The Culpeper Historian

The Culpeper Historian
News of Historical Research, Resources and Events for Culpeper County, Virginia
Volume 1, number 2
March 14, 2008
Society for Preservation of Culpeper History Fall Forum
Focused on History Research Needs
The newly formed Society for the Preservation of Culpeper History sponsored a public forum at
the Culpeper Library on November 10, 2007 to discuss needs for activities and resources to
facilitate historical research and preservation. Thirty interested Culpeper citizens attended.
The meeting featured presentations regarding proposed historical research and preservation
projects, including, cemetery preservation, publications, development of a Culpeper history
education curriculum, genealogical research and oral history.
SPCH director Anne Cox presented an informative demonstration of techniques for safely
cleaning gravestones. Anne and Bill Cox have preserved a private cemetery (including both
Revolutionary War and Civil War graves) on the grounds of their Fleetwood home (circa 1734).
Anne’s presentation also highlighted techniques for recovering and preserving the information
on gravestones by rubbings to transfer inscriptions to paper. Anne is the chairwoman of the
SPCH cemetery preservation project committee.
Other project committees established by SPCH in November included a publications committee
headed by Perry Cabot and a genealogical research committee headed by Jerry Hubbard. Anne
Howard will coordinate plans for historical recreations and commemorations.
See the Historian’s website at www.culpeperhistory for more information of SPCH activities
and plans.
Historian’s Notebook: It might be useful if some energetic researcher would compile a
comprehensive “Introduction to Culpeper History Resources” which would describe the history of
efforts to chronicle, preserve, and commemorate the history of Culpeper. Such a volume might
include information about published histories, collections of historical documents, and efforts to
organize groups to preserve historical resources and to promote historical research.
The Corner Shelf Bookstore: A Source for Local History
The Corner Shelf bookstore at 451 James Madison Highway in Culpeper (540 825-4411) has
served the local area for 31 years. The shop features an extensive collection of books about
local Culpeper history and Civil War history. In addition to maintaining a collection of interest
to historians, the staff is knowledgeable and supportive of history students and researchers.
The Corner Shelf also serves as a ticket outlet for local art, drama and history events.
Among the items available at The Corner Shelf are copies of the new edition of Judge Daniel A.
Grimsley’s Battles in Culpeper County, Virginia. The publication of the new edition of this
important Culpeper historical memoir was made possible through subscriptions to underwrite
the printing cost by SPCH directors and others. Perry Cabot and Peter Stetson donated their
time to compile, edit and proof-read the new edition. The price is $14, and a share of the
proceeds from sales will go to support future SPCH activities.
Information about The Corner Shelf is available at http://www.cornershelfbookstore.com
Historian’s Notebook: Does anyone know information about the first bookstore in Culpeper
County? E-mail information to [email protected].
1
The Culpeper Historian
Volume 1, number 2
March 14, 2008
Anne Howard Performs at Historic Stratford Hall
It was a grand day for history in Virginia, January 19, 2008, when Society for the Preservation
of Culpeper History’s Board of Directors Co-Chair, Anne Howard, performed a program of
historic songs from the Civil War era at Stratford Hall. Stratford Hall was the ancestral home
of Robert E. Lee. Anne was accompanied by Dr. John Tole, a noted musician from nearby
Rappahannock County. As Evergreen Shade, Anne and John regularly perform throughout
the Piedmont.
John and Anne carefully research the historical origins of their music and especially take care
to note changes in lyrics over time. Their performances include commentary by Dr. Tole about
the historical context of each song. In addition to performing historically accurate music, Anne
appears in historically accurate costume. A talented seamstress, Anne has created a large
collection of gowns representing the Civil War era and the late 19th Century.
The performance at Stratford Hall was a homecoming of sorts for Anne, who is a descendent of
the Lee family.
Historian’s Notebook: Is there an up-to-date treatise describing the past and present
connections of the extensive Lee family to Culpeper? A book entitled The Lees of Culpeper
would be a useful resource for both general history students and genealogical researchers.
Current Museum of Culpeper History Exhibits
The Museum of Culpeper History is currently featuring an exhibit of paintings of historic
Culpeper scenes by Florence Grimsley and E. Troth Lewis.
