Podcasts about Rappahannock

In a powerful victory against colonial injustice, the Rappahannock tribe has finally reclaimed ancestral land after 400 years of displacement. This vital step in the 'land back' movement highlights the crucial need for **undoing historical harms** and restoring indigenous sovereignty, respecting deep cultural and spiritual ties. While a much-needed win, it starkly reminds us that true justice extends beyond symbolic gestures, demanding **dismantling systemic oppression** and advocating for **genuine reparations**. The fight continues to educate, challenge biases, and ensure **environmental stewardship** through indigenous wisdom, proving real progress demands sustained commitment to equity and collective well-being.News Source:Native American tribe gets back sacred land displaced nearly 400 yearsBy Jemal Countess for Scoop.UpworthyJuly 20, 2025

Over the past weekend, the Rappahannock Indian Tribe gathered with the community of donors, volunteers, federal agencies, conservationists and local people who helped them obtain nearly a thousand acres of ancestral lands high above the river that shares their name. Pamela D'Angelo reports.

Collection Development and Discovery Manager-Youth Specialist- Joe Prince and Fredericksburg Assistant Branch Manager and Adult Services Department Head Erin Creighton.  Ever wondered how the library picks its books?  Summer reading is winding down.  Spotsylvania branches will soon have extended hours.  The Library of Things continues to grow.  librarypoint.org                                                                                                                      

Edie Evans with Rappahannock Area CASA—Court Appointed Special Advocates—tells how they support vulnerable children across the region. CASA volunteers work with children in the court system to ensure their voices are heard and their best interests represented. The next volunteer training begins August 25. The deadline to sign up is August 11. More information  at rappahannockcasa.com. Vic Culp talks about The Downtown Mile on September 6—a one-mile race in downtown Fredericksburg. The race is a major fundraiser for CASA.   Registration and details at runfarc.com.

Rich Larochelle, Januari and Barb talk about a new way of providing fresh food to the hungry in the region.   rappahannockfarm.org  or email:  rappahannockeducationfarm@gmail.com

Sean Bonney and Raya Nickerson.   Sean is getting ready to retire after 30+ years with the library.  Raya is taking his place as the new Director of Community Engagement.   Sean has not only seen the library enter and thrive with technology--he's implemented most of it.   It's a fascinating look back.    We also talk about Summer Reading and Fun Fests.   librarypoint.org

Coming to a close.   Rappahannock United Way President Janel Donohue talks about her upcoming retirement and the decision this spring by the organization to close.   We talk about the impact RUW has had in the region for 86 years.

Jody Lewandowski and Tracy McPeck talk about summer reading, music on the steps and Workforce Support Services.   librarypoint.org

Cat Carter and Brent Hunsinger talk about the 40th anniversary of FOR--and a big grand re-opening of their expanded headquarters on June 8th.  We also talk about the health of the Rappahannock River and a new report.    riverfriends.org

Allison Balmes-John and Jalessa Turner with updates on the Community Health Assessment, Measles, getting school shots, a new mobile clinic and ticks.

Executive Director Rebecca Purdy and Deputy Executive Director Adriana Puckett talk about the value of the library, the budget, the challenge of e-books for all library budgets, and reaching the 65+ population.  librarypoint.org

Executive Director Mike Harvey talks about the need for a new Fire Arms Training Center and the Bridge the Gap campaign.  rrcja.org

Lacey Fisher and Alexis Fox  talk about the work of RAAI in the community with developmental disabilities.   And we discuss in detail the annual plant sale--expected to open on April 3rd at 750 Kings Highway.   RAAI is also part of our 100K of Kindness Initiative--set to receive $25,000.

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael dives into the engaging and enriching world of 4-H in Warren County. Joining Janet is Emily Schultz, the Associate Extension Agent for Warren County, who's been a pivotal figure in the 4-H community for the past year. Reflecting on her first year, Emily shared the whirlwind of activities and opportunities that have kept her busy. The last year saw the addition of five new 4-H clubs and the initiation of novel in-school programs, all aimed at offering more avenues for youth engagement. The ongoing renovation of their office hasn't slowed them down, as Emily continues her work from home. For those unfamiliar with 4-H, it's a community for young people to explore diverse interests. Warren County's 4-H boasts seven community clubs and one in-school club covering a range of activities from livestock to photography and crafts, breaking the stereotype that 4-H is solely about farming. Emily emphasizes the program's versatility - there's something for everyone, from public speaking to talent shows. Children can join 4-H as Cloverbuds at the age of five, participating in age-specific activities that are fun and educational. Older members, ages nine and up, can engage in more specialized clubs, including shooting sports and horse clubs. A big draw for many parents is the cost – membership in 4-H is free, making it accessible to everyone. The program thrives on the dedication of its volunteers. With a robust team of 60-70 volunteers in Warren County, many bringing unique skills, the support is invaluable. There's always room for more willing hands – anyone interested in volunteering can reach out to Emily to find out how to get involved. 4-H clubs meet regularly for various activities, including community service, guest speakers, and hands-on learning experiences. The program's flexibility allows it to cater to a wide range of interests, ensuring that all kids find their “spark.” Emily reassures that even those without livestock can participate fully through educational projects and competitions. One of the highlights of 4-H is the range of camps available, from day camps to overnight stays at the Northern Virginia 4-H Center in Warren County. These camps offer incredible opportunities for kids to gain independence, learn new skills, and enjoy the outdoors. Kids can select from a variety of classes, ranging from archery and canoeing to arts and crafts and outdoor living skills. Parents interested in signing up their kids for the overnight camp can do so easily via the county's website or by contacting the local 4-H office. Camp fees are $400, which covers all activities, meals, and a camp t-shirt. Scholarships are also available to ensure that all children have the chance to participate. The upcoming camp, taking place from June 8th to 12th, promises an enriching and exciting experience for all attendees. Warren County shares it's overnight camp with neighboring localities: Culpeper, Clarke, Shenandoah, and Rappahannock Counties. As the conversation wraps up, it's clear that Warren County's 4-H program offers invaluable experiences for children. From fostering independence and leadership skills at camps to providing a wide range of clubs for diverse interests, 4-H is a cornerstone of the community. Emily Schultz's passion and dedication shine through as she encourages parents to explore the opportunities available and get their children involved. For more information, reach out to the local 4-H office or visit their official website listed below. Let your child's 4-H adventure begin! Camp Website and Registration Link: https://sites.google.com/vt.edu/csrcw4hcamp/Home Warren County 4-H Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vcewarrencounty4h Culpeper County 4-H Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/culpepercounty4H Shenandoah County 4-H Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShenandoahCounty4H Clarke County 4-H Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClarkeCounty4H Emily Shultz, Warren County Contact Information: eshultz@vt.edu 540-635-4549 Claudia Lefeve, Clarke County Contact Information: cmybarra@vt.edu 540-955-5164 Carol Nansel, Shenandoah County Contact Information: cnansel@vt.edu 540-459-6140 Cristy Mosley, Culpeper County Contact Information: nibblins@vt.edu 540-727-3435 Sharon Flippo, Rappahannock County Contact Information: sflippo05@vt.edu 540-675-3619  

