting or living near the first European settlements in America is one of the reasons why Canadians love Orange County, VA!
The rustic spirit and the ambiance that envelopes these cottages are truly something to behold. We suggest you visit the Boxwood Villa and the surrounding area. This villa is actually an old cottage built in the 1850s but is, luckily, open for guests.
If you are lucky enough to purchase a property located in the vicinity of these cottages, be sure to plan out your relocation from Canada carefully. We suggest you first work on getting moving boxes and the other necessary supplies for your big event ahead of time so that you can move and settle in your new home without any issues.
Local breweries and wineries
It is not only the great and rich history that this Virginian county offers. After getting acquainted with the historical sites, be sure to check out other region-specific attractions in the countryside. It is also well-known and appreciated for its variety of brews and wines, so be sure to taste some of them.
Don’t even think about returning to Canada before trying out the local beers or wines.
Trying out different wines and other alcoholic beverages made in the region is one of the favorite activities that Canadians enjoy when visiting Orange County.
Christ Episcopal Church and other religious sites
Whether you are religious or not, appreciating the architecture of the many churches and other religious sites is an unavoidable part of spending time in Orange County, VA. We suggest you start your tour from Christ Episcopal Church since this ecclesiastical structure is the best representative of the Gothic influences in Virginia’s architecture.
From a Canadian perspective, Virginia’s ecclesiastical architecture is supreme.
All in all, we hope this brief insight into the reasons why Canadians love Orange County, VA, has inspired you to investigate and find out more about this lovely region on your own.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Culpeper, Northern Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com
Both Napoleon and Frederick the Great have been credited with the saying “An army marches on its stomach.” Provisioning an army, especially one that numbered over 125,000 – the size of the Army of the Potomac at the beginning of General U.S. Grant’s Overland Campaign in May 1864 – would prove to be a monumental logistical challenge.
Fresh beef – 1¼ pounds daily according to the US War Department Army Regulations – was an important component of the Federal Civil War soldier’s ration. The most practical way to furnish beef to campaigning soldiers was to have herds of cattle march with the army.
So how much beef was needed?
An estimate given by Lt. Colonel C. W. Tolles in 1864 stated “A
bullock will furnish about 450 rations, so that an army of 100,000 men needs
over two hundred beef cattle for its supply.” Based on 450 rations
per head of beef, an army of 125,000 men consumed 278 head of beef daily.
At least 6,000 head crossed the Rapidan
River with the Army of the Potomac in early May of 1864. These
6,000 documented head produced approximately 2.7 million rations, enough to
supply an army of 125,000 for 21½ days.
The
6,000 head were gathered from holding pens in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Washington,
D.C. How did 6,000 head of cattle get to the Army of the Potomac for the
Overland Campaign?
An
excerpt from Feeding a Great Army ”
in the United States Service Magazine
in February 1880 by Brevet Brigadier General Thomas Wilson tells how:
“…to carry out my orders of supply, it
would be necessary to have sent up to the front from Alexandria, some 50 miles
distant, about 6,000 head of beef cattle, with the forage, corn in the ear, and
hay necessary to subsist them until the march began, and this feat had to be
accomplished between one Friday morning and the next Tuesday night; or, in
other words… an average of 1,200 head of beef cattle had to be sent daily by me
for five days, with the necessary forage for their maintenance.
The existing capacity of the Orange and
Alexandria Railroad in cattle cars was, at this time, for only 300 head daily…
The sudden call and the subsequent
remarkable feat of shipping 6,000 cattle over this road of a single track, in
the time required and with its limited resources was accomplished by the
authorities seizing all the flat cars within reach and placing fences around
them… In this manner, 1,800 head were
sent up in one day of twenty-four hours.
At one time during the shipment an endless train of cattle cars was in
transit, most of the railroad sidings being filled with them… We received all the cattle asked for before
the time needed.
Three hundred men were kept constantly
employed in unloading the cattle cars on their arrival at the front, so that
the emptied cars might be sent back without delay.”
