Culpeper National Cemetery - Inscription Honoring Gettysburg

The embossment at the entrance to the Culpeper National Cemetery honors the Address by President Lincoln at the Dedication of The Gettysburg National Cemetery on November 19, 1863. The address begins:

 "FOUR SCORE AND SEVEN YEARS AGO OUR FATHERS BROUGHT FORTH ON THIS CONTINENT A NEW NATION, CONCEIVED IN LIBERTY, AND DEDICATED TO THE PROPOSITION THAT ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL".....

Culpeper National Cemetery - Memorial Day Weekend

Culpeper National Cemetery - Memorial Day Weekend. The cemetery is located in the heart of Culpeper reflecting the reverence felt for the veterans that serve and have served so bravely. We honor our veterans and service men and women as often as possible in Culpeper. This weekend is a tribute to our freedom and their service. A walk thru the perfectly manicured cemetery offers the solemn and patriotic remembrance due their sacrificial heritage.

White Picket Fence & Pink Roses

White Picket Fences and Roses are common along the streets of Old Town Culpeper. The standing seam metal roofs, brick chimneys, and lap board siding are reminiscent of a New England setting. The pink roses and freshly painted white picket fence were an irresistible photo opp on this spring day.

Culpeper County Courthouse

The cloud profile looks as if a snow white sheep is acting as protective backdrop for the Culpeper County Courthouse. The sun reflecting on the courthouse gives it a golden hue, an appropriate adornment for the Hall of Justice.

Mountain Run thru Yowell Meadow Park - Culpeper VA

The Mountain Run runs thru Yowell Meadow Park in Culpeper Virginia. Imagine the fragrance of the flowers and honey suckle in the picture. Spring in Culpeper is like none other. Fresh Mountain air and scenic views such as this are easily accessible in the heart of Culpeper. There is a paved walking, running, and biking trail that leads around the park. If you have time you can take your hike off of the paved path to the Daughters of the American Revolution trail just across Mountain Run and thru the woods.

When Trees Talk

Take a close look at the facial expressions on the  trees. They appear to be laughing and talking. Wonder what they are saying. An audience of bright yellow buttercups, billowy white clouds, soft blue sky, a field of  lush green grass, or  the wild life on Mountain Run Lake? Certainly a peaceful setting among views of the Blue Ridge mountains on this perfect day in Virginia's Northern Piedmont for such imaginations.

Culpeper Sheep Dog On Duty

I stopped along Route 3 South of Culpeper to take the picture of the sheep. The surprise was the very protective sheep dog watching over the flock. He is in the left center of the picture and blends in well with the sheep.... until he barks...

Mountain Run Lake - Culpeper Virginia

The north western corner of Mountain Run Lake in the Spring. Saturday afternoon fishing is a favorite pastime. The lake acts as one of Culpeper's Reservoir's. The mountain views that surround the lake remind me of Colorado with tall mountain backdrops. Families use the park and recreational area for picnics most of the year. Ducks and Geese use it year round....

Blue Ridge Mountain Flowers - Mothers Day

I took this picture yesterday at an overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Shenandoah National Park.
A perfect picture to commemorate Mother's Day. Natural beauty in a bright clear setting... Happy Mothers Day.

Blue Ridge Parkway Cyclist - Shenandoah National Park

Traveling along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Shenandoah National Park - A breakaway cyclists surges over the top of the mountain. I can imagine the satisfaction as he peers to a downhill stretch. The views are magnificent. The temps in the low 60's. The air mountain fresh.... Wow what a day to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway. There were cyclists everywhere today. The Parkway entrance is just west of Culpeper approximately 30 - 40 minutes through Sperryville or through Stanardsville. Culpeper is a perfect base to experience a Blue Ridge Parkway ride adventure. Check with local experts at the Bike Stop in Culpeper for regional ride information.

Culpeper All American Yard

Spring in Culpeper brings the beauty of a wide variety of flowers and blossoms. Many of the downtown historic homes have well manicured yards. One of my favorites is shown here with a crisp American flag swaying in the breeze complimenting the traditional white porch rail. Colonial style columns fit perfectly in the traditional architecture. Nothing says stability more than towering oak trees and maple trees in the background. The serpentine brick walkway is reminiscent of a Williamsburg setting. Picture perfect!!

St. Stephens Episcopal Church - Culpeper Virginia

As we celebrate the National Day of Prayer on May 5th, 2011, I am struck by the steeple of St Stephen's Episcopal Church and what it means.  The church has stood tall for almost two centuries with it first recorded minister in 1814 and being erected in 1821. The steeple remains a visible landmark and reminder of influence whose roots date back as early as 1731 in the nearby Germanna Colony. The Church was originally located in it's current location on one acre of land willed by the Revolutionary Patriot, Brigadier-General Edward Stevens, as a memorial to his young son. The cornerstone reads: “James Madison, President U.S.A. 46th Year of American Independence.” (source:  www.StStephensCulpeper.net).

This is also a very picturesque landmark to consider with rich Civil War period history as we commemorate the Sesquicentennial of Culpeper's Civil War heritage.