Sarah Smethurst (Youth Services Librarian-Teen Specialist-Howell Branch and Craig Graziano (Fredericksburg Branch Manager discuss CRRL-Con on April 12th.  We talk about the Johnny P. Johnson Teen Art Show, the Claudia Emerson Teen Poetry Contest and the winding down of Adult Winter Reading Challenge.  librarypoint.org

Trey sits down with Cat Carter to discuss all things conservation, the river, upcoming events, and how Next Gen is volunteering with their efforts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gx1sP2WvpQk

Erin Creighton (Assistant Branch Manager/Adult Services Dept. Head--Fredericksburg) and Darcie Caswell (Director of Youth Services) talk about the Fredericksburg Regional Spelling Bee, African American Read In, the 30th annual Johnny Johnson Teen Art Show and Self Sufficiency Skills.   librarypoint.org

President Janel Donohue talks about Prosper Taxes, Prosper Mentoring and Prosper Students.   rappahannockunitedway.org

Director of Adult Services Tracy McPeck and Director of Collection and Customer Services Samantha Thomason talk about the Adult Winter Reading Challenge, expanding the Library of Things and LEGO Building Labs.  librarypoint.org

Rappahannock United Way President Janel Donohue talks about Prosper Mentoring and Prosper Tax Services.                                             +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Pamela Smith-Branch Administrator of Spotsylvania Towne Centre, Snow and Salem Church  and Darcie Caswell-Director of Youth Services. Topics include:  Books as gifts, Westmoreland meet and greets, winter holiday programs and Grow a Reader specials.

John Coker, Andy Lynn, Roy Strohl and Ed Evers.   Rappahannock Rotary's Pancake Feast is December 7th, 8-5 at Fredericksburg Baptist Church, the Caroline Street entrance.  This is the 39th year.

New Executive Director Rebecca Purdy talks about her decision to pursue the position.  Joy O'Toole previews the Rappahannock Writers' Conference on November 9th.   librarypoint.org/writers-conference

Erin Perkins and Megan Webb talk about flu shots, rabies, wells and septic systems.

Library Director Martha Hutzel is retiring after nearly 40 years, 9 years as Library Director.   Her last day is September 30th.    librarypoint.org

Adult Services Coordinator Tracy McPeck and Youth Services Librarian, Teen Specialist at the Howell Branch, Sarah Smethurst, talk about the Trebuchet contest, the Teen Stop Motion video contest and the Friends of the Library book sale.   librarypoint.org

Executive Director Mike Harvey describes plans for a Firearms Training Center.  He talks about the need in the region and how individuals and businesses can get involved.  Groundbreaking on September 12th, a luncheon to describe the the overall plan is September 26th.  rrcja.org

Erin Creighton and Jody Lewandowski talk about the Summer Reading program--still time to get involved--the Seed Library--it's wildly popular--and Sensory Time.  librarypoint.org

Downtown Fredericksburg Branch Manager Craig Graziano and Salem Church Assistant Branch Manger/Youth Services Department Head Annie Brulatour talk about the benefits of summer reading and Grow A Reader.  We also talk about lunch at the library and Idea Space.  librarypoint.org    

Kristen Reed and Nick Vosburg (phone) talk about Prosper Mentoring.  It's designed to help women reach a higher level of economic stability. It's a 12 month program.  Info at rappahannockunitedway.org    Deadline to apply is July 17.

Accreditation and Communications Coordinator Erin Perkins and Deputy Emergency Coordinator Anthony Salgado talk about preparation for summer storms and hurricane season.   Do you have enough water and an emergency kit?  We talk about national accreditation for the Health District and school vaccinations.

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/languaginghr Title: Languaging in Hampton Roads Episode 5: The Sound of Virginia: Awakening the Powhatan language Hosts: Jill Winkowski and Prue Salasky Date: May 28, 2024 Length: 28 minutes Publication Frequency: Fourth Friday of each month Worldwide, languages are becoming extinct at an alarming rate. While some are working to record endangered languages, here in Hampton Roads the Powhatan Algonquian Intertribal Roundtable, or PAIR, a consortium of eight sovereign nations, is working to bring the Powhatan language (also known as Virginia Algonquian) back to life after three centuries of dormancy.  PAIR consists of representatives from the Chickahominy, Eastern Chickahominy, Mattaponi, Upper Mattaponi, Nansemond, Rappahannock, Pamunkey and Patawomeck tribes from the area between the James River and the Potomac River in Virginia, historically called Tsenocomoco and home to the Powhatan chiefdom. PAIR has secured a 3-year language preservation grant through 2026 from the Administration for Native Americans.  This episode includes interviews with Lenora Adkins and Kayla Locklear of the Chickahominy (www.chickahominytribe.org), leaders of the language project Omisun ( waking oneself up); along with language specialists Dr. Stephanie Hasselbacher, PhD.(https://kenahconsulting.com) and Ian Custalow, both of whom are working with PAIR. Custalow, a gifted language speaker, is a member of the Mattaponi, and has been researching the Powhatan language for more than 20 years. We also tap into the expertise of Scott Dawson, a Hatteras Islander who has spent decades exploring the linguistic and archaeological heritage of Algonquian speakers. We speak with Kole Matheson, an at-large member of the Cherokee Western Band, a Tidewater resident, and instructor at Old Dominion University, ODU. As one of four panelists at a symposium on Indigenous Language Preservation at ODU, organized by Applied Linguistics graduate student Sara Rose Hotaling, Matheson attested to the importance of preserving language in connecting to culture.   The goals of PAIR are to create a 24-lesson curriculum for learning Powhatan, to make a dictionary of the language, and to complete a map with native place names. As Adkins says, “We want to learn it first!” And, “Check back in with us in 3 years!” Send your comments, feedback and questions to languagingHR@gmail.com

From June 3-30, 1863, the Army of Northern Virginia and the Army of the Potomac moved from their positions along the Rappahannock River at Fredericksburg, VA north to Pennsylvania where they met in battle at Gettysburg. In this episode of the Strategy Bridge Podcast, we talk with Scott Mingus and Eric Wittenberg about some of the key events of this movement. They are the authors of the two-volume series: “If We Are Striking for Pennsylvania”: The Army of Northern Virginia and the Army of the Potomac March to Gettysburg - Volume 1: June 3–21, 1863 & Volume 2: June 22 - June 30, 1863.  

