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 to view more pictures of Ellwood.

Ellwood Hours of Operation

IN 2008, Ellwood is open all weekends and holidays from May 3 through October 26.  It is also open on Fridays from June 6 through August 22.  Its hours each day are from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ellwood Special Events for 2008

The following special events will be held at Ellwood in 2008 to benefit the Ellwood Restoration Project.  This list was updated on Monday, February 9, 2008.  Also see our Events Page.

Saturday, May 3:  Demonstration of the medical care received by General “Stonewall” Jackson from the time of his wounding until his death; presentations at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.  (This is in conjunction with the 145th anniversary of the Battle of Chancellorsville.)

Weekend of May 10–11:  144th anniversary of the Battle of the Wilderness.  On Sunday, May 11, Greg Mertz and the members of FoWB will conduct a Mother’s Day program at Ellwood, with presentations at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Saturday, May 17:  “Restoration Celebration Phase I” – Grand opening celebration of the restoration of Union General Gouverneur K. Warren’s headquarters.

Sunday, September 28:  “Taming the Wilderness 2008.”

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.