Near Fairfax in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Battle of Ox Hill
Kearny and Stevens Monuments
January 10, 2009
1. Kearny and Stevens Monuments Marker
In July 1915, John and Mary Ballard deeded a 50x100-foot lot on their farm to six trustees, three from Virginia and three from New Jersey, General Kearny’s home state. The small lot was reserved for monuments to any Confederate or Federal soldier who fell in the Battle of Ox Hill (Chantilly).Subsequently, these monuments to generals Isaac Stevens and Philip Kearny were dedicated on October 2, 1915. Captain Hazard Stevens, John Watts Kearny, Lieutenant John N. Ballard and Colonel Edmund Berkeley unveiled the monuments before a gathering of families, friends and dignitaries, including Union and Confederate veterans.
Among the prayers and oratory delivered that day, James W. Ballard, mayor of Fairfax, eloquently remarked:
foes of one flesh and blood faced
each other, each fighting for that
side that seemed right in his own
mind, each following the cause
that he deemed just.”
Erected 2008 by Fairfax County Park Authority.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location.
January 10, 2009
2. Kearny and Stevens Monuments Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named The Battle of Ox Hill (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named The Battle of Ox Hill (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Battle of Ox Hill (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Battle of Ox Hill (within shouting distance of this marker); Maryland (Antietam / Sharpsburg) Campaign (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Battle of Ox Hill (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Battle of Ox Hill (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named The Battle of Ox Hill (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fairfax.
More about this marker. On the upper left of the marker is a photograph captioned, “Kearny and Stevens Monuments, ca. 1915, with Ballard farm fields in background. Note Ballard’s quartz stone on far right marking where General Stevens fell. The tablet on Stevens’ monument reflects his posthumous promotion to major general. While Kearny’s tablet states he was “Killed On This Spot,” the one-armed general actually fell in the cornfield about 100 yards west of here, beyond the park.” Original photograph, Newark Public Library, Newark, NJ.
On the right side of the marker are two photographs captioned, “John Watts Kearny, son of General Kearny, addressing the assembled at dedication ceremony, Oct. 2, 1915.” Original photograph, Kearny Town Historian, Kearny, NJ and “Lucy Kearny Hill (front right), great granddaughter of Gen. Kearny, reciting the poem “Kearny at Seven Pines,” Oct. 2, 1915.” Original photograph, Kearny Town Historian, Kearny, NJ
The marker also features part of the poem “Kearny at Seven Pines”:
at Chantilly,
That hid him from sight of his
brave men and tried!
Foul, foul sped the bullet that
clipped the white lily,
The flower of our knighthood,
the whole army’s pride!
Yet we dream that he still,—
in that shadowy region
Where the dead form their ranks
at the wan drummer’s sign,—
Rides on, as of old, down the
length of his legion,
And the word still is Forward!
along the whole line.
Last stanza of “Kearny at Seven Pines” by Edmund Clarence Stedman
Also see . . .
1. Ox Hill Battlefield saved by locals. The Washington Times (Submitted on January 10, 2009.)
2. The Battle of Chantilly. Civil War Preservation Trust (Submitted on January 10, 2009.)
Additional comments.
January 10, 2009
3. Close-up of Photo on Marker
In October 1915, two granite monuments were dedicated to Kearny and Stevens. The dedication ceremony's audience included General Kearny's son, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter. A son and three grandsons represented General Stevens. Members of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) were also present, some had fought in the battle along with Veterans of the Confederate States. The master of ceremonies was Lieutenant George C. Round of Manassas, a representative of the Philip Kearny Post, GAR Richmond. The Reverend Dr. Frank Page of Fairfax opened the meeting with a prayer. Mr. Charles F. Hopkins provided remarks. The mayor of Fairfax, James W. Ballard (John and Mary Ballard's son) made the welcoming address ... Letters were read from President Woodrow Wilson and Governor James Fielder of New Jersey.
—The Battle of Chantilly (Ox Hill), A Monumental Storm, by Charles V. Mauro, p. 72, 73, 74.
— Submitted January 10, 2009.
January 10, 2009
4. Close-up of Photo on Marker
March 4, 2007
5. Kearny and Stevens Monuments
March 4, 2007
6. Isaac Ingalls Stevens Monument
March 4, 2007
7. Philip Kearny Monument
Internet Archive
8. The Late General Isaac I. Stevens
Harper's Weekly Sept. 20, 1862.
Harper's Weekly Sept. 20, 1862.
This engraving of Isaac Stevens accompanied his obituary in Harper's Weekly.
Internet Archive
9. The Late General Phil Kearny
Harper's Weekly Sept. 20, 1862.
Harper's Weekly Sept. 20, 1862.
This engraving of Philip Kearny accompanied his obituary in Harper's Weekly,.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 18, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 10, 2009. This page has been viewed 1,677 times since then and 16 times this year. Last updated on February 17, 2021. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on January 10, 2009. 8, 9. submitted on August 15, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
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