Tracy McPeck and Ann McDuffie talk about Summer Reading--for kids and adults, Music on the Steps and the Library of Things.  librarypoint.org [audio mp3="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/274/2024/05/24135639/library-may.mp3"][/audio]

Brent Hunsinger with Friends of the Rappahannock and Ann Jurczyk with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation talk about the alarming loss of tree canopy in the region and state.   We talk about the impact of heat islands.   This is a state issue and the General Assembly is being asked to pass legislation.  cbf.org   riverfriends.org

Youth Services Librarian/Teen Specialist Sarah Smethurst and Adult Services Department Head Lee Criscuolo--both from the Howell Branch--talk about CRRL-Con on May 18th.  We also talk about summer reading and Claudia Emerson Teen Poetry Night.   librarypoint.org

Meredith Keppel with the George Washington Regional Commission and Brent Hunsinger with Friends of the Rappahannock preview Friday's Green Infrastructure Charette at the Howell Library in Stafford from 12-1:30.  Organizers say it will be an opportunity to learn about the topic and provide feedback on where it may be needed.  There are case study projects in the area.

Rappahannock Cellars was established when John Delmare and his wife Marialisa made the decision to sell their vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountain area of California and move their family to Virginia back in 1998. They soon purchased the historic Glenway farm in Rappahannock County which would become their new home and vineyard. It is truly a family affair as three of their twelve siblings have returned to the farm after college graduation and work actively in important segments of the family business at Rapahannock Cellars. The 85-acre farm is now planted to 30 acres, and they grow a diverse range of grape varietals which include Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Viognier, and Virginia's grape Norton.John lives by the belief that "wine is made in the vineyard". John and Marialisa believe they have the perfect site for the style and quality of wine they want to produce. The results they have experience in over 20 years of winegrowing bear witness to that.     Thanks for being a listener to the Fine Wine Confidential Podcast. For more information go to www.finewineconfidential.com

On this once in a lifetime episode of Fishing the DMV, I have on the ultimate panel from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources to discuss the condition of Virginia's Tidal Bass Fisheries. Biologists will share insights on population trends of Largemouth Bass across Virginia's Tidal rivers, such as the James, Chickahominy, Pamunkey, Mattaponi, and Rappahannock rivers.Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon down below:      https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcastIf you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at fishingtheDMV@gmail.com Links are below to all the information discussed along with social media platforms for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Virginia Department of Wildlife Resource YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@VirginiaDWR  Virginia Department of Wildlife Resource Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaDWR?mibextid=LQQJ4d  Virginia Department of Wildlife Resource Instagram:https://instagram.com/virginiawildlife?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Virginia Department of Wildlife Resource Website: https://dwr.virginia.gov/fishing/ Please Checkout our Patreon SponsorsJake's bait & Tackle website:             http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/Catoctin Creek Custom Rods: https://www.facebook.com/CatoctinCreekCustomRodsTiger Crankbaits on Facebook!! https://www.facebook.com/tigercrankbaitsFishing the DMV Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Arensbassin/?ref=pages_you_manageFishing the DMV Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/fishingthedmv/?utm_medium=copy_link#Bassfishing #fishingtheDMV #fishingSupport the show

Erin Perkins and Valerie Hopson-Bell on National Public Health Week.  We look at the various areas where the Rappahannock Health District assists the community--it's more than vaccines and health inspections.

Youth Services Teen Librarian Owen Cobey and Assistant Branch Manager and Adult Services Department Head Erin Creighton talk about the Teen Poetry Contest, the seed drive launch, getting glasses for the eclipse and the conclusion of winter reading.

Alexis Fox and Katie Lafleur preview the Spring Plant Sale--it begins March 29th at 750 Kings Highway.  M-F 9-4, Saturday 9-noon.   Your purchase helps fund programs for adults with intellectual disabilities.   There's a Garden Party on April 18th.

