On Old Blue Ridge Turnpike (County Route 670) just south of Quaker Run Road (County Route 649), on the left when traveling west.
Just to the north, on the night of November 25, 1862, Stonewall Jackson, with his corps, camped. He was on his way to join Lee at Fredericksburg. — — Map (db m23963) HM
On Old Blue Ridge Turnpike (Virginia Route 670) 0.2 miles west of Poor House Road (Virginia Route 642), on the right when traveling north.
The Blue Ridge Turnpike, completed in 1853, passed near here on its 56-mile route from the vicinity of New Market to the railhead in Gordonsville. Crossing the mountains at Fishers Gap, the road linked the Shenandoah Valley to markets in the east. . . . — — Map (db m104692) HM
On Skyline Drive, on the left when traveling south. Reported permanently removed.
On a good visibility day, Stony Man Mountain and nearby hills may be seen cleary with the human eye. On a poor visibility day, both natural conditions and air pollution obscures your view of Stony Man Mountain and distant views beyond. The Blue . . . — — Map (db m13240) HM
On Francis Thorton Valley Road (Virginia Route 231) at Nethers Road (County Route 602) on Francis Thorton Valley Road.
Madison County.
In the hills of the Piedmont, along the Blue
Ridge Mountains, Madison County was formed
from Culpeper County in 1792. Madison
County is named for James Madison, the
“father of the American Constitution” and
the forth . . . — — Map (db m104880) HM
On October 10, 1863, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, anticipating an offensive that became known as the Bristoe Station Campaign, sent a division of Confederate horsemen led by Gen. J.E.B. Stuart north from Madison on a raid.
Confederate Gen. . . . — — Map (db m4774) HM
On Seminole Trail (U.S. 29) south of James City Road, on the right when traveling north.
On 10 October 1863 Confederate cavalry cormmanded by Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart engaged Union
cavalry and infantry under Brig. Gen. H. Judson
Kilpatrick and Maj. Gen. William H. French at
James City (present-day Leon). The two forces
confronted . . . — — Map (db m8100) HM
On Kirtley Road (County Route 631) 0.1 miles west of James City Road (Route 621), on the right when traveling west.
Established by Virginia’s first road act of 1632 by the House of Burgesses at Jamestown, this road is named for Francis Kirtley, appointed in 1731 to oversee its upkeep and repair. This gravel road bed between Historic James City and Prince Michel . . . — — Map (db m119842) HM
On Seminole Trail (U.S. 29) at Hoover Road, on the right when traveling south on Seminole Trail.
Madison County. In the hills of the Piedmont, against the Blue Ridge Mountains, Madison County was formed from Culpeper County in 1792. The county is named for James Madison, the “father of the American Constitution” and the fourth president . . . — — Map (db m21502) HM
On James Madison Highway (U.S. 15), on the right when traveling south.
Here at Locust Dale, Stonewall Jackson's army crossed the river moving north to the Battle of Cedar Mountain, August 9, 1862. The Battle was fought a few hours later. — — Map (db m4751) HM
On James Madison Highway (U.S. 15) at White Oad Road / Robinson River Road (County Route 721), on the right when traveling north on James Madison Highway.
Madison County. Area 324 Square Miles. Formed in 1792 from Culpeper, and named for James Madison, "Father of the American Constitution" and President of the United States. Governor Spotswood's exploring expedition passed here, . . . — — Map (db m4708) HM
On South Main Street (Business U.S. 29) at Church Street (Virginia Route 1001), on the right when traveling north on South Main Street.
Clinton Greaves (or Graves), Medal of Honor recipient, was born in Madison County, very likely into slavery. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1872 and served as a corporal in Co. C, 9th Cavalry. On 24 Jan. 1877 in the Florida Mountains of New Mexico, . . . — — Map (db m104689) HM
On North Blue Ridge Turnpike (Virginia Route 231) south of Hebron Church Road (County Route 638), on the right when traveling north.
Nearby stands Hebron Lutheran Church. This cruciform church was built in 1740 and is America’s oldest church in continuous use by Lutherans. The congregation was formed by 1725 by German families, some of whom arrived to Virginia in 1717 to work at . . . — — Map (db m23372) HM
On South Main Street (Business U.S. 29) just south of Church Street (Virginia Route 1001), on the right when traveling south.
Met here with the citizens of Madison County as their neighbor and friend and eloquently thanked them for their hospitality.
Speaking of his fishing camp at the headwaters of the Rapidan River, Mr. Hoover concluded his remarks with these . . . — — Map (db m152167) HM
On North Main Street (Business U.S. 29) at Old Blue Ridge Turnpike (Virginia Route 231), on the right when traveling south on North Main Street.
Stonewall Jackson, on his march from Winchester to Fredericksburg, preceding the Battle of Fredericksburg, camped here, November 26, 1862. — — Map (db m3988) HM
On North Main Street (Business U.S. 29) south of Blue Ridge Turnpike (Virginia Route 231), on the left when traveling south.
