Northern Virginia

Mosby Country: The Route 50 Corridor

The John Singleton Mosby Heritage Area covers approximately 1,600 square miles in five Northern Virginia counties west of Washington DC. Confederate Col. Mosby's irregular troopers and tactics so controlled the area that it became known as "Mosby's Confederacy" during the later years of the war. Information about touring the area is carried at the visitor centers in Leesburg and Warrenton.

In addition to maps, a variety of taped driving tours and maps covering Mosby's exploits and other Civil War area topics have been created by the folks at the Mosby Heritage Area. For details, call 540-687-6681 or see www.mosbyheritagearea.org.

More Mosby-associated sites are interpreted by Virginia Civil War Trails in Fauquier County and Front Royal.

Click for  Interactive MAP  to Mosby Country (opens new browser window).

Mount Zion Church
Just east of Route 15 on U.S. Route 50
 Road map 
    Built in 1851, this building and its grounds served as hospital and battlefield during the war. Confederate partisan rangers under John S. Mosby routed Federal pursuers here July 4, 1864. Currently under restoration. Historical marker on site.

Aldie Mill
39401 John Mosby Highway, Aldie VA 20105
703-327-9777
 Road map 
    Fighting swirled in the area as mounted men fought in the area June 17, 1863, screening the armies as they moved toward what would be the battle at Gettysburg. The cavalry fighting moved west along modern Route 50 through Middleburg, Goose Creek Bridge and Upperville. The 1807-1809 mill also was the site of fighting involving Mosby's men on two occasions in 1861. Open Saturday and Sunday noon–5 pm (mid-March to mid-November). Donations welcome. Civil War Trails sign.

Middleburg
Trails interpretation one block north of Route 50 on Madison Street
 Road map 
    Lots of Northern Virginia rural charm and clusters of historic buildings remain to remind visitors of the town's Civil War associations. Fighting raged through here during the "Prelude to Gettysburg" cavalry fighting June 19, 1863. The town also was a Mosby base.

Battle of Unison
    Three Civil War Trails sites describe the action during a running battle Nov. 1-3, 1862, fought as the Union army finally began its advance into Virginia following the Battle of Antietam. Union cavalry under Gen. Alfred Pleasonton screened the advance of the army, attempting to clear the way to Upperville. Confederate cavalry under Gen. J.E.B. Stuart opposed Pleasanton, fighting at the Unison United Methodist Church Nov. 2. The next day, Stuart confronted nearly 4,000 Union infantry and cavalry at Upperville. Outnumbered 4-1, the Confederates made a stand before withdrawing. The action during the “Battle of Unison” delayed the Union advance long enough for Confederate infantry to reach Culpeper County and block a thrust toward Richmond. Trails signs at the following sites:

• “In the Wake of Antietam,” Philomont General Store, 36550 Jeb Stuart Road, Philomont, VA 20131
   Road map 
• “A Frightful Place,” Unison United Methodist Church, 21148 Unison Road, Middleburg VA 20117
  Road map
• “Foiling the Trap,” Trails sign at Vineyard Hill
   Road map 

Rector's Crossroads
Trails sign just south of Route 50 at Route at Atoka Road (between Middleburg and Upperville)
 Road map 
    Confederates under J.E.B. Stuart fought a delaying action just west of here allowing the main body of Southern cavalry to concentrate at a strong position on the west side of Goose Creek Bridge. In the parlor of the stone house seen from the intersection, John S. Mosby first wrote orders for his famous "Rangers."

Goose Creek Bridge
Historic interpretation north of Route 50 just west of Atoka
 Road map 
    The circa 1810 bridge is now bypassed by Route 50. J.E.B. Stuart's Confederate cavalry held off Union cavalry and infantry here for awhile during the fighting June 21, 1863.

Upperville
Trails signs at both the east and the west sides of town along Route 50. Look for the wayfinder signs.
 Road map  Trappe Road and Route 50
 Road map  Trappe Road
 Road map  Upperville Park
    Stuart's troopers again fought hard in and around this small town as they attacked, gave ground, and counter-attacked along the road June 21. The Confederate resistance proved successful in the end as Lee moved his army to Pennsylvania unseen.

Ewell's Chapel
Trails marker just off US 15, 2.7 miles north of Route 234, south of Route 50
 Road map 
    A Federal trap set for John S. Mosby June 22, 1863, failed to capture the Confederate partisan and his rangers. A Union casualty of the little fight is buried near the chapel.