Click to listen to episode (9:16). Sections below are the following:Transcript of AudioAudio Notes and AcknowledgmentsImageSourcesRelated Water Radio EpisodesFor Virginia Teachers (Relevant SOLs, etc.)Unless otherwise noted, all Web addresses mentioned were functional as of 2-1-24. TRANSCRIPT OF AUDIO From the Cumberland Gap to the Atlantic Ocean, this is Virginia Water Radio for the weeks of February 5 and February 12, 2024. MUSIC – ~35 sec – lyrics: “We are on a ship, a great big ship.  It takes all of us to take of it.  And we can use the stars to navigate our trip.  We are riding on a ship.” That's the closing of “On a Ship,” by Blacksburg, Va., singer-songwriter Kat Mills.  Since January 2010, Virginia Water Radio has been bringing you sounds, music, and information about the watery nature of the good ship Earth, particularly the waters of the Commonwealth of Virginia.  With the recent passage of Water Radio's 14th anniversary, this will be the show's last regularly scheduled episode.  Water Radio may return from time to time with special-project episodes; if so, I hope you'll be able to have a listen. To mark the transition away from regular episodes, I've invited several guests to call out the range of topics that Water Radio has aimed to explore.  Have a listen for about 45 seconds to their voices, interspersed with some favorite sounds, of birds, the spokesman for traditional fishing boat singers, children, a rolling river, and rumbling thunder. VOICES AND SOUNDS - ~41 sec VOICE 1 - Water in the biology of humans, birds, frogs, plants, and other living things.  SOUND 1 - Little Blue Heron fishing, plus sounds of Red-winged Blackbirds.       VOICE 2 - Water-related history and cultural expression.  SOUND 2 – Spokesman for Northern Neck Chantey Singers saying, “We are the Northern Neck Chantey Singers.” VOICE 3 - Water laws and policies, management and uses, and people.  SOUND 3 – Group of children and adults calling out “Take a kid to a park!” VOICE - Groundwater, surface water, and watersheds.  SOUND 4 – South Fork Roanoke River in Montgomery County, Va.     VOICE - Water science, water research, and weather.  SOUND 5 – Thunderstorm. Along with its focus on water-related sounds, much of Water Radio's vitality has come from music about water, with either the music or the musicians having a Virginia connection.  Several groups and individuals have graciously allowed frequent use of their songs.  Those include Kat Mills, whose song “On a Ship” you heard earlier; Ben Cosgrove and Stewart Scales, whose versions of “Shenandoah” and “Cripple Creek,” respectively, open and close alternating episodes; and the following artists, whom you'll hear in an upcoming medley: the late Madeline MacNeil, with “New Spring Waltz”;Timothy Seaman, with “Bass Fisherman's Reel”;Torrin Hallett, with “Tropical Tantrum”;Andrew and Noah VanNorstrand, with “Samuel Mason.”Chamomile and Whiskey, with “Dirty Sea”;The Steel Wheels, with “Valley”;No Strings Attached, with “Kartune”; andBob Gramann, with “Rappahannock Running Free.” Have a listen for a little over three minutes. MUSIC - ~3 min./15 sec. “New Spring Waltz.” - ~ 23 sec – instrumental. “Bass Fisherman's Reel - ~20 sec – instrumental. “Tropical Tantrum” - ~27 sec – instrumental. “Samuel Mason” - ~24 sec – lyrics: “Samuel Mason, that is my name.  I left Fort Henry seeking fortune and fame.  I came from Virginia a long time ago, but now I am a pirate along the Ohio.” “Dirty Sea” - ~18 sec – instrumental. “Valley” - ~41 sec – lyrics: “These mountains have been here for centuries.  There's stories in the water, something if you're listening; what kind of stories do you wanna see?  ‘Cause I wanna go where the wind don't blow; take me down to the valley.  I wanna go where the wind don't blow; take me out tonight.” “Kartune” - ~19 sec – instrumental. “Rappahannock Running Free” - ~23 sec – lyrics: “I love the Rappahannock, and its water running free; in the rapids of this river, that's where I want to be.   I love the Rappahannock, and its waters running free; in the rapids of this river, that's where I'll always be.” Thanks to all the musicians, sounds sources, and collaborators who contributed to this episode and to the previous 673 episodes.  Thanks also to radio stations WEHC at Emory and Henry College, and WVRU at Radford University, for carrying the show on air each week. We close Water Radio's regular-episode era with one more musical selection.  Here's about 1 minute/20 seconds of John McCutcheon's “Water from Another Time,” a song rich in water imagery, fine music, and valuable words.  Here's to that. MUSIC - ~77 sec – lyrics: “New-born cry in the morning air, the past and the future are wedded there; in this wellspring of my sons and daughters, the bone and blood of living water.  And of Grandpa's hands have gone to dust, like Grandma's pump reduced to rust.  Their stories quench my soul and mind, like water from another time.  You don't take much but you gotta have some; the old ways help, the new ways come; just leave a little extra for the next in line, they're gonna need a little water from another time.  You don't take much but you gotta have some; the old ways help, the new ways come; just leave a little extra for the next in line, they're gonna need a little water from another time.  Gonna need a little water, need a little water, need a little water, gonna need a little water from another time.” SHIP'S BELL Virginia Water Radio is produced by the Virginia Water Resources Research Center, part of Virginia Tech's College of Natural Resources and Environment.  For more Virginia water sounds, music, or information, visit us online at virginiawaterradio.org, or call the Water Center at (540) 231-5624.  Thanks to Stewart Scales for his banjo version of “Cripple Creek” to open and close this episode.  In Blacksburg, I'm Alan Raflo, thanking you for listening, and wishing you health, wisdom, and good water. AUDIO NOTES AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Thanks to Patrick Fay for helping create Virginia Water Radio in 2010. The guest voices in this episode were recorded by Virginia Water Radio in Blacksburg, Va., during the last week of January 2024.  Thanks to the those five people for lending their voices to this episode. The sounds heard in this episode were as follows. Sound 1: Little Blue Heron fishing, plus Red-winged Blackbirds.  These sounds were from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Digital Library, online at http://digitalmedia.fws.gov/cdm/; this recording specifically is online at https://digitalmedia.fws.gov/digital/collection/audio/id/55/rec/56.  These sounds were used previously in Episode 478, 6-24-19, on the Little Blue Heron. Sound 2: Spokesman introducing the Northern Neck Chantey Singers.  This audio was taken from from a video of the group's September 11, 2011, performance at the Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Showcase in Charlottesville, Va.; used with permission of Virginia Humanities (formerly the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities), located in Charlottesville and online at https://virginiahumanities.org/.  The full performance video is available online at https://www.virginiafolklife.org/sights-sounds/northern-neck-chantey-singers-and-lewis-r-blackwell-jr/.  Additional information from Virginia Humanities about the Northern Neck Chantey Singers and the Northern Neck of Virginia is available in the January 2024 article, “From Generation to Generation: Reedville Fishermen's Museum.”  These sounds were used previously in Episode 635, 8-29-22, on Virginia Menhaden fishing. Sound 3: Group of children and adults calling out “Take a kid to a park!”  This was recorded by Virginia Water Radio in Blacksburg, Va., on May 12, 2013.  This sound was used previously in Episode 655, 5-15-23, on Virginia state parks. Sound 4: South Fork Roanoke River near Elliston, Va. (Montgomery County).  This was recorded by Virginia Water Radio on August 23, 2012.  This sound was used previously in Episode 363, 4-10-17, on stream insects. Sound 5: Thunderstorm.  This was recorded by Virginia Water Radio in Blacksburg, Va., on April 20, 2015, 9 p.m.  This sound was used previously in Episode 568, 3-15-21, on Virginia's annual springtime tornado drill. The musicians and music heard in this episode were as follows (in the order heard); all music used with permission.  For each song, the most recent previous Virginia Water Radio episode using the music are listed; many of the songs have been used previously several times, and other music be each of the artists has been featured in many Water Radio episodes. Kat Mills, “On a Ship,” from the 2015 album “Silver.”  More information about Kat Mills is available online at http://www.katmills.com/.  This music was used previously in Episode 651, 3-20-23. Madeline MacNeil, “New Spring Waltz, ” from the 2002 album “Songs of Earth & Sea.”  More information about the late Madeline MacNeil is available from Janita Baker's “Blue Lion Dulcimers & Guitars” Web site, online at https://www.bluelioninstruments.com/Maddie.html.  This music was used previously in Episode 627, 5-9-22, on spring songbirds nesting near water. Timothy Seaman, “Bass Fisherman's Reel,” from the 2004 album “Virginia Wildlife.”  More information about Timothy Seaman is available online at https://timothyseaman.com/en/.  This music was used previously in Episode 590, 8-16-21, on the rescue of an osprey caught in fishing line. Torrin Hallett, “Tropical Tantrum,” composed in 2017.  More information about Torrin Hallett is available online at https://www.facebook.com/torrin.hallett.  Thanks very much to Torrin for composing the piece especially for Virginia Water Radio.  This music was used previously in Episode 656, 5-29-23, a preview of the 2023 Atlantic tropical cyclone season. Andrew and Noah VanNorstrand, “Samuel Mason,” from the 2010 album “All the Good Summers.”  More information about Andrew and Noah VanNorstrand is available online at https://andrewandnoah.bandcamp.com/.  This music was used previously in Episode 491, 9-23-19, on Samuel Mason and on piracy historically and in modern times. Chamomile and Whiskey, “Dirty Sea,” from the 2013 album “Wandering Boots.”  More information about Chamomile and Whiskey is available online at http://www.chamomileandwhiskey.com/.  This music was used previously in Episode 584, 7-5-21, on Operation Dry Water. The Steel Wheels, “Valley,” from the 2010 album “Red Wing.”  More information about The Steel Wheels is available online at http://www.thesteelwheels.com/.  This music was used previously in Episode 355, 2-13-17, on Abraham Lincoln's family roots in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. No Strings Attached, “Kartune,” from the 1992 album “Blue Roses.”  More information about No Strings Attached—a long-time Blacksburg- and Roanoke-based band which is no longer performing—is available online at http://www.enessay.com/index.html.  This music was used previously in Episode 555, 12-14-20, on water-related jokes. Bob Gramann, “Rappahannock Running Free,” from the 2008 album, “Mostly Live.”  More information about Bob Gramann is available online at http://www.bobgramann.com/.  This music was used previously in Episode 589, 8-9-21. John McCutcheon, “Water from Another Time,” from the 1987 album “Gonna Rise Again.”  More information on John McCutcheon is available online at http://www.folkmusic.com/.  This music was used previously in Episode 142, 12-31-12. Click here if you'd like to hear the full version (1 min./11 sec.) of the “Cripple Creek” arrangement/performance by Stewart Scales that opens and closes this episode.  More information about Mr. Scales and the group New Standard, with which Mr. Scales plays, is available online at http://newstandardbluegrass.com. IMAGE Diagram of the water cycle (also called the hydrologic cycle), from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), “Water Science School/Water Cycle Diagrams,” online at https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/water-cycle-diagrams, 2-7-24. SOURCES Please see the show notes for individual episodes of Virginia Water Radio for sources of information on many water-related topics. RELATED VIRGINIA WATER RADIO EPISODES All Water Radio episodes are listed by category at the Index link above (http://www.virginiawaterradio.org/p/index.html). Links are provided above in the Acknowledgments section to previous episodes using the sounds or music heard in this current episode. Following are links to some milestone episodes.