The Museum of Culpeper History is located at 803 S. Main Street, Culpeper, VA 22701. Hours
of operation are Monday through Saturday 10 to 5 and Sunday 1 to 5. The Museum is closed in
January. Admission is free to members and to residents of Culpeper County (others $3 for
adults, $1 for children). Basic membership is $20 per year.
For more information see the museum’s website www.culpepermuseum.com.
Historian’s Notebook: The museum has extensive holdings of collected letters, photos, and
other documents of interest to researchers. Volunteer time and financial resources are needed to
catalogue and preserve these collections. A useful project would be to compile an on-line index to
the museum’s collections. Even better (but costly) would be to make images of documents
available for electronic access.
State Theatre Restoration Moves Forward
The State Theatre on South Main Street in Culpeper was built in 1938 as a combined vaudeville and movie
house. It is the only remaining example of Art Deco architecture in Culpeper. The building originally
featured an art deco façade. It was one of 30 theatres built in Virginia during that period by the Pitts chain.
The name was changed fro “Pitts” to “State” in 1973. For nearly fifty-five years the theatre served as
Culpeper’s primary movie theatre.
Over the years a series of exterior and interior renovations covered original decorative and architectural
features. The theatre closed in 1993 and was left to deteriorate until purchased for the State Theatre
Foundation, Inc, a non-profit organization which is currently restoring the property and which will operate it
as a multi-use cultural center.
2
The Culpeper Historian
Volume 1, number 2
March 14, 2008
The renovated theatre will become a cultural center for the entire region. When restoration is complete the
theatre will again feature its original Art Deco style. Expansion of the stage area and construction of a
complementarily designed annex will allow the theatre to host a variety of stage and concert performances in
addition to again serving as a movie house. It is intended that the motion picture programs will include
revivals of historically significant films. The location of the restored theatre near the Smithsonian’s film
preservation center outside Culpeper may provide the opportunity for combining culturally significant
programming with historical research resources.
Opening of the restored theatre is scheduled for September 2009. Efforts are currently underway to place the
State Theatre on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
The State Theatre is currently seeking donations from members of the Culpeper community to supplement
grant funding from a variety of government and private sources. See the State Theatre website at
http://www.culpepertheatre.org/ for more information.
Historians Notebook: It would be interesting to research the history of professional theatrical
and musical performances in Culpeper County in the 18th and 19th centuries and to prepare an
exhibit of the findings for display in a corner of the restored theatre or at the Museum of
Culpeper History.
Library Events: History Research and Appalachian Stories
The Culpeper Library maintains one of the most outstanding local history collections in the
region. It includes well-organized resources to assist both topical history research and
genealogy. On Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at 7 p.m., the library will welcome visitors to an hourlong tour and introduction to the resources available in the local history room. Library
Associate Julie Bushong will lead the tour and present an overview of materials pertaining to
Culpeper history. Sources of genealogical interest will also be covered. Limited registration
begins April 14.
Researchers should appreciate that the library now subscribes to Ancestry.com, a powerful tool
for genealogy research. You may use Ancestry.com from any of the catalog computers in the
library. Ancestry.com offers records from the 1790 - 1930 censuses, including the records for
individual cities, slave records taken during the census, and the tax census list."
Another important resource available at the library is HeritageQuestOnline. This is a growing
collection of research materials for tracing family history and American culture. It features
original page images for all documents. Amateur or professional genealogists may use this
online library at the library or from home computers via the library’s web-based home page.
Another upcoming Culpeper Library event of special interest to historians will be the
presentation of Linda Goodman’s performance, Daughters of the Appalachians. Based on
her book of the same name, Goodman’s performance portrays six different Appalachian women,
each of whom offers a unique glimpse of a historic tradition that is disappearing.
Linda Goodman has been described as “one of the great living masters of the storytelling art.
Space is limited. Free tickets are available at the library circulation desk.
