Culpeper in Culpeper County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Culpeper Court House
1863–64 Winter Encampment
— Lee vs. Grant – The 1864 Campaign —
Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 15, 2008
1. Culpeper Court House Marker
During the winter of 1863-64, Federal officers quartered in many of Culpeper’s homes. The surrounding landscape was dotted with tents and huts for ten square miles as nearly 100,000 soldiers encamped. Gen. U.S. Grant, commander of all Federal armies, is said to have taken a daily walk to purchase cigars at a pharmacy located in what had been the boyhood home of Confederate Gen. A.P. Hill. Before dawn on May 4, 1864, the Federal soldiers broke camp and marched for Germanna Ford, 10 miles ahead of you. This marked the last time substantial military activity occurred in the Town of Culpeper. The troops had embarked upon the last grand campaign of the war. Ironically, it was also the first campaign between the war’s premier generals: the battles of Lee vs. Grant were soon to get underway with the first confrontation at the Battle of the Wilderness on May 5-6.
Erected by Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #18 Ulysses S. Grant
this page online
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 38° 28.35′ N, 77° 59.583′ W. Marker was in Culpeper, Virginia, in Culpeper County. Marker was at the intersection of South Commerce Street and East Davis Street, on the left when traveling south on South Commerce Street. The marker was at the foot of Davis Street, at the Amtrak station. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Culpeper VA 22701, United States of America.
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named Culpeper Court House (here, next to this marker); A Tribute to Black Americans – Early 1900’s (within shouting distance of this marker); Eppa Rixey Boyhood Home (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Veterans Memorial (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); South East Street Historic District
Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 19, 2008
2. Detail of Map on Marker
Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 15, 2008
3. Culpeper Court House Markers
Credits. This page was last revised on April 11, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 19, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,582 times since then and 77 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 19, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
