Some Good News at Kelly's Ford

Today at Kelly's Ford: August 25, 2010

From today's edition of the Culpeper Star Exponent:

A cleaner riverbank, thanks to Fauquier County

By Nate Delesline Published: August 25, 2010

One week after community service workers removed 12 bags of trash from the Fauquier County side of the Kelly’s Ford riverbank, officials said that some elements of a plan to clean up and stop abuses along the Rappahannock River may be in place within a month. Tom Pavelko, director of Fauquier County’s Office of Adult Court Services, oversaw the two most recent cleanup efforts at what historians describe as one of the most important river crossings of the Civil War.
“We did the cleanup last Wednesday, and we also followed up (Monday),” he said.

But when about a half-dozen community service workers returned for the second cleaning, “We could tell that there was some evidence of illegal alcohol use,” Pavelko said.

He explained that the issue has gained the attention of a larger audience after stories about the problem appeared last week in the Free Lance Star and the Star-Exponent.

If the weather is nice, state officials, volunteer groups and local residents say people looking for a free recreation spot close to home trash the area with food containers, beer cans and even used diapers. The visitors are also suspected of chopping up trees, setting campfires and spending the night.

None of those things are allowed.

The Brandy Station Foundation, a local historic preservation group, owns the Culpeper riverbank. A substantial portion of the area is also under the control of the Department of Game and inland fisheries.

Ron Hughes , a land and facilities manager with DGIF, said Tuesday that Culpeper County officials, area volunteer groups and organizations like Friends of the Rappahannock and the Brandy Station Foundation are taking extra steps to minimize illegal activity.

Hughes said they all agree with a plan to institute closer monitoring and more strict enforcement through better signage and usage of existing regulations.

“We feel it’s a good approach, and the county agreed,” he said. “What we want to do is promote appropriate use on our management areas.”

According to DGIF appropriate use means fishing, hunting or observing wildlife, not camping or swimming. Hughes said the surge of activity has even caused some erosion on the Fauquier riverbank — yet another reason to stop the problem now.

“Our intent is to protect the resources and to protect the safety of the people,” he said. “We’re all working as partners to keep this river clean and pristine.”

Popularity is not always a good thing

Today at Kelly's Ford: August 18, 2010

Today's Fredericksburg Free-Lance Star carried the following story concerning the area around Kelly's Ford.

http://www.fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2010/082010/08182010/569213

The Ford is historically significant. It saw roles in many fights that took place in Virginia during the Civil War: Brandy Station, The Battle of Kelly's Ford, Chancellorsville, The Battle of Rappahannock Station and Stoneman's Raid to name a quick few.

The Kelly's Ford area is home to one of Virginia's most profitable mill, a trace from the Rappahannock River Canal is still visible.

History and recreation needs to find common ground. Hopefully the work of the groups like the Remington Community Partnership, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, the C.F. Phelps Wildlife Management Area, VDOT and other parties interested with this location will find a solution quickly and economically sound

A little ice please...

Today at Kelly's Ford: August 14, 1863

From the Albany Evening Journal
Ice For the Army of the Potomac – John Kelly, after whom Kelly’s Ford is named, and many other residents of Warrenton, Sulpher Springs and along the river bank , not supposing that Union troops would spend another summer on the Rappahannock, last winter laid a large supply of ice, and are troops are now using the valuable commodity. Every ice-house is honored with a guard, and each regiment receives a small piece every day. The owners have exhausted every argument to convince the commanding General the frozen water is not an article liable to be seized under a civilized system of warfare, but without success.

As suspected, ice is contraband and confiscated as a necessity of war.

Establishing a picket post

Today at Brandy Station: May 29, 1863

From the diary of Corporal Henry S. Seage, Co E. 4th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment.

"Regt. started this morn (from Hartwood Church) about 7 o’clock A.M. and went to Kelly’s Ford on the Rappahannock River. Pitched our Tents on a line and prepared for a general Camp. Awful tired & Sore. Phil and myself went after Boards & Sacking to the Old Camp."

Two days later (Sunday - May 31), Henry wrote that they didn't have Divine service due to three companies on picket, but he spent some time swimming and fishing with almost the entire company.

Confederate Cavalry was picketing on the south side of Kelly's Ford. I wonder how many jumped in along with the Michiganders...

The photo is a modern look at Hartwood Church, which I took last summer.