Saving History Saturday: Civil War Graffiti To Be Relocated

Earlier this week, it was reported that Stafford County’s Board of Supervisors (Virginia) accepted an offer to relocate Civil War graffiti which dates to the winter of 1862-1863. The original location is Buzzards’ Roost and Union soldiers carved their names into a boulder at the top of the rocky hill; sixteen of the soldiers’ name have been identified and researched.

Buzzards’ Roost will soon be cleared and graded to create a building site for new warehouses. However, the developers have agreed to hire professional stonemasons to remove the graffitied part of the boulder without destroying the carvings; the removed artifact will then be donated to Stafford County Cultural Heritage Museum with $10,000 to allow it eventually be displayed at Stafford Civil War Park.

The county did consult and seek advice from historical commissions, National Park Service, and the developers about this solution. Some advised leaving the graffiti and historic hilltop untouched. However, the board of supervisors unanimously decided to accept the relocation solution.

At least the etchings will be preserved…

Original news article: https://wtop.com/stafford-county/2022/03/civil-war-site-in-stafford-co-to-be-relocated-paving-way-for-warehouse-project/



3 Responses to Saving History Saturday: Civil War Graffiti To Be Relocated

  1. Thank you for this coverage. It is so disappointing to see the land being developed, but yes, at least the boulders and the soldiers’ inscriptions and personal histories will be preserved,
    I had not know about these boulders and I look forward to learning more about the individiuals as soldiers fromt he 11th Corps wrote on the walls of the HIstoric Blenheim house in Fairfax City.

    Thank you for sharing.

  2. I visited the location today and it is a sad thing to see this leveled. The top of the boulders actually have a well worn seat that clearly shows evidence of this being used as a look out observation location. Perfect butt and foot Msrks. But this will not be preserved because it is the highest point of the boulder. It will be ground up and lost forever. I do have many pictures that I took. The historical society and the members of Peterson construction met today with some of the counsel to talk about the removal next week and leveling of the historic location for dollars and progress. Some day beauty of history and natural things will trump false grown that lines pockets. At least I got to see it before it is gone

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