BACKGROUND: Starting in 1926 the Commonwealth of Virginia initiated a program of installing highway markers to designate points of interest for travellers to the Old Dominion. Included are numerous markers designating Civil War battles, individuals as well as other points of interest regarding the War between the States. With over 60% of all Civil War battles taking place here, Virginia had little difficulty installing road markers for those interested in taking the time to pull over their cars, get out, read the markers and perhaps ponder a few moments of what they have just read and what it meant.

As a service to those of similiar interest, we have created a complete list of all markers currently present in Virginia (as well as those now lost to the ages) that we are aware of. If you know of any we may be missing, please contact us.

In addition, we hope to compile a list of other Civil War points of interest within Virginia that will include other Civil War sites, cemeteries, museums, etc., along with the addresses, telephone numbers and person to contact. We ask you assistance if you are aware of worthy Civil War points of interest to include here. Please contact us.

We have broken down these markers into four sections of the state
1) Shenandoah Valley and (south)western part of the state
2) Northern Virginia
3) Central Virginia, including Richmond and the Piedmont region
4) Tidewater Virginia, including southeast and southcentral Virginia.

Originally, all landmarkers were assigned a letter of the alphabet and a number; the letter designating the highway (early part of the century roads were given letters not route numbers). Today, many markers are no longer in existence and if so, we will notify you of such. (DESIGNATED by the abbreviation N/A and printed in blue). However, just because the marker is no longer present, remember that history still abounds at these sites (if not developed) and you may have the opportunity to stop at places the general public is no longer aware of anymore. All locations are approximate since many car odometers will vary in calibration. Where ever possible, the markers are not being presented in numerical order but by their proximity to their location to others on the same highway. This should assist you to locate the markers on the road you will be currently travelling.

In addition, we found the following book compiled by for the Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission titled, "A Guidebook to Virginia's Historical Markers," ISBN 0-8139-1047-1, and ISBN 0-8139-1491-4 1994 update to be of immense help in creating this website. If anyone finds any errors or missing markers, etc., please contact us.

Thank you for visiting our website and please E-mail us your thoughts

Here Lee turned east to the Potomac, crossing at White's Ford, September 6, 1862, in his invasion of Maryland. Jubal A. Early, returning from his Washington Raid, crossed the river at White's Ford, July 14, 1864. (Route 15, 6.9 miles north of Leesburg).

Near here Stonewall Jackson bivouacked on the march into Maryland, Septtember 4, 1862. (Route 15, 2.7 miles north of Leesburg).

One mile east occurred the Battle of Ball's Bluff, October 21, 1861. A Union force, which had crossed the river at this point, was driven back over it by the Confederates. (Route 15, .9 mile north of Leesburg).

Jubal A. Early passed over this road on his return to the Shenandoah Valley, July 16, 1864. After leaving Lee before Richmond, June 13, Early traveled 450 miles, defeating Hunter at Lynchburg and Wallace on the Monocacy River, and threatening the city of Washington. On the approach of large Union forces he withdrew this way. (Route 7, 2.1 miles west of Leesburg).

J.E.B. (James Ewell Brown) Stuart, operating on Lee's right, passed here on his way to the fords.

There are no Historical Civil War Road Markers located in the city of Manassas.

The Battle of Chantilly (Ox Hill) took place here on September 1^st, 1862. Union General John Pope's Army, retreating after defeat by Robert E. Lee at Second Manassas, clashed with "Stonewall" Jackson's divisions which were attempting to prevent Pope from reaching Washington, D.C. Although Union Generals Kearny and Stevens were killed, Jackson's men were held off by the smaller Union forces. The battle ended the Second Manassas Campaign and led to Lee's invasion of Maryland. ( located at Route 50, 1.6 miles west of I-66).

This road, along which many of his skirmishes took place, is named for Colonel John Singleton Mosby, commander of the 43^rd Battalion of Confederate Partisan Rangers. Their activities in this area helped keep the Confederate cause alive in Northern Virginia toward the end of the war. ( located at Route 50, 4 miles west of Fairfax, near Route 645).

This road, along which many of his skirmishes took place, is named for Colonel John Singleton Mosby, commander of the 43^rd Battalion of Confederate Partisan Rangers. Their activities in this area helped keep the Confederate cause alive in Northern Virginia toward the end of the war. ( located at the intersection of Route 50 at Route 723).

Burke Station was raided in December, 1862, by Confederate General James Ewell Brown (JEB) Stuart. It was from this site, originally the Burke Station Depot, that he sent his famous telegraph to the Union quartermaster general complaining of the poor quality of the Union mules he had just captured. ( Located at the intersection of Route 645 at Route 652, 3.11 miles north east of Route 123).