The herds and animals that we see today
in the rural parts of Spotsylvania and Orange Counties are insignificant when
compared to those that travelled with General Grant. The Army of the Potomac had more than 50,000
horses and mules and at least 6,000 head of beef. Big armies meant big numbers.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my homeworth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
May 6, 1864 was a day of changing fortunes as the Union fought the Confederates along Orange Plank Rd. It began with a 5 AM attack by the Union II Corps, reinforced by divisions from V and VI Corps, under command of General Hancock. The attack drove General A.P. Hill’s III Corps from its positions. They fled west towards Parker’s Store. The 7 AM arrival of General Longstreet’s I Corps stemmed the rout. Longstreet’s counter attack at Tapp Field drove the Federals back toward their starting positions to the east. By 10 AM the two armies were at a standstill facing each other astride Orange Plank in the vicinity of the monument to Union General James Wadsworth.
Exhibit 15: Unfinished Railroad Cut
General Lee sent his Chief Engineer, General Smith, to see if there was a way to break the stalemate. Smith and his party walked east along the unfinished railroad, which lay south of the Union’s flank. Both armies were aware of the unfinished railroad about ¼ mile south of and parallel to Orange Plank. In the chaos of battle, neither army had thought about using it as an attack route, or about defending it against such an attack, until Smith’s reconnaissance. Smith found the railroad grade undefended. He returned and reported his findings to Longstreet.
Longstreet sent four brigades to attack
the Union flank under the command of his aide Lt. Col. Sorrel. Sorrel arranged the men along the railroad
grade and, when all men were in position, began the attack shortly after 11
AM. It burst upon the Union flank in
total surprise. In addition, as soon as
the fighting started on the flank, Longstreet’s remaining troops attacked the
Union’s front.
McAlister’s brigade on the Union flank
was first to feel the Confederate onslaught.
It was quickly routed. Soon all eight
Union brigades south of Orange plank had collapsed like dominos. Union General Wadsworth, in command of Union
forces north of Orange Plank, heroically attempted to organize a defense on the
north side of the road. It was to no
avail leaving him mortally wounded. By
12:30 PM, all Union positions had been overrun with the defenders withdrawing
east to Brock Road or north to the Lacy House (Ellwood Manor).
The Confederate’s success quickly
turned to failure. While riding to the
front to direct a continued advance, General Longstreet was accidentally shot
by soldiers of the 12th Virginia of Mahone’s Brigade. While he
survived, it wasn’t until four hours later that the Confederates were able to
reorganize and resume the attack. By
then the Union had strengthened its defenses along Brock Road. The renewed attack failed. In addition to the short term loss, it would
be months before Longstreet recovered sufficiently to resume command.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my homeworth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
The term “unfinished railroad” refers to the roadbed without track that existed during the Civil War. This article will give a brief description of its history. Another article will discuss its use specifically during the Civil War period.
The “unfinished railroad” had a role in the Civil War, but
later it was two different working railroads run on the same roadbed. Although
incorporated in 1853 no track had been laid as the Civil War began. Running
between Orange and Fredericksburg, it existed under several names and
configurations existing operationally from 1877 until 1984. The first line was
narrow gauge, best known as the Potomac, Fredericksburg and Piedmont Railroad
(PF&P). It provided passenger and freight service for almost fifty years.
The second venture was standard gauge. It also hauled freight and passengers
under the name of the Virginia Central Railway between 1927 to1937 and freight
within Fredericksburg until 1984.
Incorporated in 1853, the
Fredericksburg and Gordonsville Railroad Company’s (FGRRC’s) “purpose was to
build a railroad between Fredericksburg and Gordonsville or Orange Court House
in order to connect with the rail lines already running to Gordonsville.” The
company failed by November 1857. Road
grading from Fredericksburg on 18 miles of the project had taken place by the
time of the Civil War but no track had been laid, thus the “unfinished
railroad” term. The project was resurrected in 1871. Some progress was made by
the new company, however, after many delays, the State took possession of the
railroad in December of 1873. It restored the property to the original owner,
the FGRRC. In March 1876 the railroad was again reorganized and the name
changed to the Potomac, Fredericksburg and Piedmont (PF&P), best known to
locals as the “Poor Folks, and Preachers” due to its clientele. The first train
to Orange arrived on February 26th, 1877.
PF&P showed a profit for many years. 1910 proved a banner year with 18,000 passengers and $56,000 in freight revenue. The high point for number of employees was 63 in 1920 but the decline was coming. The automobile and the truck “offered portal to portal service and substantial reductions in labor costs.” Furthermore the line could not interchange freight with mainline connections. In 1925 the line was sold and reorganized as the Orange and Fredericksburg Railroad but that was quickly sold to Langhorne Williams, a Richmond banker. The new name was the Virginia Central and the first upgrade was to install standard gauge track in 1926.