About this episode:  Back in December of 2018, we told the story of an engagement that took place along the banks of the Rappahannock and detailed events that took place afterwards.  Now, five years later, we return to that story but with greater detail, and the addition of first person accounts.  Once again, we would like to take you back to November and December 1862, when yet another Federal commander wanted Richmond but, in order to do that, had to take a sleepy little town almost halfway between the Southern capital and Washington City. Once again, we return to stories not only about men in battle but men showing compassion for one another - yes, even for those deemed their enemy.  This is story of the Battle of Fredericksburg, revisited.                           ----more---- Some Characters Mentioned In This Episode: George B. McClellan Ambrose Burnside William B. Franklin William Barksdale Richard Kirkland   Additional Resources: Battle of Fredericksburg Overview   Subscribe to the Threads from the National Tapestry YouTube Channel here   Thank you to our sponsor, The Badge Maker - proudly carrying affordable Civil War Corps Badges and other hand-made historical reproductions for reenactors, living history interpreters, and lovers of history. Check out The Badge Maker and place your orders here   *Title Image by Mort Kunstler *Map by Hal Jespersen   Producer: Dan Irving

For the second time in just a few months, the Richardsville Volunteer Fire and Rescue visited The Salvation Army's Camp Rappahannock in Virginia. This second visit was at the invitation of The Salvation Army to share their praise and thanks for the volunteers' efforts to extinguish a forest fire on September 7th of this year.   Major Bobby Parker of The Salvation Army said, “The fire was only 200 yards from the tree line behind the chapel,” “We were thankful for the multi-agency response from local and state emergency personnel.”   In addition to the Richardsville team, nine fire and forestry teams worked toward containing the blaze. That included the Virginia Department of Forestry, which assisted with digging trenches around the camp perimeter to contain the flames over 60 acres. Water was pumped from the camp's lake with a drone team monitoring active fires, wind shifts, and threatened areas.   “We were very blessed,” said Lenny Grove, Camp Rappahannock facilities supervisor. “It was like God was blowing it back in the other direction away from camp. Thanks to all those firefighters for coming out fast and getting it under control.”   For more stories like these, visit SALVATIONARMYDOUNCAST.ORG/SATODAY

In Episode 137 we talk Rappahannock Station and read some period news articles about ghosts.  https://cwweeklypod.wixsite.com/my-site *Mobile capability through the app Spaces by Wix.  Patreon:                                  https://www.patreon.com/CWweeklypod Venmo:  @Timothy-Patrick-48 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civil-war-weekly/support

Click to listen to episode (5:07).Sections below are the following:Transcript of AudioAudio Notes and AcknowledgmentsImagesSourcesRelated Water Radio EpisodesFor Virginia Teachers (Relevant SOLs, etc.)Unless otherwise noted, all Web addresses mentioned were functional as of 10-13-23. TRANSCRIPT OF AUDIO From the Cumberland Gap to the Atlantic Ocean, this is Virginia Water Radio for the weeks of October 16 and October 23, 2023. SOUNDS and VOICES – ~8 sec - people visiting Dismal Falls in Giles County, Va., August 20, 2011. That's the sound of people enjoying a scenic and splashy site in southwestern Virginia, where the main attraction is a type of water feature renowned for fascinating formations and dramatic drops.  Have a listen for about 35 seconds to some music and mystery sounds, and see if you know this type of water feature.  And here's a hint: the alternative name for autumn is what the water does. MUSIC and SOUNDS  - ~33 sec If you guessed a waterfall, you're right!  You heard three Virginia waterfalls: the Cascades in Giles County; a waterfall in Mill Creek Nature Park, also in Giles County; and Falls Ridge Falls in Montgomery County.  The accompanying music, by Williamsburg, Va., musician Timothy Seaman, was “Crabtree Falls,” named for a Nelson County waterfall whose 1200-foot total vertical drop is the highest of any waterfall east of the Mississippi.  And the episode's opening sounds were from Dismal Falls, once again in Giles County.  These five are among 61 scenic and publicly accessible waterfalls in the Commonwealth listed in the “Great Virginia Waterfall Trail,” compiled by the Let's See America Web site.  Meanwhile, the World Waterfall Database has 186 entries for Virginia, including smaller waterfalls, some located on private properties, and some now inundated by reservoirs. Encyclopedia Britannica defines a waterfall as “an area where flowing river water drops abruptly and nearly vertically,” and notes that the terms cataract, cascades, and rapids can also be applied to water coursing over an elevation change, depending on the height and the sharpness of water's drop. Most of Virginia's waterfalls occur along the Blue Ridge or farther west in the Valley and Ridge province; additionally, significant drops of the Potomac, Rappahannock, and James Rivers occur along the Fall Line between the central Piedmont and eastern Coastal Plain.  These are places where some key waterfall-formation factors occur: changes in the elevation of the landscape, rock layers with different levels of resistance to erosion, and plenty of flowing water. Virginia's waterfall champ Crabtree Falls doesn't rival the world's tallest, such as Tugela Falls in South Africa, with a total drop of over 3000 feet.  Nevertheless, the Commonwealth's many and varied, large and small waterfalls are popular, scenic, and invaluable water treasures. Thanks to Blacksburg neighbors for recording the Dismal Falls sounds.  Thanks also to Timothy Seaman for permission to use part of “Crabtree Falls.”  We close with another waterfall-related musical selection.  Here's about 40 seconds of the traditional tune “Over the Waterfall,” in a version by Virginia Tech geography instructor Stewart Scales. MUSIC - ~38 sec – instrumental.  SHIP'S BELL Virginia Water Radio is produced by the Virginia Water Resources Research Center, part of Virginia Tech's College of Natural Resources and Environment.  For more Virginia water sounds, music, or information, visit us online at virginiawaterradio.org, or call the Water Center at (540) 231-5624.  Thanks to Stewart Scales for his banjo version of “Cripple Creek” to open and close this episode.  In Blacksburg, I'm Alan Raflo, thanking you for listening, and wishing you health, wisdom, and good water. AUDIO NOTES AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Dismal Falls sounds were recorded by friends of Virginia Water Radio at the falls in Bland County, Va., on August 20, 2011. The other waterfalls sounds heard in this episode were recorded by Virginia Water Radio as follows: Cascades Falls in Giles County, Va., recorded September 28, 2023;Waterfalls along Catwalk Trial in Mill Creek Nature Park in Giles County, Va., recorded September 6, 2020;Falls Ridge Falls in Falls Ridge Nature Preserve in Montgomery County, Va., recorded April 20, 2019. “Crabtree Falls,” from the 2002 album “Sycamore Rapids,” is copyright by Timothy Seaman and Pine Wind Music, used with permission.  More information about Timothy Seaman is available online at  http://www.timothyseaman.com/.  “Crabtree Falls” was used previously by Virginia Water Radio most recently in Episode 125, 8-27-12. The version of “Over the Waterfall” heard in this episode was recorded for Virginia Water Radio on July 11, 2014, by Stewart Scales, used with permission.  This music was used previously by Virginia Water Radio in Episode 222, 7-14-14.  Information on “Over the Waterfall” and on Henry Reed (1884-1968), a Giles County musician noted for his version of this tune, is available from the Library of Congress, “Fiddle Tunes of the Old Frontier: The Henry Reed Collection,” online at http://www.loc.gov/collection/henry-reed-fiddle-tunes/about-this-collection/; and from http://www.henryreed.org/, a Web site produced by Terry Reed, Henry Reed's granddaughter.  Henry Reed's version of “Over the Waterfall” is available from the Library of Congress's online audio archive, at http://www.loc.gov/item/afcreed000177/. Click here if you'd like to hear the full version (1 min./11 sec.) of the “Cripple Creek” arrangement/performance by Stewart Scales that opens and closes this episode.  More information about Mr. Scales and the group New Standard, with which Mr. Scales plays, is available online at http://newstandardbluegrass.com. IMAGES (Photographs are by Virginia Water Radio.) Cascades Falls in Giles County, Virginia, September 28, 2023.Waterfalls along Catwalk Trial in Mill Creek Nature Park in Giles County, Virginia, September 6, 2020.Waterfall in Falls Ridge Nature Preserve in Montgomery County, Virginia, April 20, 2019. SOURCES Used for Audio Encyclopedia Britannica, “Waterfall,” online at https://www.britannica.com/science/waterfall-geology.  The is the source of the quote used in this episode's audio. Giles County [Virginia] Administration: “Dismal Falls,” online at https://virginiasmtnplayground.com/dismal-falls/; and“Mill Creek Nature Park,” online at https://virginiasmtnplayground.com/mill-creek/. Let's See America, “The Great Virginia Waterfall Trail,” online at https://lets-see-america.com/virginia-waterfalls/.  The site includes maps, a video, and detailed information on 61 waterfalls included in a 1373-mile waterfall trail route. National Geographic, “Waterfall,” online at https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/waterfall/. The Nature Conservancy, “Falls Ridge Preserve,” online at http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/virginia/placesweprotect/falls-ridge-preserve.xml.  The site includes photos and a short video (1 min./37 sec.) of plants, animals, and the falls. Radford University, “Geology of Virginia CD-ROM Web Edition,” (several authors), online at https://sites.radford.edu/~jtso/GeolVAHome.html.  A map of Virginia's geomorphic (or physiogaphic) provinces is online at https://sites.radford.edu/~jtso/GeologyofVirginia/Piedmont/PPhysio-2.html. U.S. Forest Service, “Cascades Day Use Area,” online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recarea/?recid=73639.Virginiaplaces.org, “Waterfalls,” online at http://www.virginiaplaces.org/watersheds/waterfalls.html.  World of Waterfalls, “How are Waterfalls Formed?”  Online at https://www.world-of-waterfalls.com/how-are-waterfalls-formed/. World Waterfall Database, online at https://www.worldwaterfalldatabase.com/.  The list of Virginia waterfalls is online at https://www.worldwaterfalldatabase.com/country/United-States/Virginia/list. For More Information about Waterfalls in Virginia or Elsewhere McDowell County [N.C.] Tourism Development Authority, “Blue Ridge Traveler/Waterfalls,” online at https://www.blueridgetraveler.com/attractions/category/waterfalls/.  National Park Service:“Shenandoah National Park-Virginia/Hikes to Waterfalls,” online at https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/hikes-waterfalls.htm; and“Waterfalls & Gorges,” online at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/waterfalls/waterfalls.htm. Joe Tennis, “Natural wonder: County accepts ownership of Abrams Falls; discusses state park,” Bristol Herald-Courier, October 12, 2023.  This article describes the purchase by Washington County, Va., of 46 acres around and including Abrams Falls and the county's efforts to have Virginia create a state park in the area. U.S. Geological Survey, “Waterfalls and Rapids in the Conterminous United States Linked to the National Hydrography Datasets V2.0,” July 14, 2020, online at https://www.usgs.gov/data/waterfalls-and-rapids-conterminous-united-states-linked-national-hydrography-datasets-v20. RELATED VIRGINIA WATER RADIO EPISODES All Water Radio episodes are listed by category at the Index link above (http://www.virginiawaterradio.org/p/index.html).  See particularly the “Rivers, Streams, and Other Surface Water” subject category. Following are links to other episodes on waterfalls. Episode 125, 8-17-12 – on Crabtree Falls in Nelson County, Va.Episode 205, 3-17-14 – on Falls Ridge Falls in Montgomery County, Va.Episode 222, 7-14-14 – on Cascades Falls in Giles County, Va. FOR VIRGINIA TEACHERS – RELATED STANDARDS OF LEARNING (SOLs) AND OTHER INFORMATION Following are some Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs) that may be supported by this episode's audio/transcript, sources, or other information included in this post. 2020 Music SOLs SOLs at various grade levels that call for “examining the relationship of music to the other fine arts and other fields of knowledge.” 2018 Science SOLs Grades K-3 plus 5: Matter3.3 – Materials interact with water. Grades K-5: Earth and Space Systems3.7 – There is a water cycle and water is important to life on Earth.5.8 – Earth constantly changes. Grades K-5: Earth Resources4.8 – Virginia has important natural resources. Grade 66.6 – Water has unique physical properties and has a role in the natural and human-made environment.6.8 – Land and water have roles in watershed systems. Earth ScienceES.8 – Freshwater resources influence and are influenced by geologic processes and human activity. 2023 History and Social Science SOLs Grade 4: Virginia StudiesVS.1 – The student will apply history and social science skills to explain the relationship between physical geography and the lives of Virginia's peoples, past and present. Grade 5: United States History to 1865USI.1 – The student will understand the geography of North America, including by locating and describing major geographic regions and bodies of water of North America and their impact on the early history of the United States. Grade 8: World GeographyWG.2 – The student will evaluate the significance of natural, human, and capital resources. WG.3 – The student will analyze the characteristics of the United States and Canadian regions, including by describing major physical and environmental features and how geography may change over time. Virginia's SOLs are available from the Virginia Department of Education, online at https://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching-learning-assessment/instruction Following are links to Water Radio episodes (various topics) designed especially for certain K-12 grade levels.Episode 250, 1-26-15 – on boiling, for kindergarten through 3rd grade. Episode 255, 3-2-15 – on density, for 5th and 6th grade. Episode 282, 9-21-15 – on living vs. non-living, for kindergarten. Episode 309, 3-28-16 – on temperature regulation in animals, for kindergarten through 12th grade. Episode 333, 9-12-16 – on dissolved gases, especially dissolved oxygen in aquatic habitats, for 5th grade. Episode 404, 1-22-18 – on ice on ponds and lakes, for 4th through 8th grade. Episode 407, 2-12-18 – on snow chemistry and physics,

