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“Concord,” one of Stafford’s oldest houses, was contemporary with George Washington’s boyhood home. Originally a Waller family home, in 1859 it was sold to the MacGregors, who fortuitously remained during the First and Second Federal occupations. Because of their presence, Lieutenant E. D. Muhlenburg, Battery F, 4th U.S. Artillery, purchased wood by a government promissory…

Aquia Landing had many large warehouses like these.  Notice how the railroad tracks go right by the structures.

This Union captain is sitting on one of the many hard tack ration boxes at Aquia Landing.  Each box of hard tack weighed 50 pounds. Troops were pleased after General Hooker took over from General Burnside when bakeries were built in Stafford County.  They appreciated having fresh (soft) bread instead of hard tack.

Lincoln walked over the famous “Beanpoles and Cornstalks Bridge” over Potomac Creek May 23, 1862.  By the time Lincoln returned on April 5, 1863, that one was replaced with this sturdier bridge using pre-stressed arches.  During this visit Lincoln was accompanied by his wife, Mary Todd, and his son Tad. RF&P Railroad over Potomac Creek…

During reviews in Stafford, Lincoln would salute to officers by touching his tall silk hat when they marched by.  However, when enlisted men passed by, Lincoln would remove his stove pipe hat. Lincoln had the common touch as he moved among the troops.  He communicated his empathy and concern for them. His compassion, as he…

Grand reviews of all cavalry and infantry units were an important culmination of the “Valley Forge” period. It provided one final opportunity for the commander-in-chief and his principal army to see one another. The reviews were “practice battles” in which the mass of the army could be marshaled, moved and maneuvered. At the individual level,…

Picket duty was an important component of the Union Army’s “Valley Forge.” The infantry picket line extended around the AOP’s 200-square-mile defensive perimeter. To the west and east there were also cavalry picket lines, outposts, and videttes (mounted sentries). Picket duty was rotated regularly and regiments normally served for fixed time periods. Reserves in echeloned…

Crude surgical stations consisting of two barrels and a wooden board could be placed in tents or other structures.  Large houses or barns were preferred.  Fortunately, only one of four wounded soldiers had to endure surgery.  The others were bandaged, cleaned, and evacuated hoping for the best. The greatest risks to life for wounded soldiers…

Stafford houses, such as the Moncure Conway House and the Lacy House (Chatham Manor) in Falmouth were prominently used as hospitals.  Additionally, tent hospitals were set up throughout the county.

The Federal surgeon’s kit was the mainstay of field surgery. These kits gave the surgeon the limited capability to perform amputations and general surgery necessary to keep wounded alive for evacuation or convalescence.

Field Ambulances (actually wagons with springs) increased in the AOP to about 1,000 vehicles. Officers were assigned to lead the Ambulance Corps in battles to evacuate the wounded to field hospitals, and to rail and steamboat transport. Drivers were detailed from units, trained, drilled and ready for operations.

In March 1863, corps badges were ordered for the entire AOP. The unique shapes, shown here, designated each corps. Colors designated specific divisions (red for 1st, white for 2nd, blue for 3rd, and green for 4th). Intended as much to identify failing or straggling units, these badges were an instant source of unit pride in…