There are no Historical Civil War Road Markers located in the city of Manassas.

Near here Stonewall Jackson's men, going to First Manassas, sank down to rest, July 19, 1861, without placing pickets. Jackson said, "Let the poor fellows sleep, I will guard the camp myself." (Located at Routes 17 and 50 at Paris).

On July 19, 1861, Stonewall Jackson's Brigade of General Joseph Eggleston Johnston's Army Corps marched to this station from Winchester. They crowded into freight and cattle cars and travelled to the First Battle of Manassas (or Bull Run). The use of a railroad to carry more than ten thousand troops to the Manassas Battlefield gave striking demonstration of the arrival of a new era in military transport and contributed significantly to the Confederate victory there. (Route 17, 6.5 miles south of Paris).

Near here the Union Cavalry General Gregg, USA, attacked Stuart and forced him to retire, June 19, 1863. (Route 50, .4 mile east of Upperville).

Here at Atoka (Rector's Crossroads), on June 10, 1863, Company "A" 43rd Battalion of Partisan Rangers, known as "Mosby's Rangers," was formally organized. James William Foster was elected captain; Thomas Turner, first lieutenant; W.L. Hunter, second lieutenant; and G.H. Whitescarver, third lieutenant. Shortly after, Brawner's company of Prince William Cavalry joined the command. (Route 50, 4 miles west of Middleburg).

The name "Manassas" - after Manasseh, a local Jewish innkeeper, according to one tradition published in 1861, or from an unidentified Indian word, according to another - first appeared as "Manassas Run" on a 1737 map. Manassas Gap, at about 950 feet the lowest in the Blue Ridge, initially was named Calmes's Gap for county justice Marquis Calmes, then renamed for Manassas Run. The Manassas Gap Railroad, built through the gap in the 1850's, linked Washington, D.C. with the Shenandoah Valley. (Route 55, .57 mile east of Linden).

Near here Stonewall Jackson, after a march of twenty six miles on his way to Bristoe Station, halted for a few hours to rest his men, Augusts 25th and 26th, 1862. (Route 55, at Marshall).

At Rectortown, four miles north, Major General George Brinton McClellan, USA, received the order relieving him from command of the Army of the Potomac, November 7, 1862. As Major General Ambrose Everett Burnside, USA, his successor, was present, McClellan immediately turned over the command to him. (Route 55, at Marshall).

Here Stonewall Jackson, on his march around Union General John Pope, USA, to Bristoe Station, turned to the southeast, August 26, 1862. (Route 55, at The Plains).

Here on the evening of August 22, 1862, General J.E.B. Stuart raided General Pope's headquarters. Unable to burn the railroad bridge because of a heavy thunderstorm, Stuart withdrew his troops as well as 300 Federal prisioners and Pope's dispatch case. At nearby Warrenton Junction (Calverton) on May 3, 1863, Colonel John Singleton Mosby attacked the Federal 1st West Virginia Regiment, but was forced to flee when surprised by the 1st Vermont and the 5th New York Cavalry. (Route 28, 3.10 miles west of Prince William County line, near Catlett and Calverton).

Here Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee and James Longstreet, on their way to join Stonewall Jackson then at Bristoe Station, camped on August 26, 1862. (Route 688, 12 miles west of Warrenton).

About two miles north is Waterloo Bridge, where J.E.B. Stuart began his raid to Catlett's Station in the rear of Union General John Pope's Army of the Potomac, August 22, 1862. Some miles farther north is Hinton's Mill, where Stonewall Jackson crossed this river, August 25, 1862, on the march around Pope that resulted in the Second Battle of Manassas. (Route 211, 5.1 miles west of Warrenton).

The Black Horse Cavalry was conceived at a gathering of Warrenton lawyers in 1858 and was among the local militia companies called to active service duty by Governor Henry Wise in 1859. The Black Horse led a successful charge against Union forces at the First Battle of Manassas, winning the special praise of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Known as Company H of the 4^th Virginia Cavalry, the unit served as bodyguard, escort, and scout for Confederate Generals Joseph E. Johnston and Stonewall Jackson. Following the war, a number of the men of the Black Horse became prominent leaders in the Commonwealth. ( Business Route 17 & 211, at Route 211, in Warrenton).

The Holtzclaw family acquired Ashland through a grant issued by Lt. Governor Alexander Spotswood in 1724, and lived on this land until the 1920's. While a portion of the house dates to about 1725, the main residence was completed by 1889, and was remodeled and enlarged by architect William Lawrence Bottomley in 1929. Between 1861 and 1864, the Union Army stationed pickets at Ashland, as it was used as a Federal medical dressing station. Legend claims that a Union army payroll, hidden by a paymaster who died in 1862 at nearby Waterloo, Virginia, is still buried here. (Route 211, 4.4 miles west of Warrenton).