The line generally operated at a loss until it petitioned the Interstate Commerce Commission in 1937 to abandon the 37 miles between Orange and West Fredericksburg. It would continue to operate one mile of track in Fredericksburg as a switching operation for 15 industrial customers. The Williams family continued to operate that line until 1967 when it was transferred to the city. The line was quickly recognized as a white elephant and although several schemes promised a profit, in March of 1984 the ICC approved final abandonment
Three excellent sources of reading are
“Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad Historical Society, Inc.”
Volume 5, Issue 4, Fall 2009, “The Virginia Central Railway,” Ames Williams,
pages 18-28, Remembering: A History of Orange County, Frank S. Walker
Jr., pages 252-256 and “Tracks Through Time; A Railfan Tour of Orange County,
Virginia”, Frank S. Walker Jr., page 20, a pamphlet available at the Orange
County Visitor Center.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my homeworth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Next month marks the 154th
anniversary of one of the largest and most significant battles in America’s
Civil War, the Battle of the Wilderness.
Conducted around, and sometimes on, our community’s grounds during the
first week of May 1864, the battle is often considered the beginning of the end
of the Confederacy. This year, during
the weekend of May 5 and 6, the National Park Service (NPS), in conjunction
with local living history re-enactor organizations and the Friends of the
Wilderness Battlefield, will offer to the public, free of charge, a full range
of events and demonstrations commemorating this momentous battle.
This event will be held on the grounds of Ellwood Manor,
a restored plantation home located on Route 20, approximately a half mile from
intersection of Route 20 and Route 3.
Participating in the weekend’s activities will be Confederate and Union
infantry and cavalry re-enactors as well as individuals depicting key battle
commanders such as Generals Ulysses Grant, George Meade, and Gouverneur
Warren. Each participating organization
will set up a campsite near Ellwood that will allow you to view several
demonstrations of camp life, including stepping into the life of a soldier or
learning about the medical realities of war in the mid-19th century.
Anyone who wants to learn more about this hallowed land
where we live should not miss this event.
The activities will be held on the grounds of Ellwood each day on May 5
and 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; some will be ongoing and others scheduled at
specific times, usually on the hour.
There will be multiple infantry and cavalry battle
demonstrations between the Confederate and Union re-enactors each day. At 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. both days, the NPS will
conduct live fire artillery demonstrations.
At 4 p.m. on Saturday, all of the infantry, cavalry, and artillery units
will conduct a combined battle demonstration.
You don’t want to miss these!
Just prior to the midday firing demonstrations each day, you will be
able to witness a major confrontation among Generals Grant, Meade, and Warren
just as it may have occurred on May 5, 1863.
There will be opportunities to talk to each of the participants and
plenty of photo ops in front of the manor house as well as with all re-enactors
and horses.
Regardless of what you know about the Wilderness Battle
or the Civil War writ large, you will leave Ellwood with a better understanding
of and new perspectives about the events that occurred on this hallowed ground
and how they affected the final outcome of the war less than a year later.
For more information about this Living History event, you
can visit the local NPS website (www.nps.gov.frsp) or the Friends of the Wilderness
Battlefield website (www.fowb.org).
They will provide you with additional details about the events and
participants, as well as the timeline for specific activities and
demonstrations. Mark your calendars –
this weekend is a must see!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my homeworth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Initially, this series on History in Our Backyard
described how the Wilderness became the Wilderness. Now we will delve into the early inhabitants
who came to what would become known as “The Wilderness.” All things Wilderness
were synonymous with Alexander Spotswood, the colony’s Royal Lt Governor in the
early 1700s. He initiated the economic progress of the region through his
efforts to establish Germanna fort and an iron industry. One source states that
“there, thirty miles from the last outlying farms, the Germans set to work,
clearing a site on the riverbank and building a fortified town.” The same
source references the fort being supplied by pack-trains of mules and horses.
Exhibit 2 Germanna Fort
Those same pack-trains were instrumental in his 1716
venture into the mountains to the west. His band of adventure-seeking explorers
departed from the Germanna fort accompanied by animals laden with supplies
including a healthy supply of spirits. He later awarded each participant with a
golden horseshoe pin thereby identifying them as the “Knights of the Golden
Horseshoe” for eternity.
