Central Virginia Battlefields Trust

CVBT's latest preservation effort is 3 acres where United States Colored Troops had their first combat experience against Confederates north of the James River on May 15, 1864, To learn more and to make a donation, please visit: bit.ly/4nuW0FI #cvbt #USCT

Adj. Abner Small, 16th ME at Fredericksburg: “I saw one soldier falter repeatedly, bowing as if before a hurricane. He would gather himself together, gain his place. . .and drop behind. . .he didn’t move; he couldn’t; his legs would not obey him. I left him there in the mud."

Come join CVBT as we welcome historian Sarah Kay Bierle on May 3, 2026, for an afternoon of learning based around the critical decisions of the Chancellorsville Campaign. For more information and to register, visit: bit.ly/4t6i0cW

Capt. George Whitman, 51st NY: “We had a pretty hard battle on the 6th [Wilderness]. I don’t know what the battle is called. . . our Regt. Suffered severely loseing 70 in killed and wounded. I lost nearly half my Co[.] but we won the fight and the rebel loss was pretty heavy.”

Have you registered for the 2026 CVBT Annual Conference? Tickets are moving fast for what will be a wonderful weekend of learning and camaraderie. This year’s theme is the Battle of Second Fredericksburg. For additional details and to register, visit: bit.ly/4c5PrXn

Today is National Medal of Honor Day. Pvt. John F. Chase, 5th Btty ME Lt Arty., received the Medal of Honor on Feb. 7, 1888 for his heroic actions at Battle of Chancellorsville on May 3, 1863, that helped save his artillery piece from being captured.

March is National Reading Month! Do you have favorite books that cover the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Mine Run, the Wilderness, and Spotsylvania Court House? #cvbt

CVBT held its third annual Spring Seminar this past Saturday to a full house of attendees at the Tabernacle United Methodist Church, who heard from historians Chris Mackowski, Jennifer Murray, Mike Gorman, and Will Greene. Thanks to our sponsors, supporters, and volunteers!

Lt. Col. Hamilton C. Jones 57th NC, Fredericksburg: "There was a sudden dash forward into the thunder and smoke and guns, and the Fifty-Seventh was at the railroad with their guns loaded, and those of the enemy who had not fled were captured then and there.”

Lt. Col. Rufus Dawes, 6th WI, May 11, 1864: “Through God’s blessing I am yet alive, and beside the fearful tax upon my energies, mental and physical, have nothing to complain of and everything to be thankful for. For six long days we have been under the deadly musketry.”

Pvt. Jeremiah Tate, 5th AL about May 2, 1863: “Stonewall . . . and Rodes . . . gave orders to move forward and attact the enemy . . . we cum in contact with the enemys Picketts volla after volla of musketry was pourd in to them, whitch soon put them to flight"

The Irish Brigade and others celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in 1863 while camped in Stafford County. The New York Times reported the activities included “speech-making, horse-racing, leaping, vaulting, etc.” Footraces, wheelbarrow races, & a greased pig chase were enjoyed, too.

Pvt. Samuel D. Webster, 13th MA Inf. on Nov. 30, 1864 at Mine Run: “Time dragged, and they had a game of baseball. Sometimes the ball would go over the crest of the hill, and within range of the skirmish line of rebels, but some one was always ready to cut after it.”

Corp. Isaac H. Chandler, a 21-year-old soldier who served in the 59th MA Inf., received a wound to the left thigh that fractured his femur on May 12, 1864 at Spotsylvania. He endured a trip to Washington D.C., where he died at Armory Square Hospital on June 20, 1864.

Pvt. "Ted" Barclay, 4th VA Inf, after the death of his comrade George Chapin at Mine Run. “How much I miss my bedfellow George Chapin. You have no idea what attachment grows between two soldiers who are constantly together. What a noble fellow he was. May God comfort. . . ."

John T. Trowbridge on visiting the Wilderness in 1865: “Where were the feet that wore those empty shoes? Where was he whose proud waist was buckled in that belt? Some soldier’s heart was made happy by that poor, soiled, tattered, illegible letter which rain [has] not spared.."

Aquia Landing's importance to the Union war effort is often overlooked. Located in Stafford County at the confluence of Aquia Creek and the Potomac River, this transportation and supply base was vital to Federal operations, including Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.

“[W]hen the order was given to retire, the men asked the privilege of firing one more shot. While the guns were being loaded for this round, a shell from the enemy burst over the head of Lt. [Frederick] Habersham, killing him instantly." Member of Read's GA Batty., May 3, 1863

We've had some tickets become available for CVBT's 2026 Spring Seminar on Sat., March 21, 2026. This year's seminar features 4 historians giving 5 presentations. Tickets are only $60.00 and lunch is included. For more information and to regisiter, visit: bit.ly/4pBVXtY

May 10, 1864, Lt. Wm Fowler of the 146th NY: “We are completely used up, officers and men being overpowered by fatigue and excitement. . . . The strain is intense and wearing. All of us have grown a year older during the week. To-day, I hope, decides the contest.”

Sgt. John W. Watson, 47th VA, April 11, 1864: "[Y]ou must write as often as you can . . . for it is all the enjoyment that I can see is to get letters from my friends. I believe that if our communication is cut of[f] I shall all most go crazy[,] there is no enjoyment in camp."