NPC Members See Newly Protected Civil War Battlefield

More than 1,000 acres of battlefield property has been preserved in recent years in and around tiny Brandy Station, Virginia, near Culpeper, site of the largest cavalry battle of the Civil War, National Press Club members were told during a July 10 tour.

Clark “Bud” Hall, one of the foremost experts on the June 9, 1863, Battle of Brandy Station and president of the Brandy Station Foundation, said that as recently as December, the Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT) – with which the Foundation closely works – was able to permanently protect 433 acres that had been planned for a three million square-foot retail development.

With contagious enthusiasm and expert knowledge of the battle and troops involved, Hall served as guide for some 50 NPC members during the Club’s sixth annual Civil War trip. The excursions are hosted by CWPT via a payment-in-kind arrangement with NPC.

Almost 20,000 troops participated in the sprawling battle, marked by fierce cavalry charges and close-in fighting. Among sites the NPC tour visited was the “graffiti house,” a farm house used as a hospital during the battle where wounded soldiers signed their names and made drawings on interior plaster walls. The graffiti wasn’t discovered until 1993 when renovations were being done. Many of the writings can still be clearly read.

-- James Noone, [email protected]