This Greek Revival-style house was built about 1852 for state senator Thomas N. Welch. In 1868 James Lawson Kemper (1823–1895) purchased it from his mother in law, Mrs. Belfield Cave. Kemper, an attorney, represented Madison County in the . . . — — Map (db m8187) HM
On Seminole Trail (U.S. 29) at Wolftown-Hood Road (Virginia Route 230), on the right when traveling south on Seminole Trail.
One mile west was the home of Joseph Early, Revolutionary soldier. Washington, in going west and returning, stopped at Early’s overnight. His diary for October 2, 1784, shows that he spent the night before at “Widow Early’s.” — — Map (db m218881) HM
On South Main Street (Business U.S. 29) just south of Church Street (Virginia Route 1001), on the right when traveling south.
Built in 1829 on the original site to replace an earlier log courthouse. The Federal brickwork has been declared some of the finest in America and the architecture one of the best examples of the period.
Madison County, named in honor of the . . . — — Map (db m170180) HM
On Oak Park Rd (County Route 634) west of Lillards Ford Road (County Route 607), on the left when traveling east.
Joe Thoms, Sr., a slave harness-maker, founded
Oak Grove Baptist Church during the Civil War at his nearby log cabin, which burned in 1869. The congregation then met here, on land owned by John J. Robinson, a white farmer, in a grove of oaks they . . . — — Map (db m23975) HM
On South Main Street (Business U.S. 29) at Court Square, on the left when traveling south on South Main Street.
To all veterans who honorably served their country
World War I
Madison County
John Allen •
Frank Brown •
Somerfield Hill •
Joe Jackson •
Don Jackson •
James H. Jenkins •
Horace B. Lohr •
Jesse F. Smith •
Jesse Tanner • . . . — — Map (db m170179) WM
On South James Madison Highway (U.S. 15) at Little Skyline Drive (County Route 674), on the right when traveling south on South James Madison Highway.
Orange County. Formed from Spotsylvania County in 1734, Orange County, a pastoral Piedmont county, was probably named in honor of William IV, the Dutch prince of Orange, who married Anne, the Princess Royal, daughter of George II of . . . — — Map (db m4758) HM
On Orange Road (Virginia Route 230) just west of Radiant Way (Virginia Route 684), on the right when traveling west.
Oliver Dinwiddie Tucker, baseball player, grew up here in Radiant. After six years in the minor leagues, he appeared in 34 Major League games in 1927 and 1928, first with the Washington Senators and then with the Cleveland Indians. While playing for . . . — — Map (db m172981) HM
On Shelby Road (County Route 662) at South Blue Ridge Turnpike (Virginia Route 231), on the right when traveling west on Shelby Road.
In September 1863, Union cavalry moved into
Madison County, scouting roads and river fords
for a possible move around Confederate Gen.
Robert E. Lee’s army camped in Orange County.
Learning of the presence of Federal troops in the town of . . . — — Map (db m23964) HM
On South Blue Ridge Turnpike just south of Beautiful Run Road (County Route 621), on the left when traveling south.
First known as Jack’s Shop for a blacksmith shop that stood nearby, Rochelle was the scene of a cavalry skirmish on 22 September 1863. While Confederate cavalry under Major General J. E. B. Stuart engaged Union Brigadier General John Buford’s . . . — — Map (db m23965) HM
Near Rapidan Road, on the left when traveling west.
“Here is peace and quietude.”- President Herbert Hoover Shortly after his election in 1928, Herbert C. Hoover and his wife, Lou Henry, expressed the desire for a weekend retreat – a place where they could find respite . . . — — Map (db m45639) HM
Near Rapidan Road, on the right when traveling west.
The first permanent structure was actually built around five wooden floored tents. The roof, partitions, fireplace, porch, windows, and doors were then constructed until nothing remained of the original tents except the name. Herbert Hoover, Jr. . . . — — Map (db m45628) HM
Near Rapidan Road, on the left when traveling west.
We discussed the proposed camp as we explored . . . . Conditions necessitate A Rather biggish establishment - Lou Henry Hoover, describing the future Rapidan Camp, 1929 I have discovered that even the work of the government can be improved . . . — — Map (db m45677) HM
On Skyline Drive (at milepost 50.7), on the left when traveling south.
Hollows cut into the face of the mountain are the work of the streams that flow through them. Down Dark Hollow flows Hog Camp Branch which drains Big Meadows Swamp. Along the Dark Hollow Trail you may see how the stream works to cut its valley . . . — — Map (db m45696) HM
Near Rapidan Road, on the left when traveling west.
Many famous individuals were invited to visit the President’s retreat on the Rapidan River. Among these was Charles A. Lindbergh, the first aviator to fly non-stop from New York to Paris, France in 1927. Lindbergh donated the large parchment lamp . . . — — Map (db m45670) HM
Near Story of the Forrest Trail, on the right when traveling east.
