Culpeper History Named in honor of Thomas, Lord Culpeper, the early history of our county has direct ties to young George Washington who surveyed here in 1749. Two decades earlier, Governor Spotswood had chosen the Germanna area as the site of his Enchanted Castle where visitors included William Byrd. In 1775, 350 men from the surrounding areas joined together near Catalpa to form the Culpeper Minute Men and they later participated in the Battle of Great Bridge near Chesapeake which was the first Revolutionary War battle in Virginia. During the Civil War, troops from both sides crossed the county many times. General Stonewall Jackson led the Confederates at the Battle of Cedar Mountain on August 9, 1862, and the Battle of Brandy Station on June 9, 1863 is considered to be the largest cavalry battle ever fought on American soil. Earlier, on May 17, 1863 the Battle of Kelly’s Ford resulted in the death of “gallant” Major John Pelham. To learn more about local history, stop by the Museum of Culpeper History on S. Main Street where you will also find the Burgandine House, Culpeper’s oldest residence that dates back to the days when George Washington surveyed here. The Brandy Station Foundation provides history on the Battle of Brandy Station and also the Graffiti House, the small Brandy Station building where walls are covered with Civil War drawings, soldier signatures, messages, and other inscriptions. The Friends of Cedar Mountain Battlefield are working to preserve this battle site along Rt. 15. The Culpeper Visitor Center in the restored railroad depot offers a number of maps in the Virginia Civil War Trails series. And, the Culpeper County Comprehensive Plan includes a section on Historic Resources. Go Back to Activities and History