Winchester | Fort Collier hosting open house, tour led by Civil War historian

Confederate forces in the Shenandoah Valley suffered their final meaningful defeat at the Battle of Waynesboro on March 2, 1865.

The seeds of that defeat were planted in the decisive win by Union troops at the Third Battle of Winchester on Sept. 19, 1864, in which Union Gen. Phillip Sheridan defeated the forces of Confederate Gen. Jubal Early.

The site of the decisive cavalry charge that ended that battle, Fort Collier, is hosting a free open house on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Noted Civil War historian Jonathan Noyalas will lead a walk-through of the battleground of Fort Collier at 9:30 a.m.

Open house visitors also will have the opportunity to see the Stine Farmhouse Museum, packed Civil War artifacts and family memorabilia. In addition, Fort Collier is using the day to gather the Stine clan — all descendants of Rachel and Benjamin Stine (who are buried on the grounds) — for a family reunion at the homeplace of their ancestors.

Attendees are encouraged to bring canned goods to support CCAP Winchester – a local food bank.

Live music and refreshments will be available.

Fort Collier, located at 922 Martinsburg Pike, Winchester, is managed by the Fort Collier Civil War Center, a non-profit organization.

More information is available at www.FortCollier.com.