Civil War Trails: Woodstock’s Ardent Abolitionist

WOODSTOCK, VA – The Town of Woodstock has unveiled the first Civil War Trails site in the Shenandoah Valley telling the story of an Abolitionist. George Rye was an outspoken supporter of the equality of African Americans; before, during, and after the Civil War. This project was completed in partnership with the Shenandoah County Library Archivist, the Town of Woodstock, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Shenandoah County Tourism, and the Virginia Tourism Corporation. 

The new site is located at the St. Paul’s Reformed Church cemetery just off South Church Street. A representative of the Church said, “St. Paul’s UCC congregation is so excited to have this lovely sign to help people remember what our forefathers did to help our country.” The partners are excited to welcome travelers from around the world as they market this site and story internationally. 

Rye’s long career as an abolitionist spanned from his first arrest in 1837 to his retirement at the end of Reconstruction. “The story of George Rye is an example of how one man advocated for the rights African Americans when they could not speak for themselves,” said Zachary Hottel, Archivist at the Shenandoah County Library. “Even when threatened with violence, Rye continued to fight for what he knew was right. I’m proud that this marker will highlight the courageous life of one of Woodstock’s exceptional residents.” Hotel assisted with the research for the new site, alongside Civil War Trails staff who vetted the content with community stakeholders and travelers. 

This new sign is one of fifteen in Shenandoah County, one of more than 575 in Virginia, and one of the more than 1,500 sites that make up the Civil War Trails program, which is the “world’s largest open air museum.” For more information about visiting Shenandoah County, check out visitshenandoahcounty.com.  For more information on Civil War Trails visit civilwartrails.org and when visit the new site, share your photos with #civilwartrails.