By Marty van Duyne
For PotomacLocal.com
Stafford, Va. –– Local officials lifted golden shovels to ceremoniously break ground while Virginia National Guard soldiers let heavy equipment do the lifting.
But both the team wielding spades and team operating earthmovers had the same mission: to cut a road through what will become a Stafford’s Civil War park.
Stafford, too, has a Civil War story
Aquia District Supervisor and Board Vice-Chairman Paul Milde kicked a dedication ceremony on Thursday. But with temperatures nearing the century mark, he and other speakers kept their remarks brief.
He reminded everyone that the Battle of Bull Run near Manassas, considered a turning point in the war, celebrated its 150th Anniversary the day before.
“Stafford County, too, has a story to tell about the Civil War, and this park can be a turning point in how we are perceived by historians,” said Milde. “For years the sites here were a hidden gem.”
He told the crowd Friends of Stafford Civil War Sites (FSCWS) President and White Oak Civil War Museum & Research Center founder D.P. (Danny Patrick) Newton laid the groundwork by scouring the area for artifacts and documenting his findings over his lifetime.
According to Milde, Newton began walking around with a metal detector as a kid searching for relics.
Long recognized as a local expert on area Civil War sites, Newton has accurately compiled and preserved a unique and extensive collection of area Civil War artifacts.
Milde continued saying it was through the efforts of the Board of Supervisors, the Fredericksburg City Council, the R-Board, FSCWS, and the National Guard, along with partners in the community, “This hidden treasure is being revealed to help tell the story of our nation.”
Keeping Civil War land safe
Fred Howe, with the Fredericksburg City Council and Chairman of the R-Board, reminded the crowd of Abraham Lincoln’s address to the Republican Convention in 1858.
“Lincoln told the gathering, “A house divided against itself cannot stand,”” said Howe. “Mr. Lincoln’s quote describes well the driving force behind the strong bonds that tie our region together.”
Howe reflected on the initiatives already in place between the city of Fredericksburg and Stafford County and said the two shared a common vision to preserve historical resources.
“We knew that not only did we have to keep this land safe,” said Howe. “But we had to open it to the public so that they could see firsthand what life was like for Civil War soldiers at camp in Stafford County.”
The idea for the park was conceived about 5 years ago. But according to FSCWS co-founder Glenn Trimmer the foundation upon which the park was conceived began decades before as residents such as Newton searched and documented findings.
However, Newton credits Trimmer for the idea for the park and all of the efforts to make it happen.
“All we did was give him our support,” said Newton.
The FSCWS presented their preservation and park proposal to the county in 2006.
And working in conjunction with developers, area businesses, and the Virginia Guard Bureau, their dream is beginning to come to fruition.
Donations make it happen
Trimmer thanked supporters and donors such as the Civil War Preservation Trust who has committed to a $150K grant and Americast who donated more than $30K worth of pipe needed to cross the stream.
He lauded efforts of Bill Shelton who mapped out the site in grids and the Stafford Public Works and Planning Departments for their assistance with easements and permits.
Trimmer reflected on the work of the Guard units supporting the project and related an anecdote from a tour of the site this past week.
“One of the (Army) Specialists was speaking of the Civil War road and said, “They built this road 150 years ago. But in 100 years they’re going to be talking about us building this road,”” said Trimmer.
“It’s better than being shot at”
He thanked the troops again and Virginia Speaker of the House Bill Howell for helping to secure the assistance of the Guard.
Deputy Adjutant General of Virginia Brig. Gen. Wayne Wright took the podium and thanked the gathered officials.
“A National Guardsman lives in every Zip Code,” said Wright. “It’s an honor to help out a community because we are part of those communities.”
Wright said by working on the project the troops are actually applying their trade towards a definitive project.
The troops are camped out on the site and working outdoors in the extreme heat. But the units have served in brutal temperatures while in the Middle East.
“It’s hot and it’s sweaty. But it’s better than being shot at,” said Wright to a round of applause.
George Washington Supervisor Harry Crisp was in the audience and found satisfaction in the ceremony.
“The park was discussed and considered by the regional landfill board about 3 years ago,” said Crisp. “We agreed the site needed to be set aside and forwarded our recommendation to the Board of Supervisors. They agreed and passed a resolution to place the property into a preservation easement that has been set aside for perpetuity.”
Other county officials attending the ceremony included Hartwood Supervisor Gary Snellings, and Griffis-Widewater Supervisor Bob Woodson.
Park site home to Union encampments
The Stafford Civil War Park includes several specific historic sites and structures located between the Stafford Landfill and Accokeek Creek.
The site was home to three Union batteries including troops from Ohio, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York.
The Civil War site encompasses three fortification sites, remains of a sandstone bridge, remains of a winter encampment and other camps, and the exceptionally well-preserved remains of a corduroy road.
When completed, the park will consist of a road and trails linking the sites in a compact 41-acre natural area. And it will contain multiple interpretive signs.
A family picnic area will also be a focus of the National Guard’s efforts.
Guard units participating in the current phase of work include the 276th Engineer Battalion’s logistical support, Petersburg; 1033rd Engineer Support Company, Cedar Bluff; 189th Multirole Bridge Company, Bowling Green: and the Powhatan-based 180th Horizontal Construction Company.
Upon completion, the property will operate and be maintained as an additional Stafford County park.
To take a virtual tour of the park and see photos of ongoing work visit Friends of Stafford Civil War Sites at fscws.org.
Marty van Duyne is an award winning photographer and journalist.
