Culpeper Virginia is a must visit for those Civil War Buffs lucky enough to tour Virginia. 3 major battles were fought in the area during the American Civil War. The Battle of Brandy Station, The Battle of Kelly’s Ford and the Battle of Cedar Mountain.
Culpeper is taking advantage of these historic battles to combine with other great things to offer. Civil War Tourism is a major part of the economy in Virginia and Culpeper is high on my list of places to visit.
In researching this article I talked to Beth Bunch who is the Director of Tourism for Culpeper. I asked her how many visitors are drawn to Culpeper’s historical places each year, she replied with this. We average 15 to 16 thousand visitors counted in the Visitors Center each year plus a significant number that are not counted because they are repeat/daytrip type visitors who don’t need to stop in to the Visitors Center. At our historic sites that count numbers, visitation is up. At the Graffiti House, the number of visitors rose over 33% in 2006. The Museum of Culpeper History is seeing great increases in visitation as well, especially since the opening last month of their new “Treasures from the Vault” exhibit.
Here are just some of the things Culpeper Virginia has to offer the traveler.
Graffiti House
Located next to Brandy Station Battlefield, and thought to be built in 1858. It was used as a hospital by both Union and Confederate forces. The name Graffiti House comes from the over 200 drawings and inscriptions on the walls, made by Civil War Soldiers.
Brandy Station
Over 20,000 troops were engaged in this battle including 17,000 Cavalry (horse soldiers) making it one of the biggest Cavalry battles in history. They have battlefield tours on every other Saturday from April to September, from 10 am to Noon. The tours begin at Graffiti House and cost $10 for adults, 12 and under are free. The money goes to the Foundation that preserves the Brandy Station Battlefield and Graffiti House. On certain days they even offer horseback tours of the battlefield. Also offered on the last Sunday of the Month from April to November are lectures. See the site for more details. For further info about Brandy Station contact Gary Wilson at (540) 547-4106, or email him at bsfjune91863@aol.com
The Battle of Kelly’s Ford
See the link above for more details and points of interest. The Battle of Kelly’s Ford was a cavalry skirmish between 3,000 Northern against 800 Southern Troops. According to the website this was the first pure Cavalry fights of any major size, East of the Mississippi River.
Battle of Cedar Mountain
August 9, 1862 there was a battle fought 6 miles from Culpeper in the Cedar Mountain area. This battle was the only recorded time of “Stonewall” Jackson drawing his sword in battle. For more info and points of interest click the link above and also check here.
Museum of Culpeper History
In addition to the vast amount of Civil War history, the museum also has American Indian artifacts and dinosaur tracks! There is a gift shop with souvenirs and education materials. It is located next to The Burgandine House (c.1750), which is the oldest house in Culpeper and is open to visitors.
Culpeper has much more to offer than just Civil War and other History.
There are several wineries and vineyards in the area. Old House Vineyards, Gray Ghost Vineyards, Prince Michel, and Unicorn Winery there are even road signs to assist you in finding them on your wine tours!
Bike Riding
Riding a bike in scenic Virginia is a great experience. They offer bike rentals and trail information of nice places to ride. You can couple a great day with some great exercise.
They also offer many fine restaurants, parks, horseback riding and Golf. Many nice shops where you can find books, antiques or anything else you are into. I strongly advise checking their website, or calling 1-888-Culpeper or email info@visitculpeperva.com for more info on visiting Culpeper Virginia. I would like to thank Beth Bunch and The Culpeper Department of Tourism for photos and information used in this article.
