Who We Are
The purpose of the Friends of Wilderness Battlefield (FoWB) is to assist the American Battlefield Trust and the Central Virginia Battlefields Trust in their efforts to preserve the battlefields in Spotsylvania and Orange Counties. The Friends provide advocacy, educational programs, and service projects for the battlefield.
FoWB comprises members from more than two dozen states and Canada. Nearly one-half of our members reside in the Virginia counties of Orange and Spotsylvania. Local members are integrally involved with the organization and its preservation activities, including interpretation at Payne's Farm, battlefield maintenance, events support, and community outreach and education.
Mailing Address
P O Box 576
Locust Grove, VA 22508
What Makes FOWB Special
Unique Partnership
We enjoy a unique partnership with other like-minded historical preservation organizations to help maintain battlefield property and provide interpretation and living history events.
Beautiful Trails
The battlefield grounds are beautiful to walk, with lovely trails.
Heritage Program
We have a Heritage Program to honor ancestors who were there. We host a variety of Living History Events throughout the year, and host dinner or lunch events, with speakers.
Who We Serve
If you love history and want to be a part of our organization please consider becoming a member.
School and Community Groups
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Educational Programs for All Ages by prior arrangement
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Provide Speakers for your Meetings
Tourists
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Free Volunteer led tours of local battlefields
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Self Guided Driving Tour of the Battlefield
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Numerous Hiking/Walking Trails
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Acres of Beautiful Woods and Meadows to Explore and Enjoy
Volunteers
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Trained Interpreters at area battlefields
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Maintenance of area battlefields
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Committee work, research and special events
Latest News and Updates
If you would like to stay updated on our latest events and projects make sure to sign up below.
Heads Up!
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Interpretation at Payne’s Farm has ended for the season! Thank you to everyone who came out to visit us this summer!
FOWB Annual Meeting
Saturday, November 8, 2025
New Hope Baptist Church, 32250 Old Plank Road. Locust Grove VA 22508
Registration and Social: 10:30 - 11:00
Business Meeting: 11:00 - 12:00
Lunch: 12:00 - 12:45
Speaker: 1:00 - 2:00
Clean up: 2:00 - 2:30
Please join us for our Annual Meeting, on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at New Hope Baptist Church. Members will want to arrive by 10:30 in order to look at the Silent Auction items and place their bids and visit with everyone before the Business Meeting starts at 11:00 AM. We are looking forward to catching everyone up on what we have been doing, plus we will elect board members for the next term.
Lunch will be provided by Generals Quarters Catering, and they will be serving lasagna, salad, garlic bread and some sort of yummy dessert! A vegetable lasagna option will be provided. Following lunch, we will be treated to a special presentation by Tim Talbott.
Please RSVP to Ruth Pavlik no later than Saturday, November. We hope to see you there!
This limited-edition lithograph, From the Line of Fire, depicting Generals Lee and Longstreet at the Battle of the Wilderness, May 6, 1864, will be available at the Silent Auction. The artist is John Paul Strain and it comes with the certificate of authenticity, number 85/750.
Also included in the Silent Auction will be framed prints of this original painting by artist Gary Close.
Randolph Artillery Tract
The Virginia Department of Historic Resources (VDHR) has awarded a grant in the amount of $195,925 to the Friends of Wilderness Battlefield (FOWB) that will be used toward the purchase, preservation and interpretation of a significant piece of the 1863 Mine Run Battlefield, entitled the Randolph Artillery Tract, in Orange County, Virginia.
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Learn more about how to help us purchase this historic piece of history.
