Kelly's Ford in Culpeper County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Major John Pelham, C.S.A.
Photographed by Craig Swain, January 5, 2008
1. Major John Pelham, C.S.A. Marker
Major John Pelham, C.S.A., commanding the Stuart Horse Artillery, was mortally wounded at this site in the Battle of Kelly's Ford March 17, 1863.
Erected 1981 by Admirers of the Gallant Pelham.
Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is March 17, 1863.
Location. 38° 29.215′ N, 77° 47.384′ W. Memorial is in Kelly's Ford, Virginia, in Culpeper County. It can be reached from Kelly's Ford Road (County Route 674), on the right when traveling west. Located at the end of a trail leading out about 300 yards from a parking area for the C.F. Phelps Wildlife Management Area. A permit or paid day pass (see instructions in parking area) is required to traverse this property. Touch for map. Memorial is in this post office area: Remington VA 22734, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this memorial is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern Virginia. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Battle of Kelly's Ford (approx. Ύ mile away); Kellys Ford (approx. Ύ mile away); The Battle of Brandy Station (approx. Ύ mile away); a different marker also named Kelly's Ford (approx. one mile away); "Chestnut Lawn" (approx. 1.1 miles away); a different marker also named Battle of Kellys Ford (approx.
this page online
More about this memorial. Note that conservation police WILL ticket visitors that do not have a hunting, fishing, or day pass permit. They patrol the parking lot regularly and DO HIKE THE TRAILS as well.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Pelham gravesite monument
Also see . . .
1. John Pelham. Encyclopedia of Alabama website entry (Submitted on November 15, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Melee on St. Patricks Day: The Battle of Kellys Ford. Warfare History Network (Submitted on November 15, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
via Encyclopedia of Alabama, unknown
2. Major John Pelham, C.S.A.
Photographed by Craig Swain, January 5, 2008
3. Major John Pelham, C.S.A. Marker
Photographed by Craig Swain, January 5, 2008
4. Stone Wall
Portions of the stone wall used by Federal cavalry at this point in the battle.
Photographed by Craig Swain, January 5, 2008
5. South Parking Area for the C.F. Phelps Wildlife Area
The trail to the marker is past the gate in the center. The trail parallels the stone wall used by the Federals during the battle. Portions of the stone wall were damaged by development prior to the establishment of the preserve.
Photographed by Craig Swain, January 5, 2008
6. The Brannin House
About a half mile west of the parking lot is the Brannin House. Dating to the 1780s, the house was used on several occasions, including after the Battle of Kelly's Ford, as a hospital during the Civil War. Bloody footprints on the steps of the stairs attest to the casualties attended to within the house. On other occasions the structure and grounds were used for headquarters by several Federal generals.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, October 14, 2012
7. Brannin House
Photographed by Bradley Owen, October 14, 2012
8. Blood Stains on Staircase Inside Brannin House
Credits. This page was last revised on August 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 6, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 7,276 times since then and 126 times this year. Last updated on August 19, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1. submitted on January 6, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on November 15, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 6, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 7, 8. submitted on August 16, 2020, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
