A final word on Stowe

William Stowe was typical of those who fought for the Union and the Confederacy in the horrific American Civil War. Four sons from the Stowe family of Vermont volunteered to serve the Union army but only one managed to stay alive. The family is honored in Vermont and the Vermont soldiers are but thousands honored by the establishment and preservation of the Wilderness Battlefield by the U.S. Congress.

The 180,000 troops engaged at the Battle of the Wilderness suffered an estimated 29,000 casualties. Over the days and weeks that followed the battle, hundreds of letters arrived in homes in Ohio, Virginia, New York, Texas and 23 other states. And yet, other families would never learn the fate of their loved one; who had died unknown in an anonymous field or hospital.

The costs of the Civil War were almost beyond calculation, but this greatest of American tragedies had lasting positive impact. The term ‘United States’ changed from a plural to a singular noun.

The permanently unified nation “conceived in liberty” would endure and prosper and “the proposition that all men are created equal” was determined once and for all time to mean exactly what it says.

Lincoln, Grant, Lee, and myriad other larger than life personalities made the earth-shaking decisions, took the major act ions, and initiated the principle results. 

But countless men and women like William Stowe and his family and friends, and their Southern counterparts, each played critical roles in this epoch.

Their commitments and sacrifices made possible many of the blessings that we enjoy. Though our journey to “a more perfect union” continues, it is led, in no small fashion, by their example.

Special Note: The entrance to the Wilderness Battlefield is located approximately 16 miles east of Culpeper on routes 3 and 20. The battlefield extended from Germanna Ford to Spotsylvania Courthouse, though a much smaller amount of land has been preserved for commemoration and public use. On the park land and in private hands are tren ches, canon emplacements and tragically the remains of American soldiers. Thanks to the U.S. Congress, the National Park Service and volunteer groups, visitors can walk these fields, view the fortifications and experience the hands-on benefits of “being there.”

On Route 20, a must see is Ellwood Manor, circa 1790s less than a mile on the left and open Friday-Monday. Next will be the exhibit shelter on the right at Saunder’s Field, then turn east onto Hill-Ewell Drive for an incredible journey through Wilderness Battlefield history. This roadway was built by the NPS and cuts a swath directly through the battle lines. Miles of trenches have been protected and several battle areas are accessible and exhibited.

To stand where William Stowe and the 1,200 Vermonters met their demise follow Hill-Ewell Drive to the end and turn left. South of the intersection of Brock and Orange Plank Roads is a visitor’s parking area. Graphic panels depict the tragedy and the Vermont monument can be visited with a short walk through the woods.

The opportunity to engage in history on such a highly sensory level is rare; make the journey! For more information please visit FoWB.org or nps.gov/frsp.

Zann Nelson Miner is the president of Friends of Wilderness Battlefield.