Chosen as the county seat in 1759, and first called Fauquier Court House, Warrenton was laid out as a town in 1790. John Marshall began law practice here. In the War between the States, it was the center of operations north of the Rappahannock River and many wounded were hospitalized here. Union General Joohn Pope, USA, headquartered here in the Second Manassas Campaign. Seizing the local press, the Unionists edited the newspaper as "The New York Ninth." Colonel John Singleton Mosby, CSA, the Ranger, made forays in this vicinity. (Route 802, at Warrenton).

Robert E. Lee and James Longstreet, CSA, moving eastward to join Stonewall Jackson, CSA, at Manassas, found this gap held by a Union force, August 28, 1862. They forced the gap, after some fighting, and moved on toward Manassas, August 29, 1862. (Route 55, 5 miles southeast of The Plains).

Five miles northwest is Thoroughfare Gap in the Bull Run Mountains. Through this gap General Joseph E. Johnston and Stonewall Jackson, came, July 19, 1861, on their way to the 1st Battle of Manassas. Through it Robert E. Lee sent Stonewall Jackson, August 26, 1862, and followed with James Longstreet to take part in the 2nd Battle of Manassas (or Bull Run). (Route 55, at Gainesville).

Just to the east were fought the two Battles of Manassas or Bull Run. (Route 211, .4 mile east of Gainesville).

The center of Lee's Army rested here on August 30, 1862; Stonewall Jackson was to the north of this road, James Longstreet to the south. Late in the afternoon, after Jackson had repulsed Pope's assaults, Longstreet moved eastward, driving the Union forces facing him toward Henry Hill. Jackson advanced southward at the same time. (Route 211, 1.6 miles east of Gainesville).

Henry Hill lies just to the south. Here the Confederates repulsed the repeated attacks of the Union Army under General Irvin McDowell, USA, July 21, 1861. Here Jackson won the name, "Stonewall," and from here began McDowell's retreat that ended at Washington. (Route 211, 4.7 miles east of Gainesville).

On the Matthews Hill, just to the north, the Confederates repulsed the attack of the Unionists, coming from the north, in the forenoon of July 21, 1861. The Union force, reinforced, drove the Confederates to the Henry Hill, just to the south. There the latter reformed under the cover of Stonewall Jackson. In the afternoon, McDowell vainly attempted to rally his retreating troops on the Matthews Hill after they had been driven down the Henry Hill. (Route 211, 4.7 miles east of Gainesville).

On the Henry Hill, Pope's rear guard, in the late afternoon of August 30, 1862, repulsed the attacks of Longstreet coming from the west. If the hill had been taken, Pope's Army would have been doomed; but the Unionists held it while the rest of their troops retreated across Bull Run on the way to Centreville. (Route 211, 4.7 miles east of Gainesville).

Here Taliaferro, of Stonewall Jackson's force, came into the highway in the late night of August 27, 1862. He was marching from Manassas to the position about a mile and a half to the north held by Stonewall Jackson in the 2nd Battle of Manassas (or Bull Run). (Route 211, 4.7 miles east of Gainesville).

The old stone bridge, just to the north, played a part in the Battles of Manassas. Here rested the Confederate left in the early morning of July 21, 1861; over the bridge Pope's retreating army passed, August 30, 1862. (Route 211, 6 miles east of Gainesville).

These are the grounds of the Henry House, where occurred the main action of the First Battle of Manassas (or Bull Run), July 21, 1861, and the closing scene of the Second Battle of Manassas, August 30, 1862. (Route 234, 5.1 miles northwest of Manassas).

To the south stood the farmhouse of James Robinson, a former slave freed by Landon Carter. There, during the First Battle of Manassas on July 21^st, 1861, Colonel Wade Hampton's Legion covered the Confederates falling back to Henry Hill, where Jackson stood "like a stone wall." The house survived the battle, and during the Second Battle of Manassas in August, 1862 served the Union troops as a field hospital. Congress later authorized compensation to Robinson for property damages. The present house stands partially on the foundation of the original (Route 29, .27 mile north of Route 234).

In 1743, the second Prince William County Courthouse was built near here along Cedar Run, replacing the first county courthouse in Woodbridge. After the creation of Fairfax County, the Cedar Run location, owned by Philemon Waters, became the center of Prince William County. The court remained here only until 1759, when it moved to Dumfries after the creation of Fauquier County. Henry Lee, father of Governor Henry ("Lighthorse Harry") Lee, and grandfather of General Robert E. Lee, practiced law here. The building, like its predecessor, no longer stands. (Route 646, 3.55 miles west of Route 234).