Good morning, RVA! It's 51 °F, and today is our last stunning day for awhile. You should do whatever you can to take advantage of the sunshine and the highs in the mid 70s, because clouds, cooler temperatures, and rain move in tomorrow. Looking ahead, and it might be a minute before we have an entirely bright and cheery day again. Water cooler Lots of GRTC announcements this week! First, free Transit Royale membership on the excellent Transit app, and now the news that the GRTC Board has approved a north-south Bus Rapid Transit route. The gist is, from north to south: Down Chamberlayne, over to the Downtown Transfer Station, across the Manchester Bridge, out Hull Street for a bit, and then up to Midlothian for the rest of its run. I couldn't find a more detailed route map, but maybe that's the point, as approval of the route “sends GRTC on to more detailed traffic planning, route design, and environmental impact study.” It's an interesting route, for sure, handling the question of which major corridor to use for the southern end by splitting time on both Hull Street and Midlothian. I look forward to more details, PDFs, studies, and chances to get involved! Wyatt Gordon reports on a recent “walking audit” of Chamberlayne Avenue—a sort of first-hand tour of bad and unsafe infrastructure. Unmentioned: These incredibly intense bollards that protect some sort of green electrical box in the middle of a street crossing. I think these bollards are most effective infrastructure on the entire corridor, and it's not lost on me the lengths we'll go to protect a green metal box but not actual human people. Anyway, I hope that by prioritizing the bus for an eventual Bus Rapid Transit route, we'll see slower vehicle speeds along with investments in infrastructure for people (not boxes), and, as a result, we'll end up with a much safer Chamberlayne. Eileen Mellon at Richmond Magazine has a full bucket of Rapphannock Oyster news, but what excites me the most is the return of Rapp Sessions. The tiny bar that sat next to the full Rappahannock restaurant had just the most perfect, cozy vibes. Mellon reports that the (also exceedingly cozy) holiday-themed takeover will return as well. Great news for people whose offices may or may not be near Grace Street! This Saturday at 2:00 PM, STAY RVA will host their first STAY Chat of the school year. To quote from their mission, “STAY RVA is a movement comprised of parents and neighbors who want to help Richmond's local public schools thrive. We are a positive-minded, solution-oriented, action-based organization. We want you to be a part of STAY… STAY in the city, STAY committed, STAY open-minded.” Basically, if you and yours have endless, fretful conversations about schools, what to do about schools, school zones, public schools, private schools—or even anticipate having those sorts of conversations in the coming years—I recommend stopping by this Saturday and meeting some like-minded folks. Reminder: The Richmond Folk Festival kicks off tonight at 6:30 PM down by the river! Before barreling straight into this weekend's festivities, make sure you check out the intense schedule and the map of road closures. Remember that Brown's Island and the surrounding areas are pretty easy to get to by both bus and bike. OK! Now get out there and enjoy three straight days of music surrounded by thousands of your favorite Richmonders! This morning's longread In Shipping, a Push to Slash Emissions by Harnessing the Wind I link to this piece in the New York Times about wind-powered and wind-assisted cargo ships because this very thing is mentioned in Kim Stanley Robinson's The Ministry for the Future—a book I'm never not thinking about. If you're going to read just a single climate book, this one, which is both horrifying and hopeful, is the one I recommend! Research has found that shipping emissions could be cut by up to 47 percent by 2030 through a combination of wind propulsion, new fuels and reduced speeds. Slowing down could also cut underwater noise and risks to whales. An estimated 20,000 whales are killed each year by ships, according to Friend of the Sea, which certifies fisheries and aquaculture for sustainability. Dozens of other wind-ships are in development, many in European countries like Britain, France, Norway and the Netherlands. Almost all are highly automated and equipped with sensors, with designs that include sails, rotors and parts that resemble vertical airplane wings. If you'd like to suggest a longread to show up here, go chip in a couple bucks on the ol' Patreon. Picture of the Day Winter interest, baby!