At the time of Spotswood’s term as Lt Governor of
Virginia in 1722, he had firmly established his presence in the area. Through a
somewhat devious plan he had accumulated over 80,000 acres of land. Records
show that he never sold a single acre of the land, choosing instead to lease
lots, mostly in 50 acre parcels, a few in parcels of up to 500 acres.
English law at that time dictated that settlers
construct a home and plant an orchard on their leased property within three
years. They also had to clear and plant a minimum one-acre garden and/or cropland.
Initially, many chose to plant tobacco. The Colony was cash-strapped in those
days and tobacco became the medium of exchange in most commercial transactions.
A 1724 inventory of Spotswood’s properties shows that
he owned his fort, his large home, dozens of farm animals and the basis of the
iron works, namely the Tubal site, about 12 miles east of his residence. At
Germanna, he established the first County seat of Spotsylvania and held court
in his home. The presence of the court quickly brought its own society;
travelers arrived routinely for appearances before the justices.
County courts developed “Order Books” in those days.
Both the Spotsylvania and later Orange (after 1734) books contain references to
orders issued to Spotswood, primarily dictating that he organize work crews to
maintain the road to Germanna and the bridge over Wilderness Run, located near
the present day intersection of State Route 3 and US 20. Local residents
provided the labor for the crews, usually their slaves. Spotswood did maintain
the ferry that operated over the Rapid Anne River, today’s Rapidan. He also
maintained his own road from Germanna to the Tubal Iron Works.
Eventually, small enterprises sprang up in the area.
Those that were not located at the Court complex would be found along the
Germanna Road. Retail stores, grain mills, saw mills, post offices, wagon
makers and leatherworks businesses all found their place. Physicians took up
residence in the area and church spires began to become part of the local
scenery. By 1725 there were 7 plantations alone in the area surrounding the
Tubal Iron Works site. The new Wilderness society was beginning to take shape.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my homeworth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Early May 1864 witnessed the first time that
Confederate General Robert E. Lee and Union General Ulysses S. Grant – the two
giants of the Civil War – met in battle in an area known then and forever more
as the Wilderness. The area had been
known as the Wilderness for more than one hundred years before the Civil War
but it was this bloody battle that would put the Wilderness on the map and in
the history books forever. What made
these seventy square miles different from the rest of early Virginia? How did the Wilderness become the
Wilderness? To answer these questions,
we must go back to the early 1700’s when Virginia was still a British colony
and Lieutenant Governor Alexander Spotswood envisioned starting an iron
smelting industry in this area.
Spotswood arrived in Hampton Roads in June, 1710,
after being appointed Lieutenant Governor of the Virginia Colony. Iron ore was known to exist in the area that
would become the Wilderness even before Spotswood arrived in Virginia. The British Government at that time restricted
manufacturing to the home islands and looked to the colonies to produce and
export raw materials back to England while importing finished goods
manufactured from those raw materials.
Despite the lack of permission from the British Government to smelt iron
in the colonies, Spotswood initiated the iron smelting operation in Virginia
anyway. His initiative was in fact the first attempt at moving away from an
agricultural to an industrial based economy in Virginia and actually in any of
the colonies.
There are three elements in that land that are
critical to the smelting of iron ore:
the ground must contain iron ore; there must be large forests for fuel,
and water for power must be available.
All of these features were abundant in what was to become the Wilderness
and Spotswood began acquiring land in this area shortly after his arrival in
Virginia. Within just a couple years he controlled over 80,000 acres in present
day Orange and Spotsylvania Counties.
But there was still one feature missing before
Spotswood could turn his dream into reality and that was the presence of
experienced manpower that could conduct the smelting operations. So he arranged for the emigration of German
iron workers to Virginia; the first emigrants began arriving here in April,
1713. They were the original settlers of
the Germanna community, located on the south bank of the Rapidan River near
today’s State Route 3 and Germanna Community College. By 1715 Spotswood had established the Tubal
Furnace below the confluence of the Rapidan and Rappahannock rivers and was
smelting iron. By 1750 there would be at
least six blast furnaces smelting the area’s iron ore.
The smelting process required a fire hot enough to
reach the iron ore’s melting point, 2,190 to 2,810 degrees Fahrenheit, and it
had to be burning continuously for weeks at a time. The amount of fuel for smelting the iron was enormous
– nearly two acres of hardwood per ton of smelted iron – and some furnaces
could burn as much as seven hundred acres of timber per year. To obtain the fuel required clear cutting
vast segments of the virgin forest in the area.