This 508-acre park was donated to the Commonwealth in 1978 by Daniel K. Ludwig and was opened on June 17^th, 1989. The park, whose name means "Lee's Woods," is the ancestral home of the famous Lee family of Virginia. The land, which was patented in 1658, was the home of Henry Lee II and Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee III, father of General Robert E. Lee. Nearby Freestone Point was the site of a Confederate artillery emplacement which successfully blockaded the Potomac River during the Civil War. (Route 610, 1.53 mile east of Route 1).

A tobacco warehouse was built here in 1730; the town was established in 1749 and became a noted port. In 1774 it elected one of the first Revolutionary Committees of Correspondence. Washington came to Dumfries frequently. On December 12, 1862, Wade Hampton here surprised a Union force, capturing some wagons; and, on December 27, 1862, J.E.B. Stuart had a skirmish with the Union troops holding the place. (Route 1, at Dumfries).

Settlement began here in 1651. Samuel Matthews, Governor of Virginia, 1659 to 1660, patented land here. On December 27, 1862, General Fitzhugh Lee, CSA, raiding from Fredericksburg, struck the road here and moved northward, capturing wagons. (Route 1, 4.3 miles south of Dumfries).

According to tradition, the name Manassas was derived either from an Indian source or from Manasseh, a Jewish innkeeper at Manassas Gap (35 miles west). The community originated in 1852 at the junction of the Manassas Gap and Orange & Alexandria Railroad, which linked northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. with the Shenandoah Valley and central Virginia. During the Civil War the junction's strategic importance led to the Battles of First and Second Manassas (Bull Run), both Confederate victories. Manassas was incorporated as a town in 1873 and became a city in 1975. (Route 28, 5.41 miles north of Route 215).

Richard S. Ewell's Corps of Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, passed here going north, June 11th and 12th, 1863; A.P. Hill's Corps passedd here on June 19th, 1863. (Route 522, 5 miles south of Front Royal).

A ministerial student, aged 20, of Colonel John S. Mosby's command, he was hanged nearby on October 14, 1864 by the U.S. 2nnd Cavalry (W.Va.) in reprisal for the alleged murder of a U.S. soldier by Mosby's men. Of two captured, one was to be hanged. Willis was offered chaplain's exemption, but he refused to doom his companion, a married man. Professing his Christian readiness to die, he prayed for his executioners. (Route 522, 5.5 miles north of Flint Hill).

Here Stonewall Jackson, CSA, on his march around Pope's Federal Army by way of Jeffersonton to Bristoe Station, turned north, August 25, 1862. (Route 211, 7.2 miles east of Massies Corner).

Here J.E.B. Stuart, CSA, raiding around Pope's Army, turned northeast, August 22, 1862. He passed through Warrenton and went on to Catlett's Station, where he captured some of Pope's wagons, in one of which were found Pope's order book and uniform. (Route 211, 9.5 miles east of Massies Corner).

Near this place an engagement took place between Robertson's Brigade and the First Maine Cavalry, July 5, 1862. (Route 211, at Sperryville).

Here Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson had their headquarters. Here, August 24, 1862, they formed the plan to attack John Pope's line of supply and bring him to battle before George B. McClellan could join him. (Route 211, 7 miles northwest of Warrenton).

J.E.B. Stuart, CSA, starting here with his cavalry on August 22, 1862, rode around General John Pope's Army to Catlett's Station. He destroyed supplies and army material and captured Pope's headquarters wagons. (Route 613, 6 miles west of Warrenton.

Four miles southeast, at Kelly's Ford, Major John Pelham, commanding J.E.B. Stuart's horse artillery, was mortally wounded, March 17, 1863. (Route 15, at Elkwood).

In this vicinity was fought one of the greatest Cavalry Battles of the Civil War. On June 9, 1863, Union forces under General Alfred Pleasonton attacked J.E.B. Stuart, CSA, who was screening Robert E. Lee's northward movement toward Pennsylvania. After heavy fighting, Pleasonton withdrew. (Route 29, 1 mile north of Brandy).

This was the scene of many cavalry actions. A great cavalry battle took place here, on June 9, 1863, between J.E.B. Stuart, screening Robert E. Lee's move to Gettysburg, and the cavalry of Major General Joseph Hooker's Army of the Potomac. (Routes 15 and 29, .7 mile northeast of Brandy).

On this plain, Robert E. Lee reviewed his cavalry, June 8, 1863. The next day the Cavalry Battle of Brandy Station was fought. On June 10, Richard S. Ewell's Corps, from its camp near here, began the march to Pennsylvania. (Route 15, .5 mile southwest of Brandy).