It's pawpaw season! So today we have a very timely episode for you all, an interview with Neal Peterson of Peterson Pawpaws. Neal has spent decades working with Asimina triloba, collecting fruits from orchards across the Eastern United States and improving the largest tree ripened fruit of North America into the seven named cultivars that we know so well today. Allegheny, Potomac, Rappahannock, Susquehanna, Shenandoah, Tallahatchie, Wabash...you may have heard of these cultivars, but do you know how they came to be? In this episode we take a deep dive into Neal's breeding work and learn about the selection process that lead to these improved fruits release into the nursery industry. We also discuss the growing requirements for pawpaw, the culture that has evolved around this species over the past half century, food allergy/annonacin content concerns, and much more. This is an episode not to be miss missed, stick with us. Peterson Pawpaws: https://www.petersonpawpaws.com/ Places to buy pawpaws in the northeast: Cricket Hill Garden - https://www.treepeony.com/ Broken Arrow - https://www.brokenarrownursery.com/ Logees - https://www.logees.com/ Perfect Circle - https://www.perfectcircle.farm/ Upcoming festivals (shoutout to Encygropedia for this epic list!): Ohio Pawpaw Festival: https://ohiopawpawfest.com/ Frederick Maryland Festival: https://ecologiadesign.com/paw-paw-festival-longcreek-homestead/ Powhattan, Virginia Festival: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2023-05-24-17-33-29-969019-x6b Pawpaws at West Farm Nursery, Branchburg, NJ: https://nofanj.org/event/farm-tour-pawpaws-at-west-farm-nursery/ 1st Annual Pawpaw Festival, Louisville, KY: https://www.louisvillenaturecenter.org/upcoming-events/2023/7/27/first-annual-pawpaw-festival York County Pawpaw Festival, York, PA: https://hornfarmcenter.org/pawpawfest/ West Virginia Pawpaw Festival, Morgantown, WV: https://arboretum.wvu.edu/wv-pawpaw-festival Annonacin Content Research: Progressive supranuclear palsy and pawpaw - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7156197/ Annonacin and Squamocin Contents of Pawpaw - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32761515/ Annonacin in Asimina triloba fruit: implication for neurotoxicity - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22130466/

Back in September of 2022, Matt, Six Questions Lentz, LBGs Chris Army and Tracy Baer and friends went down to Culpeper, Virginia to take a tour of Brandy Station battlefields with Clark "Bud" Hall and then record a show on Fleetwood Hill. Bud has led a remakable effort to preserve hundreds of acres of battlefield over the decades and it's truly an amazing place to visit. The grounds saw far more activity that just that famous cavalry battle on June 9, 1863.  From the American Battlefield Trust: "Fought in the second week of June 1863, Brandy Station was the largest cavalry battle ever fought in North America. With momentum firmly in hand after his stunning victory at Chancellorsville, General Robert E. Lee decided to launch a second Northern invasion. On June 3, the Army of Northern Virginia began the movement away from Fredericksburg. The first leg of the march took the Confederates to Culpeper Court House. From there, Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart's cavalry division was to screen the infantry as the march continued to the Shenandoah Valley. Stuart's concentration, however, was detected by Union cavalry led by Alfred Pleasonton. Under the assumption that Stuart planned a raid around his right flank toward Washington, Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker, the commander of the Army of the Potomac, directed Pleasonton to cross the Rappahannock River and destroy the Confederate cavalry. Early on the morning of June 9, Pleasonton sent columns over the Rappahannock at Beverly Ford and Kelly's Ford. Following the crossing at Beverly Ford, the Union troopers truck Stuart's camp in the vicinity of a rail station on the Orange & Alexandria Railroad, Brandy Station. The Confederates quickly rallied, and the Federals ran into stiff resistance at St. James Church and the Richard Cunningham farm. After moving over Kelly's Ford, the Union cavalry split up. One division headed for Brandy Station while the other made their way to Stevensburg. The arrival of blue troopers at Brandy Station threatened the rear of Stuart's position. Stuart countered by deftly shifting his brigades, and the two sides clashed in mounted combat on a long, low ridge that rose from the station called Fleetwood Hill. Correspondingly, Pleasonton's force at Stevensburg were stymied by Confederate horsemen. Unable to break through Stuart's position, Pleasonton abandoned the field after fourteen hours of fighting." This episode is brought to you without commercial interruption by our Patreon page. Patreon is the primary way to keep AG going. Unlike other Patreon accounts, we give you weekly content in exchange for your support. So... weekly episodes on Patreon PLUS the free stuff you listen to? Man, do we spoil you or what? So join our community at www.patreon.com/addressinggettysburg