The Virginia House and Shackelford House

Confederate cavalry chief Gen. J.E.B. Stuart and Maj. John Pelham, the commander of Stuart's Horse Artillery, frequented the Virginia House Hotel and often visited the Shackelford family across the street. A warm friendship developed between 24-year-old Pelham and Bessie Shackelford, an unmarried daughter.

Pelham earned a reputation as an artillery genius, and during the Battle of Fredericksburg, Gen. Robert E. Lee dubbed the young major the "Gallant Pelham." On March 16, 1863, word of Union horsemen approaching Kelly's Ford prompted a train to be sent south to Orange for more ammunition. Pelham, who was at the Orange depot, took the train back to Culpeper to join in the impending battle. The following day, the Battle of Kelly's Ford was fought 10 miles east of here. Pelham was in the thick of the fray when a piece of shrapnel struck him in the back of the head. He was draped over his horse and taken to the Shackelford house. That evening, doctors removed the tiny piece of shrapnel, but Pelham died about 1 a.m. Stuart arrived soon after and wept over the body of his esteemed artillerist who had fought in 60 engagements and never lost a gun.

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Show me all markers in:  Culpeper, VA  |  Culpeper County  |  22701  |  Virginia  |  United States of America

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