Culpeper in Culpeper County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
“Gallant” Pelham’s Last Days
The Virginia House and Shackelford House
December 23, 2006
1. "Gallant" Pelham's Last Days Marker
Pelham earned a reputation as an artillery genius, and during the Battle of Fredericksburg, Gen. Robert E. Lee dubbed the young major the “Gallant Pelham.” On March 16, 1863, word of Union horsemen approaching Kelly’s Ford prompted a train to be sent south to Orange for more ammunition. Pelham, who was at the Orange depot, took the train back to Culpeper to join in the impending battle. The following day, the Battle of Kelly’s Ford was fought 10 miles east of here. Pelham was in the thick of the fray when a piece of shrapnel struck him in the back of the head. He was draped over his horse and taken to the Shackelford house. That evening, doctors removed the tiny piece of shrapnel, but Pelham died about 1 a.m. Stuart arrived soon after and wept over the body of his esteemed artillerist who had fought in 60 engagements and never lost a gun.
Erected by Virginia Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil
this page online
Location. 38° 28.46′ N, 77° 59.739′ W. Marker is in Culpeper, Virginia, in Culpeper County. Marker is on North Main Street (Business U.S. 15), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Culpeper VA 22701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Gallant Pelham (within shouting distance of this marker); George Washington (within shouting distance of this marker); William "Extra Billy" Smith (within shouting distance of this marker); A.P. Hill's Boyhood Home (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Eppa Rixey Boyhood Home (about 500 feet away); Confederate Memorial (about 500 feet away); Vietnam War Memorial (about 600 feet away); The Blair Property and Sugar Bottom (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Culpeper.
More about this marker. On the marker's lower left is a photo captioned, The Virginia House Hotel, diagonally across the street, was built in 1846 and served as a popular gathering place for soldiers throughout the Civil War. The porches have since been enclosed. On the right side of the marker is a photo captioned, The home of Henry Shackelford,
February 8, 2008
2. Virginia Civil War Trails Marker
Also see . . .
1. John Pelham Biography. (Submitted on October 14, 2008.)
2. John Pelham Historical Association. (Submitted on October 14, 2008.)
February 8, 2008
3. The former Virginia House Hotel
Photographed By Craig Swain, October 11, 2008
4. Plaque at the Site the House Stood
On this site stood
the house in which
Major John Pelham, C.S.A.
died on March 17, 1863
erected by
The Culpeper Chapter U.D.C. in 1958
Photographed By Craig Swain, October 11, 2008
5. Site of the Shackelford House
The site of the Shackelford house, where Pelham died is marked by a plaque, seen at the front corner post. The site is at the intersection of Cameron and Main Streets. The marker's location is to the north, or left in this view, in a parking lot.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 14, 2008. This page has been viewed 2,532 times since then and 83 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 14, 2008. 4, 5. submitted on October 19, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
