2017 ECW Symposium Admission
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Author Archives: Rob Orrison
In the “Hoofsteps” to Gettysburg: Touring the Loudoun Valley Campaign of June 1863
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 Aldie, Alfred Pleasonton, George Custer, Gettysburg Campaign, JEB Stuart, John S. Mosby, Loudoun Valley, Middleburg, Upperville
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ECW Weekender: In the Steps of Lee to Gettysburg—Culpeper
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
“A remarkable military position” The Battle of Cockpit Point and the Potomac Blockade
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
Posted in Emerging Civil War
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On The Trail with Sterling Price and John Brown
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 Battle of Mine Creek, Battle of Pea Ridge, Battle of Prairie Grove, Battle of Wilson's Creek, Bleeding Kansas, Earl Van Dorn, John Brown, Nathaniel Lyon, Sterling Price
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The Future of Civil War History: Rob Orrison
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
Robert E. Lee’s 209th Birthday – An Annual Visit to Stratford Hall
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
Coming Soon: New Interpretive Trail at Brandy Station’s Fleetwood Hill
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 Battle of Brandy Station, Fleetwood Hill
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“I Guess We Better Charge” – 152nd Anniversary of the Battle of Bristoe Station
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 AP Hill, Gen. Warren, George Meade, John Cooke, Robert E. Lee
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JEB Stuart’s Tight Spot — October 13, 1863
One of the most written about episodes that took place during the Bristoe Campaign was that of “Stuart’s Hideout” on the evening of October 13, 1863. The Confederate cavalry was very active during the entire campaign and performed admirably. Maj. … Continue reading
“A spectator would have said that the opponents were afraid of each other”: The Battle of James City
As Lee’s infantry made its way westward to Madison Courthouse, Stuart took Maj. Gen. Wade Hampton’s cavalry division (Hampton was still recovering from wounds suffered at Gettysburg) ahead to screen the infantry’s movements. Stuart knew that Maj. Gen. Judson Kilpatrick’s … Continue reading
