Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park is hosting an American Civil War-era Valentine workshop at the park visitor center on Saturday, February 11th from 1p.m. to 4p.m. The park staff invites the public to come and discover how American Civil War soldiers remembered their wives and sweethearts on Valentine’s Day while serving on the front lines of the battlefield and or living within the austerity of camp life.
Antebellum illustration in Harper's Weekly 1861 found at the Library of Congress
Following a presentation with actual historical examples, attendees will have access to materials and assistance to create their own period valentines to give to that someone special on Valentine’s Day. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn about the “language of the fans,” the covert communication of young ladies to their beaus within a formal Victorian social setting, using hand-held fans. Keepsake hand fans will be given to all who participate in this activity.
The program will be held at the new visitor center that houses exhibits detailing the battles of Sailor's Creek and High Bridge.
Light refreshments and live period music round out a special afternoon of learning about some of the important romantic practices that prevailed despite America’s great 19th-century conflict. This event is free and open to the public. It is ideal for ladies of all ages and for those men, young and old, who wish to surprise their own special someone with a thoughtfulness that reflects the culture and esthetics of an important bygone era. Attendees are asked to bring their lawn chairs for seating for part of the program
This event is Number 4 in the 25-event historical education series program being offered by the park throughout 2012. Participants should bring their program stamp book to authenticate attendance or pick up one up at the visitor center to begin recording participation for end of the year award and recognition. For more event information, click here.
Participants can earn stamps for participation in the 25-event historical educational series for an end of the year award and recognition.
The purpose of Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park is to preserve the cultural landscape as it was in 1865, and to provide historic setting to tell the story of the last major battle of the Civil War in Virginia, before the surrender of Robert E. Lee’s Army at Appomattox Courthouse, and its impact on the citizens of Southside Virginia. Both the state park and the Overton-Hillsman Farm House Museum are on the National Register of Historical Places and listed as a National Historic Landmark.
The park is located at 6541 Saylers Creek Road, Rice, Va. From U.S. 460, take Route 617 (Saylers Creek Rd.) to Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park. From U.S. 360, take State Route 307 (connecting highway between U.S. 360 and U.S. 460) to Route 617 North (Saylers Creek Rd.).
Drive Time :Northern Virginia, three to three and a half hours; Richmond, one to one and a half hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, two and a half to three hours; Roanoke, two hours.