The hilltop northeast of this spot is Cole's Hill. The mountain to the west is Mount Pony. Both were used by Major General John Pope, USA, as signal stations. (Route 3, 3.6 miles east of Culpeper).

To the south is Clark's Mountain, behind which Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia was gathered, August 17, 1862. From a signal station on the mountain top Lee looked down on Pope's Army, which he wished to attack. Pope, realizing his danger, retired northward. (Route 15, 4.7 miles south of Culpeper).

Near here Stonewall Jackson, CSA, formed line of battle and received the attack of Major General Nathaniel Banks' Corps of Major General John Pope's Army. From here he attacked in turn, driving the Union forces northwest. (Route 15, 6.1 miles south of Culpeper).

Near here the Second Corps of Grant's Army camped in the winter of 1863 to 1864. To this point came Major General Philip Sheridan's Cavalry, the Sixth Corps from Brandy Station, and the Fifth Corps from Culpeper. The Union Army moved hence to Germanna and Ely's Fords on the Rapidan River, May 4, 1864, to open the Wilderness Campaign. (Route 3, at Stevensburg).

Giles Brent built a house here in 1647. After the Indian War of 1676 this creek was for ten years the northern frontier of Virginia. The Union Army of the Potomac, coming from the James River, landed here in August, 1862. For campaigns in 1862 through 1863, this stream was the supply base of the Union Army. (Route 1, 3.6 miles north of Stafford).

Founded in 1727 as a trading center for the Northern Neck, Hunter's iron works here were an objective in the Virginia Campaign of 1781. The Army of the Potomac camped here from November, 1862, to June, 1863, and moved hence to Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. (Route 1, .95 mile north of Route 17).

Here is Chatham, built about 1750 by William Fitzhugh. Here Robert E. Lee came to court his wife. In the Battle of Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862, the house was occupied by General Edwin Sumner, USA. It was Major General Joseph Hooker's headquarters for a time during 1863. (Route 3, .2 mile east of Fredericksburg).

Near here General Wade Hampton, CSA, with a small cavalry force surprised and captured 5 officers and 87 men of the Third Pennsylvania Cavalry, November 28, 1862. At that time, Major General Ambrose E. Burnside, USA, was moving toward Fredericksburg. On February 25, 1863, Fitz Lee, on a reconnaissance, attacked Union Cavalry here, driving it back on Falmouth where thee Union Army was encamped. (Route 17, 8 miles northwest of Falmouth).

Here passed part of the Army of the Potomac, under Major General Ambrose E. Burnside, USA, on the way from Warrenton to Fredericksburg, November, 1862. The Battle of Fredericksburg was fought December 13, 11862. (Route 17, 4.1 miles northwest of Falmouth).

Here Major John Pelham, commanding Stuart's Horse Artillery, executed a stunning flank attack on advancing Union troops during the Battle of Fredericksburg on December 13^th, 1862. Reduced to one cannon, the 24-year-old Pelham halted the Federals for almost two hours by employing the flying artillery tactics that he had perfected. Observing from a nearby hilltop, Lee exclaimed, "It is glorious to see such courage in one so young!" Lee's battle report commended "the gallant Pelham." The Alabamian was fatally wounded three months later at Kelly's Ford on the upper Rappahannock River. (Route 17, .02 mile south of Route 608).

Here Major General Philip Sheridan, USA, moving from camp, came into the Telegraph Road on his raid to Richmond, May 9, 1864, while Generals Robert E. Lee, CSA, and Ulysses Simpson Grant, USA, were fighting at Spotsylvania. The 10,000 Union Cavalry force filled the road for several miles. Turning from the road ten miles south, Sheridan came into it again at Yellow Tavern near Richmond on May 11, 1864. (Route 1, 5.3 miles south of Falmouth).

At this point, James Ewell Brown (J.E.B) Stuart, CSA, had his headquarters and cavalry camp in December, 1862. (Route 1, 5.4 miles south of Falmouth).

On this hill, May 3, 1863, Confederate J.E.B. Stuart was notified that General Stonewall Jackson had been wounded at Chancellorsville and that he was to take command of Jackson's Corps. Moments before, Stuart had ordered his 1,000 men from North Carolina and Virginia to attack the 3,400 Pennsylvanians under General A.W. Averell at Ely's Ford. After ordering three volleys of musket fire at the Union troops below, Stuart cancelled the attack and left to assume his command at Chancellorsville. [Erected 1981 by the Spotsylvania Historical Association]. (Route 610, .54 mile east of Culpeper County line).

