Spotsylvania Courthouse in Spotsylvania County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Booth Hall
Photographed by Kevin W., November 18, 2007
1. Booth Hall Marker
and
In loving memory of
The Rev. Arthur E. Booth
by whose devoted and untiring efforts
this Parish House was erected
Erected by Christ Episcopal Church.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • War, US Civil.
Location. 38° 12.003′ N, 77° 35.283′ W. Marker is in Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia, in Spotsylvania County. It is on Courthouse Road (Virginia Route 208), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8951 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania VA 22553, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area, in Northern Virginia, and in the Piedmont. 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 walking distance of this marker: Ashes to Ashes (a few steps from this marker); A Place of Public Worship (within shouting distance of this marker); Sadly in Need (within shouting distance of this marker); Back to the Start (within shouting distance of this marker); Through Fire and Flames (about 300 feet away); The Burying Ground (about 400 feet away); A Case of Negligence (about 400 feet away); Modification, Decay & Preservation (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Spotsylvania Courthouse.
Other markers no longer nearby. Berea Christian Church
this page online
Regarding Booth Hall. During its over 165 years of existence, Christ Church has been temporarily closed several times. When it first closed in 1884, one mother complained, “This is the worst place in the world, where the cuckoo never sings, the primrose never blooms, and the babies are never baptized.” The last time the Church closed was in the late 1950s, when the congregation has dwindled to just six women. These women kept the church clean and donated dimes for the privilege of doing the cleaning. It was at this time that the Reverend Arthur Booth was assigned to reopen and serve Christ Church. During his tenure, the congregation grew from just a handful to around 35 parishioners. The Reverend Booth spearheaded the effort to build the present parish hall, which is named in his honor.
Additional commentary.
Photographed by Kevin W., November 18, 2007
2. Booth Hall and Marker
1. Private Harrison Loses His Home
Private Edgar Harrison and his family lived on the Harrison Farm, about a mile north of the Church. Private Harrison's unit took up position on Myers Hill, located behind Christ Church, into positions set up to defend the Confederate flank during the battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse.
Only a few days later, Ann Harrison greeted Robert E. Lee and his staff as they led their horses to her doorstep and declared the house to be their headquarters. The Confederates then encircled the Harrison Farm with trenches to counter the encroaching Union Army.
From his position on Myers hill, scant miles from his own farm, Private Harrison watched in horror as, during the ensuing battle, flames and smoke consumed his home. His wife and daughters, however, miraculously survived.
— Submitted December 3, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.
Photographed by Kevin W., November 18, 2007
3. Christ Episcopal Church
Next door to Booth Hall is the Christ Episcopal Church, built in 1841 of bricks made in a nearby clay field.
Photographed by Kevin W., November 18, 2007
4. Pvt. Edgar W. Harrison, Co. E, 9th VA Cav, CSA
To the right of the Sanctuary are the four graves of Pvt. Harrison, his wife, and their two daughters, ages 3 and 6 at the time of the Battle of Spotsylvania.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 19, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 3, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,250 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 3, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 3. submitted on November 20, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 4. submitted on December 3, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.