See the library website at www.cclva.org or call (540) 825-8691 for more information
3
The Culpeper Historian
Volume 1, number 2
March 14, 2008
Historian’s Notebook: Our library is the first stop for any history research project, and we
should not take for granted this valuable resource. Contributions through Friends of the
Library help build and maintain research resources. Members of Friends of the Library are
assured of timely information about new resources and upcoming events. Basic membership
requires a $5 annual donation. Donations of $50 or more earn the “benefactor” designation.
Daughters of the Confederacy Commemorate Lee-Jackson Day
On January 19, 2008, at the Culpeper Methodist Church, the United Daughters of the
Confederacy, Culpeper Chapter, met to commemorate the lives Robert E. Lee and Thomas
“Stonewall” Jackson. A congregation of more than 100 participated in a program of prayers,
songs, poetry reading and patriotic speeches. The highlight of the ceremony was a heart-felt
rendition of Dixie.
The guest speaker, Dr. John Rathgeb, Master Docent, National Museum of Civil War Medicine,
presented an informative lecture about the types and treatments of battle wounds during the
Civil War. His presentation showed how medical practice during that conflict set in motion
developments in trauma medicine that continue today.
The commemoration was followed by a reception that featured the home-made specialties of the
UDC members. Good food has always been an important part of Culpeper history and
tradition, and it is likely that many of the recipes produced for the UDC feast have been passed
down for generations.
For information on Civil War medicine visit the National Museum of Civil War Medicine
Website at www.civilwarmed.org/index.cfm. The museum is located in Frederick, Maryland.
For information about the Culpeper Chapter, United Daughters of the Confederacy, contact
Anne Howard, President, at (540) 937 5598.
Historian’s Notebook: Is there a history of UDC and other Confederate memorial
organizations in Culpeper County? Is there an index to Confederate graves in the county?
Copies of Calfee’s Confederate History Available
The Culpeper Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy has available for sale a few
remaining copies of Confederate History of Culpeper County by Mrs. Berkeley Calfee. In
22 fact filled pages, Calfee recounted the important events of Culpeper County’s role in the War
Between the States. The book also includes a complete rooster of Confederate soldiers from
Culpeper County. Of particular interest to local historians are the numerous anecdotes of
events often overlooked by histories that focus only on the major military movements. An
example of the detail included is the following incident recounted on page 4:
When Pope’s army was falling back after the battle of Cedar Run, a detachment came to the
home of the venerable Albert Simms, that famous Latin scholar whose school for boys was noted
throughout Virginia, and were so threatening and licentious in their behavior that the two
grown daughters were force to escape from the house by an upstairs window, and running down
into a nearby corn field stayed there, shivering with cold and terrors through the night.
Copies will be available for purchase at the Culpeper Remembrance Days events for $3 each.
4
The Culpeper Historian
Volume 1, number 2
March 14, 2008
Historian’s Notebook: Mrs. Calfee was a noted gardener, and her memory is preserved in the
name of the local Calfee Garden Club. Does anyone have pictures of Mrs. Calfee’s gardens?
Better yet, does anyone have pass-along plants descended from her gardens? An interesting
history project would be to create a “Century Garden” comprised of plants with pass-along
provenances going back 100 years or more. Besides the historical interest, such a garden would
serve the ecological need to preserve old genetic patterns.
Horse Trail Plan Announced
The horse played an important part in Culpeper history and remains an important aspect of
current-day recreation and industry. The stage-coach routes from Charlottesville through
Culpeper to Alexandria and to Fredericksburg were important in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Culpeper remains a center for equestrian events, horse breeding, and training. The Culpeper
Horse Owners Association was formed to promote and preserve the history and appreciation of
horse ownership and riding.
Recently the organization announced plans to create the Culpeper Heritage Horse Trail. The
planned 20 mile riding circuit will loop through the numerous Civil War battle sites and other
historic locations in the Stevensburg District. The trail will be built by private efforts and will
utilize some existing trails and additional voluntary easements from private landowners.
Successful development of the Heritage Trail may serve as a basis for developing and
connecting additional trail system throughout the county and the region. To the extent feasible
(horses are easily frightened by runners and cyclists) parallel facilities for hiking and biking
may be developed.
