Montpelier, the home of James and Dolley Madison near Orange, VA. Photographs were not allowed in the home. As we toured I was amazed how large the rooms were compared to Jefferson's Monticello.
The docent gave us so much history about James and Dolley, very, very interesting.
The day started out sunny but it became overcast and blustery. It was surprising how many tourist we're visiting the home. In our noon tour there were over 40 people.
Slave quarters were a stark contrast to the Madison's home. The slave were given nails and hardware but had to get their own lumber.
The graves of James and Dolley Madison.
Over the years the home was owned by many. When the DuPont family owned it there were elaborate gardens.
It's too early for the flowers or shrubs to be in bloom but I found some interesting things. Don't you love the expression on this lion's face!
Marion DuPont raised horses and built a steeplechase track. The annual event continues every Nov. the house is dwarfed by the woods.
We stopped at the Chancellorsville Battlefield but it was closed on Wed. This is a monument to Stonewall Jackson.
This is the stone identifying the place where he was mortally wounded.
We stayed overnight at Walmart in Fredericksburg. The wind was fierce.
On the road again Thursday March 14. It was 27 degrees in the morning.
Flag of Union Cavalry at Chancellorsville Battlefield. We watched a very informative 22 minute video about the battle at Chancellorsville.
Soldier scales are not only ornamental but can protect horsemen from a sneer slice.
Bullet proof vests were available.
But few wore them.
Medal of Honor
There was a gallery of soldiers who participated in the War here. Some survived and some didn't, Very touching stories.
At the Fredericksburg Battlefield: In Dec. 1862 at Fredericksburg the Union wanted to build a platoon bridge to cross the Rappahannock River. It would have been a surprise attack but the platoons were delayed.
When the platoon arrived they started building the bridge. But were fired on by the Confederates. The Union fired cannons toward the Confederates.t
Finally they completed the bridges.
They advanced toward the Sunken Road at the Fredericksburg.
Seven waves of Union of attackers. But no one reached the Sunken Road. Thousands upon thousands died. This was a wide open field. The Union retreated.
Over 15,000 are buried here. The low graves are the unknown soldiers. The slightly taller graves have a number and the state of the soldier. We watched a video of this tragic battlefield.
Fredericksburg had been a hub of transportation was now in ruins.
A good couriers recognized the different brigades, regiments and corps.
Flag of the Commanding General's Headquarters.
A conical stove was invented in 1861 for tents.
Vaguely see a door in the middle.
Union soldiers wore heavy cumbersome woolen coats in the cold December weather.
Angel of Mayre's Heights was a South Carolina soldier who gave water to injured foe.
Friction primer is the small piece that ignites the powder in a cannon.
Next stop: Chatham, an elegant home built in 1768. It is documented that it is the only house that three presidents stayed at: Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln.
Also said that Eisenhower met here to work on the Marshall Plan after WW II.
Musical notes on the railing.
During the Civil War it was taken over by the Union. Union 9th Corp's Flag with cannon and anchor. It was a Union headquarter and telegraph center.
It also was a hospital treating the casualties of war. Clara Barton and Walt Whitman wrote of being here.
We are walking through history. Saddened.
We met our neighbor's parents, Carol and Dick, at a local restaurant. Was great to visit with them. We stayed at Walmart on the east side of Fredericksburg.
Location:Orange & Fredericksburg, VA
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