Author Archives: Rob Orrison

With Lee in Leesburg: Harrison Hall

Posted on September 5, 2017

On the night of September 5, 1862 a lot must have been going through Lee’s mind as he went to bed in the home of Henry and Jane Harrison in Leesburg. A few days before he informed Confederate President Davis … Continue reading →

Posted in Armies, Arms & Armaments, Battlefields & Historic Places, Battles, Books & Authors, Civil War Events, Civil War Trails, Emerging Civil War, Leadership--Confederate, Memory, Personalities, Preservation | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

“I hope my visit to Boston will do good…” John S. Mosby, Reconciliation and the American Revolution

Posted on August 17, 2017

Those who know me know of my “interest” in famous Confederate partisan, John S. Mosby. Ok, some would say “love affair,” but either way, I grew up reading about Mosby and his exploits during the Civil War. It was not … Continue reading →

Posted in Emerging Civil War, Leadership--Confederate, Memory, Monuments, Preservation, Reconstruction, Revolutionary War, Ties to the War | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

In the “Hoofsteps” to Gettysburg: Touring the Loudoun Valley Campaign of June 1863

Posted on June 16, 2017

Of all the sites related to the Gettysburg Campaign, the sites to see in the Loudoun Valley are some of the best preserved and most beautiful places in Virginia. Though in June 1863, there was nothing pretty about thousands of … Continue reading →

Posted in Armies, Arms & Armaments, Battlefields & Historic Places, Battles, Campaigns, Cavalry, Civil War Events, Civil War Trails, ECW Weekender, Emerging Civil War, Personalities, Preservation | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

ECW Weekender: In the Steps of Lee to Gettysburg—Culpeper

Posted on June 2, 2017

The town of Culpeper is one of central Virginia’s most historic towns.  The area around Culpeper saw more marching, fighting and camping during the Civil War than any other area in the nation.  Its location south of the Rappahannock River … Continue reading →

Posted in Armies, Battlefields & Historic Places, Battles, Campaigns, Civil War Trails, ECW Weekender, Emerging Civil War, Memory, Monuments, Preservation | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

“A remarkable military position” The Battle of Cockpit Point and the Potomac Blockade

Posted on January 3, 2017

On October 16, 1861 pro-Unionist Lewis McKenzie of Alexandria sent US Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles a report on the newly constructed Confederate batteries along the Potomac River. McKenzie called the batteries at Cockpit Point “a remarkable military position. … Continue reading →

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On The Trail with Sterling Price and John Brown

Posted on July 8, 2016

Recently I was “dragged”  on a family trip out to the far west….well, the Civil War far west, Kansas and Arkansas.  My friends and family who live in the region promised me “there are some really cool Civil War sites … Continue reading →

Posted in Arms & Armaments, Battlefields & Historic Places, Battles, Campaigns, Civil War Events, Emerging Civil War, Leadership--Confederate, Leadership--Federal, Memory, Monuments, Personalities, Politics, Slavery | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

The Future of Civil War History: Rob Orrison

Posted on June 14, 2016

During my studies for my Masters of Arts in History at George Mason University, I had the privilege of having Dr. Joseph Harsh as one of my professors and advisor. Those who knew Joe Harsh had a great appreciation for … Continue reading →

Posted in Emerging Civil War, Ties to the War | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Robert E. Lee’s 209th Birthday – An Annual Visit to Stratford Hall

Posted on January 19, 2016

Every year for the past 15 years on January 19, I find my way to Stratford Hall. As many of you know, January 19, 1807 was Robert E. Lee’s birthday and Stratford Hall commemorates the occasion with free admission and … Continue reading →

Posted in Civil War in Pop Culture, Emerging Civil War, Holidays, Leadership--Confederate, Personalities, Reconstruction | Tagged , | 7 Comments

Coming Soon: New Interpretive Trail at Brandy Station’s Fleetwood Hill

Posted on October 16, 2015

Yesterday I had the opportunity to be part of something special. As many know, the fight to preserve Fleetwood Hill at Brandy Station has been long and arduous. With the help of so many people, the hill was saved by the … Continue reading →

Posted in Battlefields & Historic Places, Battles, Cavalry, Preservation | Tagged , | 1 Comment

“I Guess We Better Charge” – 152nd Anniversary of the Battle of Bristoe Station

Posted on October 14, 2015

Every year on October 14th, I grab a cigar and walk over the battlefield of Bristoe Station. It is a weird tradition that many of my non-history friends don’t understand, but for me it’s a fitting way to remember the men … Continue reading →

Posted in Armies, Battlefields & Historic Places, Battles, Campaigns, Civil War Events, Memory | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment