Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park, in partnership with the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation, will offer a series of special National Park Service “On This Day” anniversary programs this July to commemorate three battles fought in the Shenandoah Valley.
“These programs will give visitors a chance to learn about the battles of this pivotal campaign, not only on the battlefields themselves, but also on the actual anniversary of each,” said Eric Campbell, the park’s lead ranger. “While the power of place is significant, it can be magnified by the power of time. To be able to commemorate each battle on its 150th anniversary is a once-in-a-life time opportunity.”
All of the National Park Service programs are free and last 90 minutes to two hours each.
July 18, 2014 – “On This Day” Anniversary Tour – Battle of Cool Springs (4:00 pm)
This special car caravan tour will cover key sites related to the battle, many of which are not normally open to the public. Lead by Professor Jonathan Noyalas and Ranger Shannon Moeck, this presentation is co-sponsored by the McCormick Civil War Institute at Shenandoah University, Clarke County Historical Association, Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation and the National Park Service. Meet at the gift shop at Our Lady of the Holy Cross Abbey (901 Cool Spring Lane Berryville, Virginia 22611). The tour will cover sites located on both the west and east sides of the Shenandoah River.
July 20, 2014 – “On This Day” Anniversary Tour – Battle of Rutherford’s Farm (4:00 pm)
Ranger Jeff Driscoll will lead a special tour of this important, yet largely forgotten engagement, a Union victory that set up the Battle of Second Kernstown four days later. Meet at the Civil War Trails markers plaza, Rutherford Crossing Shopping Center on the Martinsburg Pike (VA Route 11), just east of I-81 (Exit 317), Winchester, VA 22602.
July 24, 2014 – “On This Day” Anniversary Tour Battle of Second Kernstown (4:00 pm)
Join Ranger Kyle Rothemich as he leads a free 90 minute walking tour of the battle that became the pinnacle of Confederate Gen. Jubal Early’s successes in the Shenandoah Valley in 1864. With this stunning Confederate victory, however, a new Union commander, Gen. Philip Sheridan, was ushered into the Valley. Sheridan’s appointment set up the critical campaign in the Valley that fall. Meet at the Kernstown Battlefield (610 Battle Park Drive, Winchester, Virginia 22601). After the program, the Kernstown Battlefield Association will open the Pritchard-Grim House, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with this restored antebellum mansion.
These programs in July are part of a larger series of anniversary presentations offered throughout the summer and fall. These additional programs include:
August 16 “On This Day” Battle of Guard Hill Anniversary Tour (4:00 pm)
Warren Heritage Society, 101 Chester Street, Front Royal, VA 22630. For information, 540-636-0702,www.warrenheritagesociety.org
September 3 “On This Day” Battle of Berryville Anniversary Tour (4:00 pm)
Clarke County Recreation Area, West Main Street, Berryville, VA 22611
September 19 Battle of Third Winchester 150th Anniversary Ranger Station Programs (12:00 – 4:00 pm)
A series of programs, presented by national park service Rangers, which will cover the battle chronologically.
Meet at the east end of Berryville Canyon, on the north side of Berryville Pike (VA Route 7), opposite the Frederick-Winchester Service Authority plant.
September 22 “On This Day” Battle of Fisher’s Hill Anniversary Tour (4:00 pm)
Strasburg Heritage Society, Ramseur’s Hill, Battlefield Road, Fisher’s Hill, VA 22657
October 9 “On This Day” Battle of Tom’s Brook Anniversary Tour (4:00 pm)
Shenandoah County Park, 380 Park Lane, Maurertown, VA 22664
October 13 “On This Day” Battle of Hupp’s Hill Anniversary Tour (4:00 pm)
Hupp’s Hill Civil War Park, 33229 Old Valley Pike, Strasburg, VA 22664
October 17 Special National Park Service Ranger Signal Knob Hike and Program (10:00 am – 2:00 pm)
Co-sponsored by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service and Shenandoah County Parks and Recreation Department. For more information: (540) 869-3051 or http://shenandoahcountyva.us/parks/
October 17-19 Battle of Cedar Creek 150th Anniversary Events and Programs
A series of special park ranger presentations, including Ranger Station programs, real-time programs and tours. Various locations throughout the battlefield, Middletown, VA 22645
October 20 Rededication of the Stephen Dodson Ramseur Monument (Time: TBA)
Belle Grove Road, Middletown, VA 22645
For details and updates, call (540) 869-3051 or see: www.nps.gov/cebe.
For information on other related events contact the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation at (540) 740-4545 or see:www.ShenandoahatWar.org
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