Marching Through Culpeper: A Novel of Culpeper, Virginia Crossroads of the Civil War

by Virginia Beard Morton

From 1861 to 1865, Culpeper County - located between Washington, D.C. and Richmond - changed hands numerous times and witnessed the movement of more troops than any locale in the nation. The book's characters, based on real soldiers and citizens, relate an authentic day-to-day feel of how it all happened, and the bloodshed and inconceivable privations that they endured. Through this unique Southern vantage point, we gain a perspective of the war rarely seen in traditional history books. At the heart of the story are spiritied eighteen-year-old Constance Armstrong and her childhood friend, Frank Stringfellow. Constance, strong and intelligent, supports her family by running a bookstore. Two Rebels and a Yankee vie for her affection amidst the chaos of war. Frank, an irrepressible daredevil, becomes a scout and spy for J.E.B. Stuart and undertakes countless hair-raising adventures. On and off the battlefield, Marching Through Culpeper exposes the human side of such heroes as John Pelham, J.E.B. Stuart, A.P. Hill, and George Armstrong Custer. This rich tapestry of life in a war-torn community is a story of the human spirit and the power of love.

542 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2000

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

had to keep reminding myself that this is a work of fiction although it referenced real people, places, and events. the civil war was an act of aggression by the north and not because of slavery: FICTION. the slaves were actually "servants", well-treated, longed to stay in the south, and the rare owners who mistreated their slaves were ostracized by the community: FICTION. a lot of detail on the various battles which was interesting and has motivated me to further research but this was basically the civil war as if retold by Fox news.

[Rachel Amos · Rating 1 out of 5]

I purchased this book in Culpeper 18 years ago. I remember liking the details about the battles, but not enjoying much else.

I started to read it again as I was cleaning out my books and had to skim in order to finish. Again, the details of the battles that took place in Culpeper were interesting, but the soft view on the horrors of slavery and the southern position repulsed me. Will be tossing this one.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great Read. Met the author, took the tour, great history!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book, learned much

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of special interest to me because I'm a descendant of the Rixeys or Rixeyville, VA. A new understanding of the southern view of the Civil War.