Locust Grove in Orange County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Yard: A Busy Place

The Battle of the Wilderness

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, August 7, 2021

1. The Yard: A Busy Place Marker

Inscription. You are now standing in what was commonly referred to as "the yard," that part of the plantation where enslaved workers not working the fields performed their daily chores. Depending on the time of year, you might have seen them washing soiled laundry in a kettle, chopping wood, butchering livestock, or carrying food from the kitchen to the main house.

After sunset, the yard transformed. Weary workers trudged in from the fields for dinner and rest. Music, cries, laughter, or shouts came from the enslaved people's simple dwellings. And then, sleep.

The next day, they did it again. Day after day.

(caption) Archaeological and documentary evidence reveals the "yard" at Ellwood included the buildings shown here: a kitchen, smokehouse, dairy, sheds, barn, and housing for some enslaved workers (at right). Other "slave houses" stood elsewhere on this vast plantation.

Erected by Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park.

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

Location. 38° 19.18′ N, 77° 43.894′ W. Marker is in Locust Grove, Virginia, in Orange County. Marker can be reached from Constitution Highway (Virginia Route

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20) 0.6 miles south of Germanna Highway (Virginia Route 3). Located on the grounds of the Ellwood Plantation, at the Wilderness Battlefield. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 36380 Constitution Hwy, Locust Grove VA 22508, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Busy Place (here, next to this marker); Archeology at Ellwood (within shouting distance of this marker); Ellwood (within shouting distance of this marker); Union Headquarters (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Union Headquarters (within shouting distance of this marker); A Military Scene (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named A Military Scene (within shouting distance of this marker); Toil Without Choice at Ellwood (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Locust Grove.

Also see . . .
1. Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park. National Park Service. (Submitted on August 16, 2021.)

2. Old Marker at this Location. This marker replaced an older one at this location titled “A Busy Place" (Submitted on August 16, 2021.)

The Yard: A Busy Place image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, August 7, 2021

2. The Yard: A Busy Place

Photo taken from marker location of Ellwood Plantation House

Credits. This page was last revised on August 16, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 152 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 16, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.