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News Release Date: January 23, 2023
Contact:
Peter Maugle, 540-693-3200 ext. 4160
FREDERICKSBURG, VA – Visit Chatham Manor during President’s Day weekend on February 18, 2023 for a special event marking the 160th anniversary of the United States Army of the Potomac’s winter encampment in Stafford County.
At 11 am and 2 pm Park Ranger Ryan Quint will present 15 minute presentations in the Chatham auditorium about George Washington’s significance to Federal soldiers and how the Army of the Potomac recognized the 131st anniversary of Washington’s birthday on February 22, 1863.
From 10 am to 4 pm living historians will set up a typical army camp on the river side of Chatham. Visitors will be able to meet soldiers and civilians as they cook period food, conduct military drill, and engage in other activities of 19th century life. In the winter of 1862-1863, soldiers in the Army of the Potomac had experienced defeat at Fredericksburg and the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation. Significant changes were afoot for the Army of the Potomac, and they began that winter in Stafford County.
The event is family friendly, free of charge, and open to the public.
Last updated: January 23, 2023