The Grand Review Brandy Station Foundation June 2025
- Brandy Station Foundation
- Jun 17
- 10 min read
President: Howard Lambert; Vice President: Gregory A. Mertz; Treasurers: Peter Mocarski and Peggy Mocarski; Secretary: Peggy Misch (newsletter editor) Board of Directors: Elicia Belle, Jane Brookins, Don Carlson, Myra Lane, Larry Pullen, and Paul Warmack;
Honorary Director: Helen Geisler, Honorary Member of the Brandy Station Foundation Board of Directors
Brandy Station Foundation Descendants Day,
June 7, 2025
Top row, left to right: David and Liz Bowman, Paul Bowman, Jim Bowman.
Bottom row, left to right: Michael (left) and Bruce Sholl, Darrell and Joyce Griffiths, and Howard
Lambert (left) and Eugene Triplett.
Descendants Day was a day devoted to meeting and hearing from the
descendants of the Battle of Brandy Station and soldiers who were in Culpeper
County. In the Ankers Media Room at the Graffiti House, Speaker Jeff Joyce’s talk was "Culpeper During the Civil War"Crossroads of Conflict: Civil War in Culpeper County and Creation of Culpeper National Cemetery”. The first part of Jeff's talk was an overview of how the Civil War impacted Culpeper County, including major battles like Cedar Mountain and Brandy Station, as well as the Army of the Potomac Winter eEncampment (1863-64). The second part was about the establishment of Culpeper National Cemetery after the war and the stories of several Civil War soldiers buried there. Speaker Jeff Joyce is an Air Force veteran, retired Defense contractor, volunteer historian at Culpeper National Cemetery, docent at the National Air and Space Museum, volunteer with the Honor Flight program, battlefield guide at Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, and a member of the Civil War living history team at Manassas National Battlefield.
Greg Mertz, left, Vice President of the Brandy Station Foundation, accepted the donation of a revolver likely purchased by Graffiti House wall signer Allen Bowman, 12th VA Cavalry, Company E. The circled signature on the right reads “Sargt Allen Bowman Co E 12th Va Ca”
David Bowman, on behalf of his father Broadus M. Bowman, presented to the
Brandy Station Foundation a Manhattan Navy Revolver, Series II (1860-1861),
likely purchased by Graffiti House wall signer Allen Bowman, 12th VA Cavalry, Co. E, 1834-1911.
Raffle tickets for a framed Civil War print Collapse of the Peach Orchard Line by Bradley Schmehl are available for sale ($5 each or 5/$20). Raffle tickets will be
sold until 4 PM on September 27, 2025; raffle winner must pick up the print at the Graffiti House in Brandy Station; proceeds benefit the Brandy Station Foundation.
Brandy Station Foundation Annual Dinner & Business Meeting Friday, April 11, 2025
The Brandy Station Foundation Annual Meeting & Dinner was on April 11th. Our speaker was Daniel Davis on "The Hottest Fire I Was Ever In: The Battle of Brandy Station, June 9, 1863.” Helen Geisler was presented with a plaque in appreciation of all her years of service to the Brandy Station Foundation.
At the meeting, the membership voted and approved the slate for the Board of
Directors and Advisory Committee for the year 2025-2026 presented by Willy
Golez on behalf of the Nominating Committee. He introduced the BSF officers for 2025-2026: President: Howard Lambert ; Vice President: Gregory Mertz;
Treasurers: Peter and Peggy Mocarski; Secretary: Peggy Misch.
The 2025-2026 Brandy Station Foundation Board of Directors are: Elicia Belle,
Jane Brookins, Donald Carlson, Wilfredo Golez, Myra Lane, Larry Pullen, and Paul Warmack. Helen Geisler is an Honorary Member of the Brandy Station Foundation Board of Directors.
The Brandy Station Foundation Advisory Committee members are: Dr. Dan
Beattie, Betty Franklin, Dr. Michael Hill, Michael Kalis, Joseph W. McKinney, John Orr, Cecilia Schneider-Vial, Anthony Seidita, and William Truitt, Jr.
President’s Corner
Greetings,
Once again, I would like to take this opportunity to say a “thank you” to all members, friends and invited guest who attended our annual meeting on April 11th. The meeting was held for the first time at the Country Club of Culpeper, a longtime social and recreational fixture in the Culpeper community for over 70 years. Our special guest speaker was Dan Davis of the American Battlefield Trust. Dan gave a very informative presentation on Battle of Brandy Station – June 9, 1863. I am also extremely grateful for the services of Greg Mertz for presiding over the annual meeting again this year. I was delayed on a return flight from Southeast Asia and unable to join the meeting at the location of my first job.
