About Culpeper VA 250

On December 9, 1775, Culpeper Minutemen participated in the Battle of Great Bridge, the first Revolutionary War battle on Virginia soil. This battle can be seen as the first strategically important colonial victory over the British.

Culpeper County and the Revolutionary War: An Overview of Importance

As we approach the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, residents of Culpeper County have reason to be proud of the Patriots and residents of 250 years ago. Their efforts created America and they created changes that are still impacting today’s world.

Treasonous Benedict Arnold and Culpeper’s Col. John Jameson

Benedict Arnold is the most famous traitor in American history, in fact the word treason is often synonymous with his name. This most well-known Revolutionary War treason story has strong connections to Culpeper County. Arnold’s betrayal of the Patriot’s cause occurred in September 1780. 

General Edward Stevens and the day Jack Jouett,
“The Paul Revere of the South,” saved him

Awakened by the sound of Banastre Tarleton’s British cavalry marching towards Charlottesville on the night of June 3, 1781 at his father’s Cuckoo Tavern in Louisa County, 26-year-old Jack Jouett sprang into action.

George Washington: His Public Career Started in Culpeper

Culpeper gave an opportunity to a teen and he turned out to be the most important man of his time. He was the American Revolution’s “indispensable man” and often called the greatest character of his age. As Commander-in-Chief, he held a fragile, under-equipped army together through devastating defeats and freezing winters. 

Colonel John Green of Liberty Hall

Revolutionary War Major General, and later Governor, “Light Horse” Harry Lee called Colonel John Green “one of the bravest of the brave.” Wounded twice during the Revolution Green, by the conclusion of the war he was disabled for the remaining 13 years of his life. 

A Most Important Culpeper Location – The 1750-1808 Courthouse at Main and Davis

One of the most important historic locations in the history of Culpeper County is the northeast corner of Main (Coleman) Street and Davis Streets, now the site of the Pepperberries building at 102 E Davis Street.

The Largest Muster and Deployment site in 1775 Virginia: Clayton’s Old Field (now Yowell Meadow Park)

On the onset of Virginia’s Revolutionary War in 1775, Virginia Patriots were forced into the conflict, facing off against Virginia’s Royal Governor Lord Dunmore and his British and Loyalists forces in Virginia.

Quest for Religious Freedom–Baptists on Davis Street

The quest for religious freedom in America and guaranteeing the right to worship the in the way of one’s choosing was a revolutionary idea – an idea in which Virginia played an important role.

Elijah Craig – Bourbon & Religious Freedom

Most widely known for his innovation and contributions distilling bourbon in Kentucky, Elijah Craig was also involved in the fight for religious freedom in America.

People of African Descent & The Revolutionary War

It is noted that in the newly identified Commonwealth of Virginia, Culpeper County had the highest overall population, and the second-highest enslaved population.

Lt. David Jameson

Col. John Jameson, one of George Washington’s close commanders and the Turncoat, Benedict Arnold, was a well-known soldier in during the Revolutionary War, but his brother, Lt. David Jameson, was an equally notable and interesting character. Lt. David Jameson was a Culpeper Minute Man from 1775-1776 who re-enlisted to return to duty in 1780- 1781.

Col. John Jameson

The key to America’s survival lay in 1780 in the hands of a Lt. Col. of the American Army, then under the command of General George Washington. Born in 1751 in Culpeper, Virginia John Jameson, the son of a prominent Gentleman and Captain in the Militia, went on to William and Mary College graduating sometime shortly before 1774.