Jackson Brigade 2012
Reunion
Lexington, Virginia — August 3-5
The time for the biennial Jackson Brigade reunion is
fast approaching, and itÕs time to make plans for this unique event. Over the
course of the past several months, weÕve put together a program that focuses
largely on Thomas Jonathan ŌStonewallĶ Jackson, but attendees will also learn
of the role played by Virginia Military Institute during the Civil War and will
visit the final resting place of General Robert E. Lee. Along the way, we hope
to have a couple of additional surprises.
Making these events more memorable is that they will coincide with our
nationÕs observance of the Civil WarÕs sesquicentennial.
Attendees will also have opportunities to explore on
their own. Apart from the attractions that comprise the official event stops,
Lexington and the surrounding area offer a number of interesting diversions,
including museums, scenic wonders, and shopping.
Schedule of
Events
Friday, August 3, 3:00-4:30
p.m.
Reception / Registration
Rockbridge Historical
Society / Campbell House
101 East Washington Street
The reunion begins with a very informal gathering at
the Rockbridge Historical Society. Attendees will pick up their reunion
packets, enjoy light refreshments, and browse the historical societyÕs
exhibits. For those not familiar with Lexington, we recommend as your first
stop the very helpful visitor center (106 East Washington Street), which is
just across the street from Campbell House.
4:30-6:00 p.m.
Downtown walking / carriage tour and Stonewall
Jackson Memorial Cemetery
From the historical society, weÕll depart on a short
tour of the downtown area. Those who prefer to walk will have a free guided
tour. Those who wish to ride will have the option to take a narrated tour on a
horse-drawn carriage for a fee. Seating
for the carriage tours is limited to about 26 people and will have to be on a
first-come-first-served basis. Please register as early as possible to ensure a
seat. The tours will conclude at LexingtonÕs Stonewall Jackson Memorial
Cemetery, where Stonewall Jackson House Executive Director Ms. Michael Ann Lynn
will briefly speak to us about the history of the cemetery and the Jackson
monument.
Following the tour, attendees will have the
opportunity to dine on their own or in groups.
Saturday, August 4,
9:00-12:00 a.m.
VMI Museum / Lee Chapel and
Museum visits
http://www.vmi.edu/content.aspx?id=12469
WeÕll tour the Virginia Military Institute Museum,
which houses the coat worn by General Jackson when mortally wounded, and the
Lee Chapel and Museum, final resting place of General Robert E. Lee, on the
campus of Washington & Lee University.
Following the museum visits, we will lunch on our
own or in groups, then tour the Stonewall Jackson House in pre-assigned groups.
Because the house tour maximum is 15 people, we will be divided into smaller,
pre-assigned groups, each group touring at a separate time. (DonÕt worry: we
wonÕt be breaking up your family, unless you specifically ask us to!) Attendees
may wish to use the remainder of the afternoon exploring some of LexingtonÕs
other attractions, such as the George C. Marshall Museum and the Museum of
Military Memorabilia, or perhaps revisit Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery.
The downtown area offers a nice opportunity for a stroll, exploring the various
small shops, etc.
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Dinner
Best
Western Plus Inn at Hunt Ridge, Lexington, VA
25 Willow Springs Road
Following a catered dinner at LexingtonÕs Best
Western Plus Inn at Hunt Ridge, we will be treated to a short program of
traditional tunes presented by local musicians, the Poison Bottom Boys, and a
presentation by VMI Museum Director Col. Keith E. Gibson titled ŌThrowing Away
the Scabbard: VMI in the Civil War.Ķ WeÕll also hold a silent auction,
including a few books relating to General Jackson. If you have any items that
you would like to contribute to the silent auction, please bring them!
Sunday, August 5, 11:00-2:00
p.m.
Picnic Lunch
McKethan Park
McKethan Park Road
After a lunch featuring a selection of sandwiches,
chips, and soft drinks accompanied by a few extras and desserts, weÕll be
addressed by Major Thomas J. Jackson (in the person of re-enactor Skip Koontz),
as he reflects on his early life, military career, and life in Lexington before
departing for the war. Afterward, we will hold our biennial business meeting
and memorial service.
Accommodations
We recommend staying at the Best
Western Plus Inn at Hunt Ridge, Lexington, VA. Thirty double rooms have been reserved
for the Jackson Brigade at a cost of $99.99 per night plus 11% tax. These will
be held until July 3, 2012. Jackson Brigade members and friends who would like
to stay there should call the hotel in Lexington at 540-464-1500 and identify
themselves as Jackson Brigade attendees to reserve at the special rate. The
hotel, approximately two miles from downtown Lexington, serves a fairly
complete continental breakfast and features an indoor/outdoor pool. We will
hold Saturday nightÕs banquet in the hotelÕs meeting room. The area features
many other accommodations to suit various budgets and including B&Bs,
cabins, and campgrounds.
Registration is
required for all events, including the ones for which there is no charge.
Feel free to bring family photos or genealogy to display
and share!
For more information, contact
Your reunion co-chairs
Jane C. Hilder 5707 Norton Road Alexandria, VA
22303-1027 jane@hilderwilliams.net 703-960-6820
John
M. Jackson
2675
Old Fort Road
Blacksburg,
VA 24060
jojacks2@vt.edu
540-961-3706