Congratulations go out to the newly elected members of the Board of Directors and Advisory Committee. We are fortunate to have all members of the Board of Directors return who served during 2024 with the exception of Helen Geisler. Ms. Geisler was recognized for over thirty years of service to the Brandy Station Foundation and, by majority vote of the Board, conferred as an Honorary Member of the Board of Directors as well as an Honorary Member. We thank Helen for her many years of service.
Turning to events in 2025, in April the Brandy Station Foundation participated in Park Day. A day devoted to help keep our nation’s heritage preserved. The focal point for our projects was the Graffiti House. More than a dozen volunteers participated in cleaning the interior of the Graffiti House and the grounds including replacing the wood boards on the walkway, mending the fence along US 29 and removing the pile of rocks in the front lawn, to name a few activities. In addition, we paused to honor our late President and Treasurer, Robert (Bob) Jones with a plaque in his honor under a crape myrtle tree
planted in 2023. In attendance were his son Doug and wife Peg Jones.
In May, we awarded two scholarships in the amount of $1,000.00 each to students at the Culpeper County High School and the Eastern View High School both in Culpeper County. The Brandy Station Foundation Annual Scholarship is in honor of the Mitchell and Ritter families. Mr. B. and Mrs. Paige Mitchel and Mrs. Nancy and Mr. Sidney Ritter were instrumental in the formation of the Foundation and without whom many would not have the pleasure of visiting the Battlefield or the Graffiti House.
We recently kicked off our Guest Speaker Series with Reo Hatfield and Ron McCoy “The Hatfields and the McCoys – From Civil War to Family Feud.” The focus of the presentation was the families’ military service during the Civil War and the years-long feud between the families. Our Guest Speaker series is scheduled to run throughout the summer. Please visit our website for the complete list of speakers and topics of discussion. In addition to our Guest Speaker Series, we also hosted a Descendants Day at the Graffiti House and on the grounds on June 7th. The list of activities included a guest speaker, a sharing time for descendants, a reception for all but especially the descendants, a Civil War print raffle kick-off and tours of the Graffiti House.
We continue to make progress with repairs and improvement to the Graffiti House. Over the last month, we finished the stabilization of the foundation, graded the backyard, created a brick walkway to the Civil War Trails markers, replaced the lighting at the Graffiti House sign off US 29, and installed new flooring in the medical room and hallway inside the Graffiti House. Special thanks to Peter Mocarski, Head of our Building and Grounds for his many hours of dedicated service to the Brandy Station Foundation. In the weeks
and months ahead, plans are to repair and pave the driveway at the Graffiti House, restore and install the Gettysburg historical marker on the Graffiti House grounds and commission a mural for the outside shed in the backyard.
In addition, plans are to make improvements to the displays and exhibits in the main entrance room of the Graffiti House.
In closing, I would like to thank you for supporting the Brandy Station Foundation over the last year. We continue to make great progress through your support and the work of our dedicated volunteers. Last but not least, I would like to thank the Board of Directors and our Advisory Committee for giving their time and treasure to the Brandy Station Foundation. It has truly been a pleasure to work with such a dedicated group. I look forward to serving as President for another year. Thanks to all. I look forward to seeing you at our events in 2025.
Sincerely,
Howard Lambert, President, Brandy Station Foundation
Upcoming Brandy Station Foundation Events
Canceled by the Library of Congress: Saturday, July 13, 2025. Special screening of the movie “Glory” at the Library of Congress Packard Campus Theater, Culpeper.
Saturday, August 16, 2025, 11:00 AM. Lecture/Tour by Jim Bish: Surveyor George
Washington and the Field Brothers in Culpeper County.
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM. Brandy Station Battlefield 5K & 10K to benefit the Brandy Station Foundation; hosted by Bishop’s Events.
Friday, October 24, 2025, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Spirits of the Graffiti House
December, 2025. Pohanka Fredericksburg Christmas Tree Challenge Gala. Trees with donated items are auctioned off to support non-profits. If you would like to donate gift cards or gift baskets for the Brandy Station Foundation tree, these are needed by August 27, 2025. Please email bsfgh1863@gmail.com
The Upcoming Events tab on www.brandystationfoundation.com has details closer to the event dates.
The Brandy Station Foundation Annual Scholarship —Winning Essays
The Brandy Station Foundation Annual Scholarship is in honor of the Mitchell and Ritter families- seed money donated by Mr. Preston Fray, Charter Member of the Foundation. Mr. B. and Mrs. Paige Mitchell and Mrs. Nancy and Mr. Sidney Ritter were instrumental in the formation of the Foundation. The Brandy Station Foundation awarded two one thousand dollar scholarships in May to Gabrielle Brown from Culpeper County High School and Amari Jackson from Eastern View High School. The Foundation is grateful for the interest of both students in local Culpeper County Civil War history.
