The Civil War Civilian Experience on the Journey Through Hallowed Ground in Virginia

Journey Through Hallowed Ground Byway - (Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia)

Departure: Leesburg, Virginia, Virginia
Destination: Culpeper, VA, Virginia
Time to allow: 1 day

You’ve seen the battlefields and heard the stories of the soldiers, the generals, the politicians. But what about the men, women, and children left at home to keep things running while the rest of the nation was at war? Spend a day on the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Byway in Virginia experiencing life as a civilian during the Civil War. Tour households, view artifacts at museums, and stroll through historic downtown districts as you learn the stories of the men, women, and children who bravely fought their own wars at home.

Day 1

  • Start: Leesburg, Virginia

    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour 30 minutes

    Spend the morning wandering through historic downtown Leesburg. Stop by the Loudoun Museum to learn the stories of the town's Civil War population, and then walk through the Historic District to see the homes made famous for their participation in the war. If you happen upon the Glenfiddich House, known as Harrison Hall during the war, picture Mr. Harrison's two young daughters peeking through the upstairs window as Confederate General Robert E. Lee came to recuperate from a fall from his horse. While there, Lee held a war council which ultimately resulted in the Confederate invasion of Maryland and the Battle of Antietam. Many of the homes are privately owned and only available to tour at certain times of the year, but you can still walk past them and consider the lives of those who sought shelter within during the Civil War.

  • Stop 2: Oatlands Historic House and Gardens

    From previous stop: 13 minutes / 6.4 mi (10.2 km)
    Directions:

    Take US-15/James Monroe Hwy and head south. Turn left onto Oatlands Plantation Lane, which will take you to the Oatlands Historic House and Gardens.
    Suggested time at this stop: 2 hours 30 minutes

    A flourishing wheat plantation up until the Civil War, the Oatlands Historic House and Gardens play host to over 200 years of history and a majestic 3,408 acre estate covered in a wealth of lush grounds and colorful flower gardens. The plantation was formed in 1798 by George Carter, who made his fortune using slave labor. At the time of the Civil War's beginnings, the plantation housed 128 slaves, the largest slave population in the county. Carter died before the war began, but his widow, two sons, and the estate survived the war. Today, you can take a guided tour of the Mansion House and hear the stories of the families who owned Oatlands throughout the years. Self-guided tours are also available. If you're going to be there around lunchtime, bring a picnic lunch and feel free to eat it in the wooded picnic grove (food service facilities are not available on the grounds).

  • Stop 3: Warrenton, Virginia

    From previous stop: 48 minutes / 28.8 mi (46.1 km)
    Directions:

    Head north on Oatlands Plantation Lane back to US-15/James Monroe Hwy. Continue following US-15 through Haymarket and to Warrenton. Turn left onto Blackwell Road and follow into downtown Warrenton.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour 30 minutes

    Although it boasted a population of only 600 people in 1860, Warrenton, Virginia was known as the richest town in the entire south. Like many other small southern towns, Warrenton became the target for many raids while its schools and churches functioned as hospitals. Visit the Old Jail Museum to learn the Civil War stories of Warrenton's citizens. After a self-guided tour of the museum (or a guided one if you make an appointment ahead of time), ramble through Warrenton's Historic District to view a number of structures from the Civil War era. Be sure to check out Downtown Historic Warrenton and see why movie director Clint Eastwood used Main Street as the backdrop for a recent period film.

  • Stop 4: Graffiti House

    From previous stop: 24 minutes / 17.9 mi (28.6 km)
    Directions:

    Head south out of Warrenton on US-15/James Madison Highway. Follow the Highway for about sixteen miles and then turn left onto Alanthus Rd. Take another left on Brandy Rd. The Graffiti House is on the right.
    Suggested time at this stop: 45 minutes

    Graffiti House is known not only for its role in national history but also recent events surrounding it as well. The building was nearly torn down in the 1990's, but a developer examined the interior walls to discover what is now considered to be a fascinating example of our nation's history. This quaint, red, two-story building in Brandy Station, VA was used during the Civil War as a hospital for both Union and Confederate forces. As you tour the building, pay attention to the "graffiti-ed" walls where soldiers would leave inscriptions, drawings, messages, and signatures as they passed through the town. Be sure to ask how the town got its name!

  • End: Culpeper, VA

    From previous stop: 15 minutes / 7 mi (11.2 km)
    Directions:

    Head west on Brandy Rd and take a right onto Alanthus Road. Take your second left to get back on US-15/James Madison Highway. Follow US-15 into Culpeper, VA. Turn left onto Main St to reach the Museum of Culpeper History, which will be on your left.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour 30 minutes

    The town of Culpeper played an integral part in the Civil War, which altered the life of every citizen in town. Today, you can see evidence of the over 160 skirmishes and battles the town participated in as you tour the Museum of Culpeper History's interactive exhibits. Also, take advantage of a self-guided driving tour or a walking tour (brochures are available at the Visitor's Center) and experience firsthand the sights of this historical place!

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled: 60.1 miles / 96.2 km
Total Travel Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 7 hours 45 minutes