A mile south is the unmarked grave of Gaspar Tochman (1797-1880), a major in the Polish army who participated in the failed 1830 revolt against Russia. Exiled, in 1837 he immigrated to the United States, where he practiced law, wrote, and lectured. During the Civil War he recruited the Polish Brigade (14^th and 15^th Louisiana regiments) of Jackson's Corps. A colonel in the Confederate army, he sought unsuccessfully the rank of brigadier general. Tochman settled here in 1866 and served as the European agent for the Virginia Board of Immigration. (Route 621, .25 mile south of Route 61).

Massaponax Baptist Church, built in 1859, served a congregation founded in 1788. On May 21^st, 1864, Lt. General Ulysses Simpson Grant and his commanders conferred on pews in the churchyard as the Union Army marched from the Spotsylvania Court House battlefield to the North Anna River. Photographer Timothy O'Sullivan hauled his heavy stereo camera to the balcony of the church and recorded this conference in a unique series of candid images showing a war council in progress. (Route 608, near Route 1).

Near here stood the hospital tent to which the wounded Stonewall Jackson, CSA, was brought during the Battle of Chancellorsville. In that tent his left arm was amputated on May 3, 1863. He died seven days later at Guinea. (Route 3, east of Route 20 near the Wilderness).

Major General Joseph Hooker, USA, reached this point, April 30, 1863; the next day he entrenched, with his left wing on the river and his right wing on this road several miles west. That wing was surprised by Jackson and driven back here, May 2, 1863. The Confederates stormed the position here, May 3. The Union Army withdrew northward, May 5th and 6th, 1863. (Route 3, at Chancellorsville).

Robert E. Lee's headquarters of the Army of Northern Virginia in the winter of 1862 to 1863 were a mile down this road. (Route 1, 5.4 miles north of Thornburg).

Mud Tavern was the old name of this place. Six miles east, at Guinea Station, General Thomas Jonathan (Stonewall) Jackson, CSA, died, May 10, 1863. In the campaign of 1864, General Richard S. Ewell's and James Longstreet's Corps of Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, coming from Spotsylvania Courthouse, here turned south, May 21, 1864. Lee fell back to the North Anna River as Lieutenant General Ulysses Simpson Grant swung around to the east. (Route 1, at Thornburg).

Here, on May 9, 1864, Major General Philip Sheridan, USA, was attacked by Wickham's Cavalry. Nearby, on May 22, 1864, Warren's (Fifth) Corps, moving to the North Anna River, fought Rosser's Cavalry. (Route 1, 1.1 miles south of Thornburg).

At this point in his Richmond raid, Philip Sheridan, after a fight with Confederate Cavalry commanded by General William C. Wickham, turned off the Telegraph Road to Beaver Dam, May 9, 1864. This change of route caused Sheridan to approach Richmond from the northwest instead of the north. (Route 1, 1.8 miles south of Thornburg).

A mile south is the grave of James Lawson Kemper, who led his brigade of Virginia troops in Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg, July 3, 1863, and fell desperately wounded. He became a Major General in the Confederate Army in 1864. Kemper was Governor of Virginia, 1874 to 1878. (Route 15, 2.7 miles north of Orange).

Two miles northeast is Woodberry Forest School, a college preparatory school for boys, founded in 1889 by Robert Stringfellow Walker, a captain with Mosby's Rangers. The school was named for the estate on which it stands, formerly owned by William Madison, brother of President James Madison. (Route 15, 6 miles north of Orange).

Near here stood the ancient Robinson's Tavern. Here Major General George G. Meade, USA, wished to concentrate his Army of the Potomac in the Mine Run Campaign, November, 1863, but one Army Corps, coming up late, disarranged his plans. Here Richard Stoddard Ewell, CSA, moving east from Orange in the Wilderness Campaign, camped here on May 4,1864. (Route 20, at Locust Grove).

Lieutenant General Richard S. Ewell's Corps, the left wing of Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, moving down this road from Orange, came into conflict near here with Warren's Corps of Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant's Army, May 5, 1864. The fight moved to and fro until Ewell finally drove Warren back and entrenched here. Late the next afternoon, May 6, 1864, Ewell attackedd the Unionists. Meanwhile, two miles south on the Orange Plank Road, the right wing of Lee's Army was engaged with Grant's left wing. (Route 20, 2.9 miles east of Locust Grove).

Two miles north, near Pisgah Church, Stonewall Jackson, Richard S. Ewell, and A.P. Hill camped, August 15th to 20th, 1862, awaiting James Longstreet. (Route 20, 5.7 miles east of Orange).

Meade, advancing south from the Rapidan River to attack Lee, found him in an entrenched position here on November 28, 1863. Heavy skirmishing went on until December 1st. Then Major General George G. Meade, USA, thinking Lee's lines too strong to assault, retired across the Rapidan in time to avoid a counterattack by the Confederates. (Route 20, 6.6 miles east of Orange).