The Effect of The Civil War on Culpeper County
by Gabrielle Brown, Culpeper
County High School
The Civil War had a lasting impact on many places in the United States, but few experienced it as intensely as Culpeper County, Virginia. Located between the Rapidan and Rappahannock rivers, Culpeper became a battleground, supply
hub, and strategic point of interest for both the Union and the Confederacy. The county was caught in the middle of constant military movement, forcing civilians to deal with the realities of war firsthand. The battles fought here, the occupations endured, and the economic struggles that followed shaped the county's future in profound ways.
Culpeper's location made it a valuable target throughout the war. The Orange and Alexandria Railroad ran directly through the area, making it a crucial supply line. Because of this, the town of Culpeper Court House changed hands multiple times, with both Union and Confederate forces occupying it at
different points. Confederate troops first used the town as a hospital and training site in early 1862, but it was soon overtaken by Union General John Pope. This pattern of occupation and destruction continued, leaving the town and surrounding areas in a state of ruin.
Some of the most significant battles of the war took place in Culpeper County. The Battle of Cedar Mountain, fought on August 9, 1862, was a violent clash between Confederate General "Stonewall" Jackson's troops and Union forces under General Nathaniel P. Banks. While Jackson's side claimed victory, both armies suffered heavy casualties. Less than a year later, on June 9, 1863, the Battle of Brandy Station took place. As the largest cavalry battle in American history, it marked the beginning of the Gettysburg Campaign and showed the growing strength of the Union cavalry. While soldiers fought on the
battlefield, civilians in Culpeper County faced their own struggles.
Homes, farms, and businesses were frequently taken over by the military, leaving families without shelter or resources. Agricultural production suffered greatly due to the ongoing conflict, making it difficult for people to survive. The war also had a major impact on enslaved people in the county, many of whom escaped to Union-controlled areas in search of freedom.When the
war finally ended, Culpeper County was left devastated. Farmland had been trampled, buildings were destroyed, and the economy was in ruins. The process of rebuilding was slow and difficult, with families struggling to regain a sense of normalcy. However, Culpeper's Civil War history has been preserved through sites like the Museum of Culpeper History and the Culpeper Battlefields State Park. These landmarks ensure that the sacrifices and struggles of those who lived through the war are remembered.
The Civil War forever altered Culpeper County. Its strategic location made it a focal point for military action, resulting in destruction, hardship, and social change. Although the war ended over a century ago, its effects are still evident in the preserved battlefields and historical sites that tell the story of the county's resilience. Remembering this history is essential to understanding the lasting impact of the war and the sacrifices made by those who lived through it.
Social and Cultural Impact of Civil War
by Amari Jackson, Eastern View HS
Culpeper County, Virginia, was impacted by the American Civil War. The position it had between the
Union and Confederate capitals made it an important place for encampments and battles. Culpeper County had many military activities, including the Battle of Brandy Station. This was the largest cavalry battle ever fought in North America.
These events left a stamp on the county, not just physical devastation, but also social and cultural effects. I want to take a look at how displacement, liberation, and the effort to rebuild after the Civil War impacted Culpeper County.
Firstly, many individuals became displaced, specifically those who remained during the war. The ongoing movement of troops and the existence of encampments caused disruptions in daily life. Food shortages were common as the military sought supplies, leaving local families without enough to eat.
Violence and the possibility of violence were constant, creating a bunch of fear and uncertainty of hope. The African-American community, who were enslaved at the time, endured more hardships. These enslaved families were suffering as they sought freedom. Knowing these displacements weren't physical, but emotional as well made a cost for their wellbeing. African-Americans faced fear of their family members being recaptured, left behind, and the unknown of what may happen.
Secondly, the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863, as well as Union victories, freed many enslaved people in Culpeper County. Former slaves began navigating their freedom, hoping to find a way to fit into a society that didn't want them in it. The end of the Civil War created a new dynamic, where freedmen and women took on the difficulty of starting new lives in a postwar society. Lastly, in a segregated society, freedmen and women battled to obtain work, housing, and secure their rights. Many African-Americans found
themselves working as sharecroppers, often in poor conditions. Housing was another issue, with freedmen and women living in overcrowded circumstances.
The African-American community in Culpeper County showed amazing resilience in the face of misfortune. They started creating their own churches and schools, which developed into essential centers for their daily life. The establishments offered mutual support and community. The George Washington Carver Regional High School, an educational institution, acted as a center for social and political activism and was vital in educating the next generation. The building of these foundations for future generations
despite hardships, gave the African-American community access to healthcare and financial support. These efforts aided in the slow, but steady advancement of society, being more equal and inclusive. Significant social changes were sparked by the war, which caused much hardship and relocation. But, the African-American community showed remarkable resilience.
In conclusion, Culpeper County was significantly impacted by the Civil War. The local society, especially African-Americans, encountered enormous obstacles, but their determination and perseverance helped pave the way for a more just society. The Civil War era and post-war history of Culpeper County provides evidence of the resilience its citizens overcame to create a brighter future.