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Jessica James | Award-Winning Historical Fiction Author
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History on Horseback: A Ride Back in Time

by Jessica James | Jul 19, 2020 | Blog | 4 comments

author jessica james ride through historyWhere Time Stands Still

History on Horseback: I’m not sure which one I enjoyed more this past Saturday: Getting to go on a two-hour trail ride through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, or getting to hear first-hand accounts about the history of our great nation.

The Trail Ride was put together by the Mosby Heritage Area Association and they never fail to offer a top-rate program. The ride began at historic Stoke Farm, then continued over the hills and pastures south of the village of Aldie and into the Bull Run Mountains. Along the way, historians and volunteers brought history to life, including the life of Revolutionary War spy John Champe, which deserves an entire post.

author jessica james historical fiction researchI rode a wonderful Clydesdale/Thoroughbred cross named Otto, who is used for foxhunting so I think he enjoyed the leisurely pace. (Although we did a lot more than just walk).

In addition to just getting to enjoy the view, we were treated to short talks about historic events that occurred in the area. The estate (called Stoke) where the ride started, had a ton of history all by itself. Built in 1840, the house was later renovated by Colonel Floyd W. Harris  in 1907.

The Fighting Berkeleys

historical fiction author jessica james visits stokeWhen the Civil War broke out in the spring of 1861, four local brothers enlisted in the 8th Virginia Infantry Regiment. They ended up serving with such distinction as officers that the 8th earned the nickname “The Berkeley Regiment.” Stoke was home to Norborne Berkeley, who served as Lt. Colonel and later Colonel of the 8th Virginia.

The house was also a “safe house” for Mosby’s Rangers, meaning it was used as a place of refuge when they were in between their raids. The house became the site of a skirmish when Yankees showed up hoping to find some of Mosby’s men. Bullet marks from the fight remain in the dining room to this day.

After the war, the estate was home to Eleanor Harris, who developed “Berkeley Gardens” during the Great Depression.

author jessica james history tourWe also passed a building that is believed to have been used as an “ordinary.” Inn or taverns were known as “ordinaries” in eighteenth-century America because they catered to the full spectrum of social classes. Ordinaries provided a variety of services, from meals and liquor, to overnight accommodations. While colonial law required innkeepers to provide suitable lodgings at a reasonable price, exactly what constituted “suitable” was always in question.

author jessica james history on horseback

History on Horseback: Historical Fiction author Jessica James on Otto.

I can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday morning than seeing history on horseback. Yes, I might be a little sore today, but it was worth every ache and pain.

The Mosby Heritage Area Association is sponsoring another ride on Aug. 1 in Upperville. If you live anywhere close by, you should take a look!

Don’t miss Part II of this post when I tell about Revolutionary War spy John Champe. We passed the site where his house stood, and learned about his harrowing ordeal trying to kidnap Benedict Arnold.

I also stopped by historic Aldie Mill, so will have some photos of that soon as well.

Part II and III: Coming Soon!

 

 

 

 

4 Comments

  1. Virginia
    Virginia on July 23, 2020 at 9:34 pm

    Beautiful country with a rich history. This looks like a great way to enjoy a beautiful day and learn about history. I envy you.

    A fan from Williamsburg VA.

    • Jessica James
      Jessica James on July 24, 2020 at 6:12 am

      Thank you. It truly was amazing. They did a great job presenting the history.

  2. Janet Davis
    Janet Davis on July 29, 2020 at 3:25 pm

    Thanks for sharing. Looks like a lot of fun!

    • Jessica James
      Jessica James on July 30, 2020 at 4:56 am

      Thanks! It was a great time!

 

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