The second growth forest that sprang up afterward consisted of smaller,
scrubbier trees which allowed the growth of ground covering vegetation. The vines, briars, honeysuckle, poison ivy
and other lower growing vegetation created an almost impenetrable wall of
vegetation and resulted in the area, by at least 1750, becoming known as “The
Wilderness.”
Exhibit 1 The Wilderness Virginia
It was this second growth forest that was in place
during the Civil War. Although the 1863
Battle of Chancellorsville was fought in and around the Wilderness, it was
really the first encounter of Lee and Grant in May 1864 – right in our backyard
– that the iconic name of “The Wilderness” became forever etched in Civil War
and American history.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my homeworth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Why live in the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County area? It has history. It has class. It has culture. Many people new to the area will find that this part of Virginia offers much in the way of things to do. As I stated, the Fredericksburg region boasts of many historic sites that hold a place in our nation’s history, from its early founding, struggles for independence, and growing pains that led to the Civil War.
The Fredericksburg area is the site of where more than 100,000 Americans lost their lives in our nation’s struggle that culminated in the Civil War. The area, simply put, is hallowed ground. But there is also a hallowed beauty to it. Go visit the Fredericksburg Battlefield, where in 1862, General Robert E. Lee defeated the Union Army of The Potomac. Down the road from the Fredericksburg Battlefield is the Chancellorsville Battlefield, a site considered to be Lee’s most brilliant victory, where he defeated an army almost three times the size of his own army. Then nearby are the battlefields of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania, where Lee faced off against Union General Ulysses S. Grant, a man who would go on to become our nation’s 18th President. If you’re not a big history nerd, but are more of a fitness junkie, these battlefields offer many hiking trails and the roadways on these battlefields, which are run by the National Park Service, are great places for biking. The Park Service also puts on many living history events and Fit History walking tours during the spring and summer months.
Historic Downtown Fredericksburg is definitely worth going to see as it has many buildings that date to the Civil War and earlier. In the historic district there are many shops that offer a wide variety to visitors; restaurants, antique shops, specialty foods, clothing, jewelry, home furnishings and much more. Located in downtown Fredericksburg is Kenmore, the home of Fielding Lewis, an American Patriot who gave and sacrificed much during our country’s struggle for independence, not to mention, the brother-in-law of George Washington, having married Washington’s sister Betty. Since we are speaking of George Washington, across the river from Fredericksburg is the site of Ferry Farm, where young George spent his childhood. It is a living history site which recently has underwent archaeological work to locate the foundations of his boyhood home and has been rebuilt to what it probably looked like. Also located in downtown are the Mary Washington House, Rising Sun Tavern, Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop and St. James’ House, all operated by the Washington Heritage Museums. Also near downtown, for the nature fanatics, is Alum Spring Park, a 34-acre park that hosts many natural features including sandstone cliffs and a swimming hole. If you are looking for a nice romantic getaway with your significant other, look no further. The downtown area also offers two nice B&B’s, the Kenmore Inn and the Richard Johnston Inn. Both Inn’s are historic homes, offer wonderful accommodations, excellent food, and show classic Virginia hospitality.
Aside from all the history and historic sites that Fredericksburg offers, there is also much in the way of class and culture. The downtown area also features art shops, the James Monroe Memorial Library, Fredericksburg Area Museum, and Belmont, the home of Gari Melcher, one America’s prominent portraitists and Impressionist painters. Fredericksburg also offers several craft beer and alehouses including Harry’s Alehouse on Route 3 and Sedona Taphouse and Capital Ale House in downtown Fredericksburg. The food at these locations are excellent. Not far from downtown, for those who have a taste for wine, there are a few local wineries which include Bacchus Winery, Hartwood Winery, and Eden Try Winery. If you have a flare for French cuisine, located downtown is La Petite Auberge, a French restaurant that has been serving the area since 1981. If you enjoy theater, located nearby is the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, a local dinner theater which has been putting on main-stage musicals, broad way shows, and dramatic productions for over 20 years. The shows are always fun and entertaining and the food and service is always top notch. With all that Fredericksburg has to offer, it is no wonder that the area is continuously growing.
Spotsylvania neighbors Orange County, where Lake of the Woods is located. Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my homeworth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
