Fairfax Civil War Day

The boom of cannon fire, marching soldiers, period music, author talks, replica spy ballons, Generals and re-enactors.

They were all part of the 12^th “Fairfax Civil War Day”  held on Saturday.    The dandy living history event took place at “Historic Blenheim,” a shady 12-acre site about a mile northeast of Old Town Fairfax on Old Lee Highway.   A little jewel I had never heard of, the Greek-Revival style home and farm belonged to the Willcoxon family.   As Southern sympathizers, they fled in 1862.   Between March 1862 and June 1863, Union soldiers camped and convalesced on their premises.  

If you were like me, only somewhat knowledgeable of the Civil War history in Fairfax, perhaps you thought this event should have taken place by the historic Courthouse at the familiar crossroads of Main Street (Little River Turnpike) and Chain Bridge Road.   It was there, after all, where the first Confederate officer was killed (John Quincy Marr, Captain of the Warrenton Rifles), the Confederate flag was created, and Jefferson Davis’s War Council met in October 1861.   

Historic Blenheim can’t match those that site in terms of historic events, but the Willcoxon home is a window into the other side of the war.    In his book, “The Civil War in Fairfax Country,” Charles V. Mauro touches on this.

"Much, if not most, of what has been written about the American Civil War has been written about the campaigns, battles, generals, leaders or military aspects of the war.   Very little is focused on the non-combatants – those who were also forced to survive under wartime conditions, those who were forced to flee their homes."

The Willcoxon family, who had just built their home in 1859, gave us a prime example of this overlooked part of the war.    Their dwelling gives some unique insights into the life of the soldiers between the battles.   On the walls and in the attic of the large brick home, Union soldiers used charcoal and crayon to sign their names, write down hometowns and units, and draw pictograms.  

Local researchers have identified 115 names.  The site’s Interpretive Center, which was open during the event, documents this treasure trove.    40 of the soldiers were from Central Europe.    Some of the units represented include 29^th New York Infantry, and the 83^rd Pennsylvania Infantry.   One was Private Theodor Raefle who was “quite artistic and prolific” with his wall drawings.    

My favorite part of the Civil War Day was talking with the reenactors.    They are impressive in both their look and knowledge.   One young man portrayed a soldier from the Philadelphia Fire Zouves.   How impressive these volunteers must have looked, marching into the towns, their colorful and distinctive uniforms reflecting the unit pride, the bayonets of their smoothbores glistening in the sun.   Equally, this portrayer took immense pride in his role.

The biggest star of Saturday’s show, at least literally, was Thaddeus Lowe and his gas ballon.   Before his Ballon Corps was shut down in 1863, the famous scientist turned aeronaut flew numerous reconnaisance missions.

Also on hand was C.K. Gailey, who performed some of the research involved with identifying the signatures.  My discussion with him turned to the “War of 1812.”    After I told him of my interest in Francis Scott Key, Gailey informed me Patrick O’Neill is writing a book on the four-day “Battle of the White House” at Mason Neck (Fort Belvoir).   His book may reveal some previously unknown information regarding Francis Scott Key.

All in all, one fine day.   A salute to all those who put the event together, those who donned uniforms and shared their knowledge, and, of course, the Willcoxon family and descendants.

Now, can someone tell me where "Blenheim" comes in?

 

Comments

[Steve Wolfsberger]

The "Willcoxon Farm" or "Willcoxon Place," as it was traditionally called, got the name Blenheim around 1900. The origin is undetermined.

[Andrea Loewenwarter, Office of Historic Resources, City of Fairfax]

Greetings! I work at Historic Blenheim and can answer to the best of my knowledge and conjecture as to the use of the name Blenheim for the Willcoxon Farm.

First of all, thank you for coming to our event. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. We had about 1000 folks enjoying the day and about 100 volunteers participating!

The first time we have found the home to be called Blenheim is in a 1903 obituary for Mary Willcoxon (wife of Albert, first owners of the house). It is also referred to the same by family members in the early 20th century, though most local folks just called it Willcoxon Farm or Willcoxon Place.

Why Blenheim? Historically there are 5, now historic, Virginia homes that were named Blenheim. One is now part of the Blenheim Vinyards in Charlottesville run by Dave Matthews and his sister. Another one is currently a CSA organic farm near George Washington's birthplace. They range in date from the early 1700s until the mid-19th century.

Now a "Blenheim" history lesson and my guess for the name. In 1704 the Duke of Marlborough won the Battle of Blindheim (Germany) which was a turning point in the War of Spanish Succession. The Duke (a Churchill) received a present--a palace that he called Blenheim Palace.

I don't know if some of the owners of the early 18th-century Virginia Blenheims were descended from that family, or whether they just selected a famous name for their estates from something familar back in England.

Now for our "Blenheim". We believe the name was a post-Civil War name--obviously in use before 1903. In 1874, Jennie Jerome, a beauty from Brooklyn, NY, married the 7th Duke of Marlborough, who was also a Churchill. She was know as Lady Randolph Churchill. Their first son, the next year was Winston Churchill.

As Americans seem to be quite taken by British nobility and royality (remember Lady Di and Prince Charles and more recently "Kate and Will"), I am wondering if the press coverage got the best of The Willcoxon's and they developed Palace envy.

When local citizens first heard of this property and its historical value and began to petition for its preservation, that name came up in a document...and stuck!

That's the long of it. Thank you for asking and coming to Fairfax Civil War Day.

[Jay]

Thanks Andrea, fascinating. One of those things hard to nail down, but given our endless love of watching the Royals, yes, very well could be.

Whatever the origin of the name, an amazing place, perfect for the event.