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to get better. It’s Not. - The Lorax, Dr. Seuss Every living thing is affected by what’s in the air. To protect and improve air quality, it’s vital to know . . . — — Map (db m96223) HM
On Skyline Drive (at milepost 51), on the right when traveling south.
Between 1933 and 1942 more than 10,000 young men served in the Civilian Conservation Corps camps in Shenandoah National Park, These “boys” created the form and fabric of the new park so that future generations could find recreation and . . . — — Map (db m45703) HM
Near Rapidan Road, on the left when traveling west.
Hemlock Run, the small artificial stream that flowed through the cabin area was created by a small diversion dam. This dam was built upstream from the cabin area across Laurel Prong. Laurel Prong and Mill Prong join just below the President’s Cabin . . . — — Map (db m45627) HM
On Skyline Drive, on the left when traveling south.
Six Civilian Conservation Corps camps in the area which became Shenandoah National Park were at Big Meadows, Skyland, Pinnacles, Piney River, Baldface, and Dundo from 1933 to 1942. Camp Fechner, near here, was named in honor of Robert Fechner, . . . — — Map (db m13247) HM
Near Rapidan Road, on the left when traveling west.
Presidential Aids who were stationed at the camp say that this fireplace was mainly used for outdoor photographs. When reporters and authors wanted pictures of the Chief Executive and his guests they were often posed here. Logs, used for benches, . . . — — Map (db m45626) HM
Near Rapidan Fire Road, on the left when traveling west.
Blue indicates Roads, trails, and structures – 1930s Red indicates Roads, trails and structures – now Rapidan’s Original Structures Five Tents (blue) – the first structure built; ruins still visible today Trails End (blue) . . . — — Map (db m45646) HM
Near Rapidan Road, on the left when traveling west.
Trout fishing was the chief pastime at the camp. Other diversions were horseback riding, horseshoe pitching, hiking and working puzzles. Above, is the recreation area adjacent to Town Hall. Below, Richey and Boone work on a jig-saw puzzle. — — Map (db m45662) HM
Near Rapidan Road, on the left when traveling west.
The Creel was occupied by two of President Hoover’s Chief Aids, Larry Richey, a former F.B.I. agent, was assigned to guard the President and became his personal “secretary” or manager. He assumed great responsibility for the detailed . . . — — Map (db m45619) HM
Near Rapidan Road, on the left when traveling west.
The photograph below shows one of several tables in the Mess Hall. Almost everyone ate their meals at the central dining room. This allowed more time for fishing and other outdoor recreation. The rug is of straw matting, in contrast to the Navajo . . . — — Map (db m45660) HM
Near Rapidan Road, on the right when traveling west.
Although Camp Hoover was rustic, it was comfortably furnished with a mixture of styles. The Hoovers had many Navajo rugs which they used throughout their cabin. Above is a sunporch and below the Hoovers’ bedrooms. — — Map (db m45612) HM
Near Rapidan Road, on the right when traveling west.
Prime Minister Ramsey McDonald of England was a frequent guest of President Hoover. The “Press” of that day popularly envisioned these two peace loving leaders sitting on a log in the Camp Hoover area scrapping the navies of the world. . . . — — Map (db m45616) HM
Near Rapidan Road, on the left when traveling west.
Town Hall was the center for Executive Meetings and social activities here at Camp Hoover. The two stone fireplaces were kept burning during chilly evenings. The President and his guests furnished brilliant conversation nightly on a wide variety of . . . — — Map (db m45668) HM
Near Rapidan Road, on the left when traveling west.
The large porch on Town Hall was also given the same name as the cabin. Guests liked the informal gatherings held here when mild weather permitted. The babble of Hemlock Run encouraged everyone to join in the conversations, discussions, and debates. . . . — — Map (db m45666) HM
Near James Madison Highway (U.S. 15) at Woodberry Forest Road (State Road 622), on the right when traveling north.
As you read this, you are standing in the old Fry's/Barnett's Ford Road, which connected the towns of Orange and Culpeper and which was Woodberry's primary access road during the nineteenth century. On an oppressively hot August 9, 1862, . . . — — Map (db m152783) HM
On James Madison Highway (U.S. 15) at Madison Mills Lane, on the right when traveling north on James Madison Highway.
Near here Governor Alexander Spotswood and his troop of gentlemen, Knights of the Golden Horseshoe, on their way to explore the land beyond the mountains, camped on August 31, 1716. — — Map (db m4705) HM
On James Madison Highway (U.S. 15) at Woodberry Forest Road (County Route 622), on the right when traveling south on James Madison Highway.
Two miles northeast is Woodberry Forest School, a college preparatory school for boys, founded in 1889 by Robert Stringfellow Walker, a captain with Mosby's Rangers. The school was named for the estate on which it stands, formerly owned by William . . . — — Map (db m4755) HM
