Morven Park Exhibit Highlights Loudoun County’s Role in the Civil War

Beginning on Saturday, Oct. 8, and running through Oct. 30, a wide variety of Civil War relics from 11 collectors will be on display in the former mansion of Virginia Gov. Westmoreland Davis at Morven Park. For many of the artifacts, this will be the first time they have been on public display.

These particular collectors were inspired by the Sesquicentennial Commemoration of the Civil War that began in spring 2011 and will continue throughout the nation for the next four years. But they were further motivated to collaborate on this exhibit because it coincides with the 150th anniversary of one of the most significant battles fought in Loudoun County, the Oct. 21, 1861, Battle of Ball’s Bluff.

The exhibit, “Remembering Ball’s Bluff,” will be open seven days a week, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free. While many items are from the battle itself, other pieces in the exhibit will demonstrate the impact of the War on life in Virginia.

“Literally, this is the first time all these items have been together since the battle 150 years ago,” said one of the exhibitors, Ken Fleming of Purcellville. “This is a rare opportunity to see something that was part of not just Loudoun County history, but U.S. history. To me that’s really special.”

Items on display will include letters, uniforms, items used in daily life, and weapons, as well as letters, newspapers, and photographs. Two swords hold particular interest to local history buffs, even though neither one was used in actual battle. “Both were given separately to officers for their conduct at Ball’s Bluff,” explained Fleming. “Each is one-of-a-kind and this is the first time they’ve been seen together since they were awarded to the officers in 1865. In fact, one of them has never been in public view.”

Other items include rifles and belt buckles fished out of the Potomac, where many Union soldiers drowned after being driven from the bluff. “These are not beautiful items but sometimes rusty relics that at one time someone held in their hand or wore,” said Fleming. “My personal goal in bringing my collection to this exhibit is to reach as many people as possible and bring to life this piece of history in Loudoun County.”

Morven Park, under the operation of the Westmoreland Davis Memorial Foundation, was once the home of Virginia’s 55th governor. It will be the site of the Oct. 22-23 commemoration of the Battle of Ball’s Bluff, hosting an encampment of about 1,000 reenactors who will march to the Ball’s Bluff battlefield for the first reenactment ever to take place there.

More than 100,000 people visit Morven Park each year, participating in the programming at the three museums and equestrian center, or enjoying the beautiful scenery, historic gardens, sports fields, Civil War hut site, and hiking trails, all within its 1,000-plus acres. The public is invited to events in every season, including equestrian competitions, festivals, and hands-on learning programs. A non-profit organization, Morven Park relies on individual donations, memberships, and event income to fund its public programs.