Near here Stonewall Jackson, CSA, camped, August 13th through 15th, 1862, just after the Cedar Mountain engagement. (Route 15, 3.2 miles south of Orange).

One of the principal crossings of the Rapidan River from Colonial times. Here a part of the Army of the Potomac crossed the river, April 30, 1863, preceding the Battle of Chancellorsville. Here a part of General George Gordon Meade's Union Army crossed the way to Mine Run, November 26, 1863. Here the Fifth and Sixth Army Corps of General Ulysses S. Grant's Army crossed, May 4th and 5th, 1864, to open the Wilderness Campaign. (Route 3, 4.8 miles west of Wilderness).

Just to the north, on the night of November 25, 1862, Stonewall Jackson, CSA, with his corps, camped. He was on his way to join Robert E. Lee at Fredericksburg. (Route 670, 1 mile north of Criglersville).

Stonewall Jackson, CSA, on his march from Winchester to Fredericksburg, preceding the Battle of Fredericksburg, camped here, November 26, 1862. (Route 231, at Madison).

This Greek Revival-style house was built about 1852 for state senator Thomas N. Welch. In 1868 James Lawson Kemper (1823-1895) purchased it from his mother-in-law, Mrs. Belfield Cave. Kemper, an attorney, represented Madison County in the House of Delegates (1853-1863), served as speaker (1861-1863), led a brigade during the Civil War, was wounded in Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg, and served as governor of Virginia (1874-1878). In 1882 he moved to Walnut Hills in Orange County. (Business Route 29, .1 mile south of Madison).

First known as Jack's Shop for a blacksmith shop that stood nearby, Rochelle was was the scene of a cavalry skirmish on September 22^nd, 1863. While Confederate Cavalry under Major General J.E.B. Stuart engaged Union Brigadier General John Buford's troops, the cavalry of Brigadier General H. Judson Kilpatrick rode to Buford's support and attacked the rear of Stuart's force. Stuart's horse artillery and his cavalry fired and charged in both directions. They broke through Kilpatrick's lines and escaped. (Route 231, 6.5 miles south of Madison).

Here at Locust Dale, Stonewall Jackson's Army crossed the river moving north to the Battle of Cedar Mountain, August 9, 1862. The battle was fought a few hours later. (Route 15, 7.6 miles north of Orange).

There are no Historical Civil War Road Markers located in Greene County.

This old church was probably built before 1750. The stepping stone at the door bears the date 1782. Near here General Judson Kilpatrick's Union Cavalry, on a raid to destroy gunboats at Port Conway, fought a skirmish, September 1, 1863. (Route 3, 5.3 miles west of King George).

Six miles southeast is Port Conway on the Rappahannock River. At the Conway place there, James Madison, fourth President of the United States, was born, 1751. There Judson Kilpatrick's Union Cavalry shelled two gunboats captured by the Confederates, September 1, 1863. There John Wilkes Booth, assassin of Abraham Lincoln, crossed the river, April 24, 1865. (Route 3, 2.7 miles east of King George).

In an outhouse, here at Moss Neck, Stonewall Jackson, CSA, had his headquarters, December, 1862 through March, 1863. He was engaged in guarding the line of the Rappahannock River with his corps of Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. (Route 17, 5.7 miles southeast of New Post).

Located two miles north on the Rappahannock River. There Jubal Anderson Early, in December, 1862, confronted Ambrose E. Burnside's Army on the other side of the river. His alertness prevented a crossing and battle at this point. (Route 17, 6.9 miles southeast of New Post).

The town was established in 1744 and was one of the principal shipping points on the Rappahannock River in colonial times. In December, 1862, Major General Ambrose E. Burnside, commanding the Army of the Potomac, considered crossing the river here but finally moved up to Fredericksburg. Union gunboats, attempting to pass up the river at that time, were driven back by Daniel Henry (D.H.) Hill, CSA. (Route 301, at Port Royal Cross Roads).

On this road two miles south is the Garrett place. There John Wilkes Booth, President Abraham Lincoln's assassin, was found by Union Cavalry and killed while resisting arrest. (Route 301, at Port Royal Cross Roads).

This is the Garrett place where John Wilkes Booth, assassin of President Abraham Lincoln, was cornered by Union soldiers and killed, April 26, 1865. The house stood a short distance from this spot. (Route 301, 9.1 miles northeast of Bowling Green).

A little to the east, at Nancy Wright's, Warren's (Fifth) and Wright's (Sixth) Corps, coming from the east, on May 22, 1864, turned south. Wright camped here on May 22, 1864. (Route 1, 5.1 miles north of Ladysmith).

