Civil War Graffiti Tour

The 1840 Frederick County Court House (today’s Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum) served as a prison and hospital to both sides during the Civil War. Many of those soldiers wrote their names and drew pictures on the walls – including the famed “Jeff Davis Curse.” Join us for this special tour of the museum and the fascinating graffiti on its wall. Free.

Pre-registration is not required. Tour is hosted by the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation.

For more information, call 540-542-1145 or email info@svbf.net.

Tours of Stonewall Jackson’s Headquarters

This November, Stonewall Jackson’s Headquarters will remain open on weekends for guided tours.

This Hudson River Gothic Revival style house, a Virginia and National Historic Landmark, was used as headquarters by General “Stonewall” Thomas Jackson during the winter of 1861-1862.

The house contains the largest collection of Jackson memorabilia and also personal objects from members of his staff. The museum has on display Jackson’s personal prayer table, initialed prayer book, and many other Jackson family artifacts.

Friday and Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm
Sunday: 12 pm to 4 pm

Admission: Adults $5.00; Seniors $4.50; Students K-12 $2.50

Tours of Stonewall Jackson’s Headquarters

This November, Stonewall Jackson’s Headquarters will remain open on weekends for guided tours.

This Hudson River Gothic Revival style house, a Virginia and National Historic Landmark, was used as headquarters by General “Stonewall” Thomas Jackson during the winter of 1861-1862.

Friday and Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm
Sunday: 12 pm to 4 pm

Admission: Adults $5.00; Seniors $4.50; Students K-12 $2.50

Tours of Stonewall Jackson’s Headquarters

This November, Stonewall Jackson’s Headquarters will remain open on weekends for guided tours.

This Hudson River Gothic Revival style house, a Virginia and National Historic Landmark, was used as headquarters by General “Stonewall” Thomas Jackson during the winter of 1861-1862.

Friday and Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm
Sunday: 12 pm to 4 pm

Admission: Adults $5.00; Seniors $4.50; Students K-12 $2.50

Second Battle of Kernstown Tour

The Kernstown Battlefield will host a walking and driving tour of the Second Battle of Kernstown, stopping at key battle locations on and around the battlefield property. Accomplished Civil War author Scott C. Patchan, known for his books, Shenandoah Summer and Last Battle of Winchester, will lead the tour. While there is no cost for the tour, your generous donations will be greatly appreciated.

The tour will begin at the battlefield Visitors Center, then move to the Jackson’s Lookout observation platform on Apple Valley Road, the parking lot of Opequon Church, and then onto the front lawn of the Grafton Health building off Shawnee Drive. At each of these locations, Scott will discuss the maneuvers of Generals Ramseur, Gordon, and Breckinridge, plus details of the Confederate artillery.

The tour will then move onto the battlefield property to locations where the maneuvers of Union Colonels Thoburn, Ely, and Wells created a gap in the Union line, enabling Confederate General Jubal Early to execute his double-envelopment of the Union forces. The tour will end along the stone wall on Pritchard’s Lane where Scott will discuss the actions of Colonel James Mulligan’s Union division and his mortal wounding.

We are very sorry to say we will not be providing lunch at the end of this tour. Please bring comfortable walking shoes, proper clothing for the weather, and remember to bring water. Virginia COVID-19 guidelines will be practiced. The vast majority of the tour is outdoors, but movement in vehicles between locations will be required. High-risk persons, those with COVID symptoms, or who have been in contact with individuals with symptoms, should not attend. Attendees should have masks and practice social distancing during the tour.

History Program and Tour

This weekend is the anniversary of the Battle of 2nd Winchester.

A National Park Service ranger from Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park will conduct a presentation, “1864 in a Box” at Kernstown Battlefield at 1pm.

Following the program, author Jerry Holsworth will conduct a tour from 2-4pm starting at the Kernstown Battlefield.

Both are outdoor events.

FallFest at Belle Grove Plantation

When the garden slows down this fall, get a head start on next year with Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardeners at the FREE FallFest at Belle Grove Plantation on Sunday, September 8, 12-4 p.m.

Sponsored by the Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardener Association, this event includes talks from Master Gardeners, as well as demos, crafts, and giveaways–all free to the public and open to all ages.

Scheduled Talks in the Beverley B. Shoemaker Welcome Center (1918 Barn):
12:15 a.m. Plan a Pollinator Garden for Season-long Blooms with Stacey Morgan Smith
1:15 p.m. For your home Create a Habitat Garden and a Sustainable Landscape for Flora and Fauna with Cy Haley
2:15 p.m. Fall Decorations Using Garden Materials with Lynn Hoffmann
3:00 p.m. Learn Simple Steps for Saving Seeds with Elaine Specht

Under the Tents:
Demos, Craft workshops, and Giveaways throughout the event.
Tool Sharpening and winter storage tips
Dividing Daylilies Demo and Give Away
Fall Propagation of Woody Shrubs Demo
Flower Pounding Crafts
Tours of the Belle Grove Teaching Garden
Kids Gardening Table
Spring Bulb Information Booth and Daffodil Give Away
Master Gardener Information Booth
Peony Sale–come early for best selection!
Pot Recycling–bring in your garden pots and we will reuse or recycle them
And more!

History at Sunset

Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park presents a series of special “History at Sunset” programs. These ranger-conducted presentations cover a variety of subjects and provide visitors an opportunity to see sites normally not open, or widely accessible, to the general public.

Explore and learn about some of the “hidden gems” of the park and the Shenandoah Valley. Each program is free and lasts between 90 minutes to two hours.

“Sabers & Surprise:” Col. William Payne’s Confederate cavalry at the Battle of Cedar Creek
Friday, July 15, 2022 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Meet at the NPS Visitor Center, 7712 Main Street, Middletown, Virginia.

Leading the Confederate attack across the Shenandoah River on 19 October 1864, Col. William Payne’s cavalry battalion silenced Federal pickets and drove toward Belle Grove Plantation. Join Ranger Rick Ashbacker to follow Payne’s advance to six locations and discover why Payne was only partially successful.

History at Sunset

History at Sunset: Flank to Flank, Hiking in the Footsteps of Soldiers While Exploring the Terrain of the Third Winchester Battlefield

Besides being excellent places to experience history, many Civil War battlefields are also great places for hiking. With more than five miles of well-maintained trail over rolling terrain and through woodlots, the Third Winchester battlefield is one of the best. Join Ranger Rick Ashbacker to not only hike most of the battlefield, but also discuss key events, locations, and natural features on the site of the largest battle in the Shenandoah Valley.

Presented by Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park.

Meet at the parking lot for the Third Winchester Visitor Center (541 Redbud Road, Winchester, VA 22603). This activity is recommended primarily for visitors who are comfortable hiking at least 3-4 miles at a moderate pace.

History at Sunset

Tommy, Charlie, and the Kidd: General Wesley Merritt’s Cavalry at Cedar Creek

By 1864, the Union cavalry was superior to the Confederate cavalry for several reasons: better horses, more firepower, and aggressive, enthusiastic leadership. Cavalry division commander Gen. Wesley Merritt and his three brigade commanders were well-trained, experienced leaders who expected to win every combat action. Join Ranger Rick Ashbacker to follow Merritt’s division from the Union right flank all the way to its counterattack position on the Union left flank during the battle of Cedar Creek.

Meet at the National Park Service Visitor Contact Station (7712 Main Street, Middletown, VA 22645).