Step Back in Time and Explore Culpeper’s History
January 7, 2025 Things to Do
Written by Theresa Meeker Pickett
When you visit Culpeper, you’re stepping back in time. This small town offers unique experiences where you can journey through history with self-guided tours or guided tours with Cedar Mountain Battlefield historians at Culpeper Battlefields State Park – Cedar Mountain Unit. Guided walking, driving, and horseback tours of Culpeper Battlefields State Park – Brandy Station Unit are also available through Culpeper Battlefield Tours. Stroll downtown, taking in places like the Burgandine House, the oldest house in town. Culpeper is the perfect spot for anyone who enjoys walking while exploring rich history up close.
Journey Through Culpeper’s Battlefields and Trails
Start your day at Cedar Mountain Battlefield, as the morning light casts shades of blue, purple, and orange across the horizon. As you look up at the nearby elevated terrain, it’s easy to imagine the soldiers who once hiked the land during combat. This peaceful yet historically rich site, part of the newly-designated Culpeper Battlefields State Park, offers a fitting introduction to a day of exploration in this history-filled area.
As you walk along the park’s hiking trails, from Sword Trail to Culpeper Road, you’ll encounter plaques and markers that bring history to life, sharing stories of the fierce battles fought here and the soldiers who fought them.
For a deeper connection, consider joining one of the park’s reenactments, where Civil War soldiers share firsthand accounts of their daily experiences. You can also take part in guided tours that follow the timeline of the region’s key battles, shedding light on how these events shaped both the soldiers and the local community.
Honoring History
After exploring the battlefields, deepen your understanding of the area’s rich past with a visit to the Culpeper Visitor Center and the Museum of Culpeper History. The museum features an engaging mix of exhibits that span from prehistoric times to the Civil War, with an interactive archaeology space.
Just across from the museum is the Culpeper National Cemetery, a peaceful site honoring the soldiers who lost their lives during the Civil War. Still an active burial ground, it serves as a reflective space to pay respects and learn about the war’s impact on the local community. Interpretive signage and Civil War monuments add depth, helping visitors connect with the sacrifices made in Culpeper and beyond.
Exploring Historic Downtown Culpeper
As you explore historic downtown Culpeper, take time to admire the town’s charming historic facades, including architectural gems like the Burgandine House, which is considered the oldest house in Culpeper. Don’t miss the unique gargoyles that add character to several buildings on Main and Davis Street, giving the town a bit of old-world charm.
While strolling, be sure to stop and appreciate the Right the Record plaques, which highlight significant people and locations from Culpeper’s past, including the Pitts Movie Theater built in 1938, and Skinny Love’s Barber Shop, opened by Charles Edward “Skinny” in the 1920’s. These markers provide fascinating insights into the town’s history and its role in shaping the region.
As you continue, take time to admire Culpeper’s vibrant Downtown Murals, including “The Trailblazers” on East Davis Street. This mural honors the once-thriving African American community of The Wharf and Fishtown, a post-Civil War neighborhood known for its lively fish fries. Throughout downtown, you’ll find 12 murals, each offering a glimpse into the area’s rich cultural heritage.
Stay the Night in Culpeper
After a day of discovery, unwind and soak in the charm of downtown Culpeper as the sun sets. Whether you’re enjoying a relaxing dinner or simply taking in the evening atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to end your day before settling in for the night. Book a hotel room at the Hampton Inn & Suites Culpeper, where comfort and convenience await to complete your historic getaway.
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