Robert E. Lee camped here, on May 21, 1864, on his way to the North Anna River to opposed Ulysses S. Grant moving southward. Lieutenant Generals Richard Stoddard Ewell's and James Longstreet's Corps rested here that night.(Route 1, 2.2 miles south of Ladysmith).

Here, at Mount Carmel Church, on May 23, 1864, Major General Winfield Scott Hancock's (Second) Corps turned south to the North Anna River; Warren's (Fifth) Corps and Horatio Wright's (Sixth) Corps here turned west to Jericho Mills on the river. Ulysses S. Grant had his headquarters in the Church on May 24, 1864. On May 27, 1864, the four corps of Grant's Army, returning from the North Anna River, here turned east to Cold Harbor.(Route 1, at Carmel Church).

The earthworks in the angle between this stream and the North Anna River, held by a small Confederate force, were taken by Ulysses S. Grant's troops moving southward on May 23, 1864. The Unionists then advanced to the river, on the south side of which was Lee's Army. (Route 1, 2.4 miles south of Carmel Church).

Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant faced each other on the North Anna River, May 23rd through Maya 26th, 1864. Union forces crossed here and four miles o the west but found they could not dislodge Lee's center, which rested on the stream. Grant then turned east to Cold Harbor. (Route 1, 2.8 miles south of Carmel Church).

Two miles east is Stratford, built about 1725 by Thomas Lee (1690 to 1750). He was the President of the Virginia Council and the father of Richard Henry Lee and Francis Lightfoot Lee, both of whom were signers of the Declaration of Independence. Here also was born Robert Edward Lee (1807 to 1870). Three miles east of Stratford stood Chantilly, the home of Richard Henry Lee in his later years. (Route 3, 4 miles northwest of Montross).

A mile and a half west stands Fonthill, built in 1832 by Robert Mercer Taliaferro Hunter. He served variously as United States Senator, Confederate Secretary of State, Confederate States Senator, and as a member of the peace commission that met with Union representatives near Fort Monroe in February 1865. Imprisoned briefly at the end of the war, Hunter soon resumed his public career, serving as treasurer of Virginia from 1874 to 1880. (Route 17, 3 miles northwest of Caret).

Located two miles northeast on the Rappahannock River at Lowry's Point was a Confederate eight gun "water battery" constructed in 1861. Here at Dunnsville was located Camp Byron, home of Company F (the Essex Light Dragoons), Ninth Cavalry, C.S.A.; the company moved to Fort Lowry in October, 1861 to assist in the fort'ss defense andd to conduct scouting missions. (Intersections of Routes 17 and 611 at Dunnsville).

Here in 1861 the Confederates constructed an eight gun "water batterey" principally for the defense of Fredericksburg. The guns were manned by the 55th Infantry Regiment located 500 yards northwest. The cannons were moved and the fort abandoned March, 1862, after the Northern Neck troop withdrawal left unit defenseless. On April 14, 1862, six Union gunboats bombarded and burned the installation. Thereafter, the fort functioned in limited capacity until the war ended. (Route 646 at the site of Fort Lowry).

Judson Kilpatrick, coming from the east, burned Confederate stores here, May 5, 1863. Dahlgren, coming from Richmond, crossed the Mattapony River here on March 2, 1864. Major General Philip Sheridan, returning from his Richmond raid, was here, May 22nd and 23rd, 1864, and on his Trevillian raid passed here, June 7, 1864. (Route 360, at Aylett).

Newtown began as a pre Revolutionary tavern crossroads on the intercolonial King's Highway. The settlement prospered in the antebellum period, becoming King and Queen's largest port village and supporting several fine academies and schools. In June, 1863, Newtown witnessed the last tactical action of General George Pickett's Division before its long march to Gettysburg. Erected 1981. (Intersection of Routes 625 and 721 at Newtown).

Colonel Ulric Dahlgren, Federal Officer, met death in the early morning, March 2, 1864, three hundred yards to the north. After the raids on Richmond, his forces bivouaced here and, in breaking camp, he fell to the fire of Confederate detachments and Home Defense forces who had gathered during the night. (Route 631, 2.5 miles northwest of King and Queen Courthouse).

There are no Historical Civil War Road Markers located in Middlesex County.

This is the Church of North Farnham Parish, built about 1737. In 1814, a skirmish was fought here between raiders from Admiral Cockburn's British fleet and Virginia militia; bullet holes are still visible in the walls. The Church was used as a stable by Union soldiers, 1863 through 1865. It was restored in 1872, damaged by fire in 1887 and restored again in 1924. (Route 692, at Farnham).

There are no Historical Civil War Road Markers located in Northumberland County.

There are no Historical Civil War Road Markers located in Lancaster County.

If you find any corrections to the above or are aware of other Civil War historical road markers erected by local government or citizen groups that should be added to this list, please contact us at: