Dayton in Rockingham County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Lt. Col. Thomas F. Wildes

Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 22, 2008

1. Lt. Col. Thomas F. Wildes Marker

Inscription. In memory of Lt. Col. Thomas F. Wildes, 116th Ohio Regiment, who, when ordered by Gen. Sheridan to burn the town of Dayton, Va. in retaliation for the death of a Union officer, refused to obey that order, risking court-martial and disgrace. His refusal and plea to Gen. Sheridan resulted in a countermand to the order, and saved this town from total destruction.

Erected 1962.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.

Location. 38° 24.957′ N, 78° 56.258′ W. Marker is in Dayton, Virginia, in Rockingham County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street (Business Virginia Route 42) and Mill Street, on the right when traveling south on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dayton VA 22821, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Shenandoah College and Shenandoah Conservatory of Music (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fort Harrison (approx. 0.2 miles away); Dayton (approx. ¼ mile away); First Church in Rockingham County (approx. 0.3 miles away); Daniel Bowman Mill at Silver Lake (approx. 0.4 miles away); Silver Lake Historic District

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(approx. half a mile away); Origins of Shenandoah University (approx. 0.6 miles away); Death of Lt. Meigs (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dayton.

More about this marker. The official program for the dedication of this monument is dated May 12, 1962 and lists the Hon. Lawrence H. Hoover as giving the dedication address. He was introduced by Mayor James O. Metts. The Turner Ashby High School Band played “Dixie” and the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” before the dedication address and the “Star Spangled Banner” afterwards. The Rev. John Ray Hinkle led the prayer. A number of businesses, organizations and individuals are listed as sponsors. Program found at digitalshoebox.com

Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 22, 2008

2. Lt. Col. Thomas F. Wildes Marker

Dayton's World War I Memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 22, 2008

3. Dayton's World War I Memorial

This marker is the right-most of the three plaques on stone pedestals. German gun is 15cm (5.88 inch) Krupp 16Kp with a 19¾ foot barrel.

Wildes Marker Dedication Program Cover Page image. Click for full size.

Courtesy Monroe County (Ohio) District Library

4. Wildes Marker Dedication Program Cover Page

The cover of this four-page program reads “Memorial, Lt. Col. Thomas F. Wildes. May 12, 1962, 3:30 P. M., Dayton, Virginia. In cooperation with the Stonewall Jackson Commemorative March 1862–1962.”

Credits. This page was last revised on January 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 22, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,916 times since then and 47 times this year. Last updated on September 14, 2015, by Steve Masler of Memphis, Tennessee. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 22, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 4. submitted on September 23, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.