An article in the Culpeper Star-Exponent (Wednesday, February 6, 2008) by David and Anita
Hasbury-Snogles provided detail about the horse owner’s organization and the trail plan. That
article can be found on-line at www.starexponent.com. For more information see the Culpeper
Horse Owners Association website at http://www.choa-va.com/ or contact Gardiner Mulford
CHOA President at (540) 423-9607 or email: [email protected].
Historian’s Notebook: Culpeper County has been a cross-roads from the time of Native American footpaths,
to the times of horse-drawn coaches, railroads and 20th century highways. The internet nexus under
construction in Culpeper today is a logical extension of that rich history. Some places are “off the beaten
path,” but Culpeper seems to have always been right in the middle of that important path of progress and
commerce. Perhaps some energetic historian will undertake research to present an integrated history of
Culpeper from the perspective of transportation and communication.
Culpeper Profile
Extra Billy Smith: Culpeper Entrepreneur and Politician
William "Extra Billy" Smith (1797 - 1887) came to Culpeper in 1818 as a young lawyer. His
parents were Caleb Smith of Marengo in King George County and Mary Anne Waugh Smith of
Mount Eccentric in Fauquier County. Young Billy was educated privately and "read" law.
In 1821 he married Elizabeth Bell, the eldest daughter of a Culpeper merchant; they had 11
children (4 died in infancy); Elizabeth Smith died in 1878. It was she who supervised the
evacuation of the Governor's Mansion in Richmond when the Confederacy fell.
5
The Culpeper Historian
Volume 1, number 2
March 14, 2008
In 1825 Mr. Smith built his Culpeper home on a block square lot on Main Street between
Spencer and Edmondson Streets; it was a stately white mansion with 20 foot columns on the
front, described as a classical revival mansion. The house was used as General U.S. Grant's
headquarters during the winter of 1863 -64. The house was demolished about 1930. The Post
Office was built on the site in 1932; the former Post Office building is now used as offices by
Culpeper County. The Board of Supervisors’ meeting room is in this building.
In 1843, the Smith family moved from Culpeper to Warrenton. One reason for the move was to
locate closer to the best schools for his children.
His “Extra Billy” nickname was derived from his zeal as a businessman. In 1827 Mr. Smith
obtained the contract to carry mail from Washington, D.C., to and from Warrenton and
subsequently to Culpeper; helped by his support of Andrew Jackson’s Presidential candidacy,
his route was eventually extended (1831) to cover the area from Alexandria/Washington to
Milledgeville, Georgia (then Georgia's capital), a 650 mile route. His stage coach services
included passengers as well as mail. The demand for Mr. Smith's services sometimes exceeded
the contract's terms. He would order a second (or extra) coach, if needed. Passengers were
charged extra even for carrying packages on their laps. He also made repeated demands to
Congress for extra compensation - hence "Surplus William" or "Extra Billy."
Smith was also an active and successful politician. He was an aristocrat who had "the common
touch." From 1836 through 1841 he served in the Virginia State Senate. From 1842 through
1843 he served in the U. S. House of Representatives. He was elected Governor of Virginia in
1846 (serving through 1849). He had refused to be a candidate, but was elected anyway by the
General Assembly. This was before popular election of Virginia governors. During his term, he
pushed hard for public schools, improved Capitol Square and the Governor's Mansion, worked
for a railroad from the coast to the Shenandoah Valley, and saw that Virginia provided 1300
officers and men to fight in the Mexican War (1846 - 48).
After his term as Governor, personal finances needed replenishing and he went to California
for the Gold Rush; two of his sons were already there. He invested in real estate and
participated in California politics. He returned to Virginia as a wealthy man and campaigned
for Congress. He was a successful campaigner and was elected and re-elected for terms
from1853 through 1861. He resigned from Congress when Virginia seceded from the Union in
1861.
Smith volunteered for the Confederate Army and was named a Colonel in the 49th Virginia
Volunteers. Despite his lack of formal military training, he proved to be a valiant soldier and
an able commander. During the battle of First Manassas, when his uniform was not yet ready,
he led a mounted charge in a business suit holding a blue umbrella in the hot sun. An
exasperated Abraham Lincoln referred to Governor Smith as "...that old gamecock, Extra Billy
Smith." On January 1, 1863 he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. He fought at
the Battle of Gettysburg later that year and on August 30, 1863 was promoted to the rank of
Major General.
On December 31, 1863 he resigned from the Confederate Army to assume newly elected duties
as Governor of Virginia (1864-65). During the difficult times at the end of the war, Governor
6
The Culpeper Historian
Volume 1, number 2
March 14, 2008
Smith tried to lift spirits in Richmond, to feed and protect the citizens, and to support "the
indomitable will of Virginia." As the Confederacy collapsed, he and his staff escaped to
Lynchburg, then Danville. The Union Secretary of War offered a $25,000 reward for Governor
Smith. He was removed from office by the military occupation government in May 1865 and
was succeeded by Francis H. Pierpont. In June he turned himself in to the Union authorities.
In 1875, at the age of 78, Governor Smith was elected again to the Virginia House of Delegates.
He worked diligently to support recovery from the ravages of war and economic progress for all
Virginians.
In 1887, Governor Smith died at age 89. He is buried in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond.
His statue stands on the Capitol grounds, a tribute to his excellence and leadership in business,
in government and on the battlefield. His statue is by the famous sculptor, William Ludwell
Sheppard (1833 -1912). Mr. Sheppard was also the sculptor for the A. P. Hill monument on
Hermitage Road in Richmond. Only one other Virginia governor has been honored with a
statue on the Capitol grounds – Harry Flood Byrd.
The Historian thanks Mary Jo Browning, President, Society for Preservation of Culpeper
History, for writing this profile.
Stonewall Jackson Film -- Free Showing April 4
The Friends of Cedar Mountain Battlefield will present "Still Standing: The Stonewall Jackson
Story" based on Richard Williams' book, "Stonewall Jackson: The Black Man's Friend," at 7
p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2008, at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church's Parish Hall, 115 North East
Street in Culpeper. Mr. Williams will introduce the film. Refreshments will be served and
there will be a raffle. Admission is free but the Friends welcome contributions.
If you have questions, please call Diane Logan at 540-825-4416.
Historic Places
Heavenwood Preserves the Spirit of the Early 1900s
The Heavenwood home of Annie Williams near Brandy Station is a notable example of the arts
and crafts architectural style of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is also an example of
how access to transportation systems (in this case the railroad from Washington to Culpeper)
has shaped rural development and agricultural commerce over the past three hundred years.
Annie Williams has compiled an extensive collection of research materials including
photographs showing the history of her property, which was formerly know as Glenmore. The
earliest records (1749) show Glenmore as a land grant to John Rixey of 435 acres. The original
house on the property no longer stands. It is mentioned in Civil War records in connection with
the death of a Union soldier in its front hall. The property supported an active dairy farming
operation until 1985. Proximity to the rail line (at Brandy Station in this case) was an
important factor in the prosperity of dairy industry in Culpeper County in the 19th and 20th
centuries.
The present house was completed in 1910 by Hamilton B. Smith, who was born on the property
in 1875 and Elena Roeckel, whom he married in 1904. Apparently, the Smiths also maintained
a house in Washington and the convenience of rail transportation at nearby Brandy Station
7
The Culpeper Historian
Volume 1, number 2
March 14, 2008
influenced their decision to invest in a home that was considered quite extravagant and
modern for its time. Mrs. Smith was an opera singer and she also maintained a home in
Richmond.
The Arts and Crafts style is well represented in design of the house, including exposed
hardware, rafter tails, corbels and the use of rough stone and tile. Extensive renovations in the
1990s returned the house to its original beauty. The renovation was conducted carefully with
attention to preserving authentic materials and details.
Annie Williams’ description of the ownership history of Heavenwood, photos from the past and
present, and a record of her restoration efforts can be at the Culpeper Historian’s website,
www.culpeperhistory.org.
Historian’s Notebook: There is need for a well-researched history of dairy faming in Culpeper
County to preserve the memory of what existed before the pastures were subdivided for houses.
Copyright © 2008 by Ronald Bird and Peter Stetson. Send questions or comments to
[email protected]. For additional information on Culpeper history, resources and
events visit the Historian’s website at www.culpeperhistory.org.
8