Historic Ellwood

Ellwood, a circa 1790 home located in the western portion of the Wilderness Battlefield, is significant to the nation because of the role the house and grounds played during the Civil War.  Within a year’s span two flags flew over Ellwood; the Confederate hospital flag and the blue swallowtail flag of the Army of the Potomac’s Fifth Corps.  In 1863, it served as a Confederate hospital for six months following the Battle of Chancellorsville.  The family cemetery became the burial site for General “Stonewall” Jackson’s amputated arm.  One year later during the Battle of the Wilderness, Ellwood served as headquarters for Union General Gouverneur K. Warren.

Through purchase and donation, the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park (FSNMP) acquired Ellwood in 1971 from Gordon W. Jones MD of Fredericksburg.  The park took posession of the house and 183 acres in 1977, at the death of Dr. Jones’s father, the last resident.

Click here for information on Ellwood’s historic catalpa tree.

Click here to view more pictures of Ellwood.

Ellwood Hours of Operation

IN 2009, Ellwood is open all weekends and holidays from May 2 through October 25.  It is also open on Fridays and Mondays from June 12 through August 17.  Its hours each day are from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

When Ellwood is not open, special arrangements may be made to visit the Ellwood grounds.  You must check in at the National Park Service Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center, and you will need to walk in from the gate on Route 20.

Ellwood Special Events for 2009

The following special events will be held at Ellwood in 2008 to benefit the Ellwood Restoration Project.  This list was updated on Sunday, May 10, 2009.  Also see our Events Page.

Saturday, May 23:   Memorial Day Saturday at Ellwood.

Date TBD:   Ellwood Phase II Restoration Celebration

Sunday, September 27:   “Taming the Wilderness 2009.”

Directions to Ellwood

From Fredericksburg / Interstate 95:  Take exit 130–B from I–95 on to Virginia Route 3 westbound.  Proceed west approx­i­mately 12 miles to the stoplight at Virginia Route 20, where you will turn left.  Then, in 0.6 miles, look carefully ON THE LEFT for the “Ellwood” sign and the gravel drive.  Turn left into the drive; the parking area is at the end, in 0.4 miles.

From Orange Court House:  Take Virginia Route 20 northbound approximately 20 miles.  You will pass the Wilderness Battlefield Exhibit Shelter on your left.  Then, in 0.8 miles, look carefully ON THE RIGHT for the “Ellwood” sign and the gravel drive.  Turn right into the drive; the parking area is at the end, in 0.4 miles.

From Culpeper:  Take Virginia Route 3 eastbound approximately 18 miles to the stoplight at Virginia Route 20, where you will turn right.  Then, in 0.6 miles, look carefully ON THE LEFT for the “Ellwood” sign and the gravel drive.  Turn left into the drive; the parking area is at the end, in 0.4 miles.

Ellwood’s street address (not a mailing address) is 36380 Constitution Highway (Route 20), Locust Grove, VA 22508.  This is an Orange County 911 address.

When manned, Ellwood’s phone number is (540) 972–2158.  The phone number for the National Park Service Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center is (540) 786–2880.