Right off it is important to point out that these photographs were NOT taken at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War which is just down the road from this museum. Rather, this is a privately owned museum, culmination of decades of collecting historical American artifacts that are displayed for viewing for a small price. Photography is allowed and, if the museum is not crowded, you can use a tripod.
It was raining lightly as we arrived with a dark gray sky.
Really not a duplicate of the image above. Close, but . . .
Shown is the Waist Coat worn by John Floyd while Governor of Virginia, 1830-1834. He was the father of John Buchanan Floyd who was the 31st Virginia Governor between 1849 and 1852.
Look at the description for Martha Washington's watch. Pretty cool.
This is a Dragoon Helmet worn by enlisted men of the United States Light Dragoons, Circa 1812. The jacked black leather cap was reinforced by iron straps. The white crest is made of horsehair.
This is the Revolutionary War Uniform Coat of John Dunwoody, born in 1737. He was a teacher in Pennsylvania before joining the war. He wore this uniform while serving with General Washington during the Delaware River crossing on December 25, 1776, during the Battle of Trenton on December 26, 1776 and in the Battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777 and other battles. He married Susan Crestwell and was the father of 8 children. One of his great-great-great grandaughters married Theodore Roosevelt.
This is a tricorn hat, a civilian hat pattern popular in the 1750s and 60s. This style hat was still worn by many American Militiamen during the American Revolution.
"Appomattox" by John Elder, an 1880 oil painting signed and dated by the artist. It is a compelling portrait of a Confederate soldier following the surrender of General Lee. The soldier is portrayed with arms crossed and head slightly bowed, with downcast eyes - typifying the blend of defiance and sorrow felt after the surrender.
We could have spent many more hours taking in the many exhibits. I have a hundred plus more photographs that I am not posting! If you are ever in the New Market area please do check this place out as well as the Virginia Museum of the Civil War. If possible, check out for dates when re-enactments of the New Market Battle will take place. It was one of the first battles of the 1864 Valley Campaign when Grant ordered that the Shenandoah Valley be cleared and it crops burned! It is reputed to be excellent. Finally, there is a great emotional impact of the history lesson when surrounded by photographs of people, ordinary soldiers, and the items used during an important period of our national history. It is sobering