Winter Encampment Tour (1863-1864)

Join Culpeper Battlefield Tours LLC on November 7–8, 2026, for a historic two-day exploration into one of the most pivotal winter encampments of the American Civil War.

During the winter of 1863–1864, the Army of the Potomac encamped across Culpeper County, transforming the local landscape into a massive military complex. Led by distinguished historian Clark "Bud" Hall, this tour offers an in-depth dive into the strategic decisions, daily lives, and battle-tested terrain that defined this critical period.

Given Bud Hall’s limited availability and deep expertise in Culpeper’s wartime history, this specialized tour offers a rare depth of knowledge and narrative insight that cannot be replicated.

The true highlight of this tour is the rare opportunity to step onto ground normally restricted to the public. Many key encampment sites are located on private land, but through special arrangements, tour participants will enjoy exclusive access to:

• Gen. George Meade’s Headquarters Site – Stand on the ground where the commander of the Army of the Potomac directed operations during the winter lull.
• Beverly Ford – Visit the historic Rappahannock River crossing site.
• Hansbrough’s Ridge – Explore the winter quarters and defensive lines perched above the countryside.
• Rose Hill – Walk the grounds of this historic Virginia landmark.
• Clark’s Mountain – Experience the commanding vantage point used by Confederate signal corps to observe Union movements.
• Farley – Tour the grounds of this historic 18th-century plantation home with deep Civil War ties.

Additional Tour Stops Include:

• Buford’s Knoll
• Fleetwood Hill
• Kelly’s Ford
• Salubria

To maximize learning and discussion, transportation is fully provided for both days. Traveling together in a single group vehicle allows participants to enjoy Bud Hall’s continuous historical narration, commentary, and Q&A sessions while traveling between sites.

To maintain a high quality of engagement and access, this tour is strictly limited to 12 participants.

• Dates: Saturday & Sunday, November 7–8, 2026
• Location: Culpeper County, Virginia
• Capacity: Limited to 12 tickets
• Itinerary Note: The exact sequence of stops is currently being finalized to ensure optimal site access. Full schedule details and ticketing instructions will be published when tickets officially launch later this month.