Named for Confederate Colonel John Singleton Mosby who operated against Union forces in this area during the Civil War, this five-county heritage area is known for its scenic and historic landscape. The Mosby Heritage Area Association also produces interpretive programs, lectures, and a Civil War Conference.
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Type
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Location
Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area Association
Battle Sites, Historical Homes, Historical Societies, Battle Sites, Historical Homes, Historical Societies
Scenic Drives and Trails
Morven Park
Historical Sites, Museums, Historical Sites, Museums
Horse Country, Scenic Drives and Trails
Purchased in 1903 by Westmoreland and Marguerite Davis, the original residence at Morven Park was a small fieldstone farmhouse built around 1780. By the time the Davises purchased the property, it looked as it does today, with its impressive Greek Revival portico and massive columns.
Monticello
Historical Homes, Historical Sites, Museums, Presidential Homes & Sites, Historical Homes, Historical Sites, Museums, Presidential Homes & Sites
Scenic Drives and Trails
Monticello was the home of Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, third President of the United States and noted architect and inventor. Jefferson began construction on his ‘little mountain’ home in 1769 and, after remodeling and enlarging the house, finally finished 40 years later in 1809.
Monocacy National Battlefield
Battle Sites, Historical Sites, Battle Sites, Historical Sites
Scenic Drives and Trails
Known as the “Battle That Saved Washington”, the battle of Monocacy in 1864 between 18,000 Confederate forces under General Jubal Early, and 5,800 Union forces under General Lew Wallace, marked the last campaign of the Confederacy to carry the war into the north.
McLean House and Farm Civil War Trails Site
Historical Homes, Historical Sites, Historical Homes, Historical Sites
Hiking
The home of the Wilmer McLean stood near this intersection and became the headquarters for Confederate Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard July 18, 1861, when the Battle of Blackburn’s Ford erupted.
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Battle Sites, Historical Sites, National & State Parks, Battle Sites, Historical Sites, National & State Parks
Hiking
The 5,000-acre tract bordered by Bull Run was the scene of two Confederate victories. The First Battle of Manassas, fought in 1861, was the opening engagement of the Civil War and pitted Union Brigadier General Irvin McDowell’s unseasoned troops against ill-trained but spirited Confederates under Joseph E. Johnston and Brigadier General P.G.T. Beauregard.
James Madison’s Montpelier
Historical Sites, Museums, Presidential Homes & Sites, Historical Sites, Museums, Presidential Homes & Sites
Scenic Drives and Trails
The lifelong home of James Madison, “Father of the Constitution” and fourth President of the United States, was also home to three generations of the Madison family from 1723 to 1844. The mansion core was built by Madison’s father c.1760.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Historical Sites, National & State Parks, Historical Sites, National & State Parks
Camping, Hiking
Harpers Ferry witnessed John Brown’s attack on slavery in 1859, the largest surrender of Federal troops during the Civil War, and the education of former slaves at Storer College, one of the earliest integrated schools in the United States.
Greenbrier State Park
Historical Sites, National & State Parks, Historical Sites, National & State Parks
Camping, Canoeing, Hiking, Scenic Drives and Trails
The 42-acre man-made lake and beach draw many visitors who enjoy swimming, canoeing, hiking, picnicking, fishing and hunting. Picnic tables, grills, playgrounds and four lakefront rental gazebos are available in the day use area. The Park offers campsites conveniently located near bathhouses with hot showers.
Gettysburg National Military Park
Battle Sites, Historical Sites, National & State Parks, Battle Sites, Historical Sites, National & State Parks
Camping, Horse Country
The Battle of Gettysburg (a Union victory) was a turning point in the Civil War. Often referred to as the “High Water Mark of the Confederacy”, it was the war’s bloodiest battle with 51,000 casualties (killed, wounded, captured or missing). It also provided President Abraham Lincoln with the setting for his famous Gettysburg Address.
Gathland State Park and War Correspondents
Historical Sites, Museums, Historical Sites, Museums
Hiking
Gathland State Park was once the mountain home of George Alfred Townsend, a Civil War journalist. It is the site of a unique collection of buildings and structures that he designed and constructed, some of which have been restored.
Gambrill State Park
National & State Parks, National & State Parks
Biking, Camping, Hiking, Horse Country
Gambrill State Park, located west of Frederick, provides miles of hiking, biking, and horse trails with stunning overlooks of the surrounding area. A 34-campsite, four-camper cabin campground is available seasonally. See beautiful views from three overlooks, picnic shelters for rent, and the Tearoom, available for reservations. Some facilities are handicapped accessible.