Join the Augusta County Historical Society as the group follows in the footsteps of Stonewall Jackson’s renowned mapmaker, Jedediah Hotchkiss. The daylong bus tour on Saturday, Oct. 15 runs from 8:30 a.m. to approximately 4:30 p.m.
Although Hotchkiss gained international fame for his cartography skills during the Civil War, the New York native had already made a name for himself as a teacher in rural Augusta County when the war broke out. After the war he settled in Staunton and worked tirelessly to effect the economic recovery of his adopted state of Virginia.
Tour stops include the sites of the schools in northern and western Augusta County (Mossy Creek and Churchville) where Hotchkiss was principal, a house where he was a tutor, three historic Presbyterian churches that he attended, beautiful Thornrose Cemetery where he is buried, and his elegant home in Staunton, “The Oaks,” where he stored his map collection in a giant vault. At Thornrose the famous mapmaker will make a “special appearance’ for the group. The group will see the Hotchkiss map exhibit at the R.R. Smith Center and enjoy a gourmet box lunch there.
The $65 cost for the day includes transportation, your guides, handouts, and lunch. Call the Augusta County Historical Society at 540-248-4151 or email [email protected] for reservations by Oct 6. Seating is limited.
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