CEDELL BROOKS, JR. (u Shiloh Election District 1

JOSEPH W. GRZEIKA James Madison Election District COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR DENNIS W. KERNS JAMES B. HOWARD 10459 Courthouse Drive, Suite 200 James Monroe Election District King George, Va. 22485 Telephone: (540) 775-9181 DALE W. SISSON, JR. Fax: (540) 775-5248 At-Large ElectionDistrict E-mail: [email protected]

C. STEPHEN WOLFE II Dahlgren Election District January 4, 2005

Mr. Stephen R. Biicki Underwater Archaeologist Historical Trust 100 Community Place Crownsville, MD 21032-2023

Dear Mr. Bilicki:

I am in receipt of your letter of December 10, 2004 regarding submission of your grant proposal to the Department of Interior, National Park Service for funding from its American Battlefield Protection Program. Please be advised that King George County supports this grant application as it will perform valuable historical research related to site identification of Confederate and Union Civil War positions along the . As the Potomac River borders King George County, I strongly believe we will benefit greatly from this proposed research project.

If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to call me.

Sincerely,

Dennis W. Kems I County Administrator

Geb

Cc: Perm. File Stephen R. Bilicki Underwater Archeologist Maryland Historical Trst

Maryland 100 Community Place Department of Crownsville, Maryland 21032-2023 Housing and 410-514-7668 * 1-800-756-0119 Community Fax: 410-987-4071 Development ihcki~dhcd.state.md.us

"p /w/vwwdhcd state md us Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Governor Michael S. Steele Lt. Governor Victor L. Hoskins Secretary Shawn S. Karimian Deputy Secretary

NI'Ri-LN Dietatia -s of H1t SING & COMMUNY DEVELOPMENT

December 10, 2004

Mr. Dennis Kerns County Administrator, King George County 10459 Courthouse Drive, Suit 200 King George County, 22485

Dear Mr. Kerns:

The Maryland Historical Trust will be submitting a grant proposal to the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service for 2005 funding from their American Battlefield Protection Program. This grant project proposes to perform mapping, research, survey, and site identification of Confederate and Union Civil War positions along the Potomac River. Letters of support from interested parties are encouraged by the National Park Service.

From May 1861 to March 1862, the Confederates established positions on the Virginia side of the Potomac River from Freestone Point, Prince William County to Mathias Point, King George County. Several promin- points were entrenched with guns batteries to close the river off, separating Washington from the Chesapedl. Bay. Confederate naval personnel staffed these positions, in addition to CSS City ofRichmond, an armed vessel that roamed this portion of the river. Union forces countered the southern opposition with encampm and a naval forc;

This project xN i Ii ii I i I. 1iiy JI.,\\ I I i i Ii I l I -I j J~~ lot Q: i I 'Lu It will open opportunities for Local, County and State governments in understanding and expanding historic interpretations of this American resource, through the Gateways program or other preservation efforts for th Potomac River Battlefield. Additionally, it will offer an opportunity to highlight efforts made toprscr Ou historically and culturally significant sites through a joint public and private sector cooperation.

With development of major tracts of land near the shores of Potomac River, it is critical that we continu tO preserve and foster heritage tourism efforts to protect and comprehend this limited Civil Warcultural resourcc.

Sincerelk.

Stephen R. Bilicki Underwater Archaeologist. Maryland listorical Trust cc: Mr. Steve Lakin (DHCD, Office of Government Affairs)

DivisioN OF HiSTDRICAL AND C1 11RAL PROGRA%1¶s 100Co_)\1\(_unTPLAcrCRC\T tmvu13 Pli- -_410-:514-7600 1:-\ 410-QS7-4o71 T [F ': t-800-750-0110 IU /D': 71 1DQ-3-2A-J\\W 7 KE~,NIT Maryland Historical Trust Page 1 of 2 Maryland Maritime Archeology Program, Crownsville, Maryland

TITLE: Potomac Gauntlet: The Ten-Month Campaign on the Potomac River in 1861-1862.

Reference sheet for Maryland Historical Trust's - Maryland Maritime Archaeology Program project for activities below Washington D.C.

The American Civil War began with Confederate batteries firing on Fort Sumter, although Union and Southern objectives to finish the conflict varied. Deprived of a strong naval force, Confederate military leaders supported a land-based campaign aided by shipments of material from sympathetic foreign nations. The Union combined their strong land force with a naval plan to cut off outside aid to the southern rebels.

A Union plan to blockade the seceded states was implemented from to the Gulf ports; Virginia and were added to the plan later. "The heart of the celebrated Anaconda Plan which would strangle the Confederacy on all sides was control of the sea and inland waterways by the Union Navy; the strategy of victory was (a) strengthen the blockade, (b) split the Confederacy along the line of the Mississippi River, and (c) support land operations by amphibious assault, gunfire and transport". In the beginning few weeks of Anaconda, the approach to Washington D.C. by the Potomac River was ignored by the north

Confederate naval officers recognized the importance of the waterway and moved forward with a plan to control the river below the city. At Aquia Creek, with its railroad connection to Richmond, Confederate officers erected the first batteries to defend the railroad to their capital city and close the water route. Soon these forces had batteries from Occoquan Bay to Mathias Point to control the narrowest parts of the Potomac River. The capture of the USS George Page by the South provided them with a gunboat to attack Washington or at least to threaten the city.

Commander James Ward USN, proposed the creation ofa small flotilla to provide a naval presence in the and its tributaries. Commander Dahlgren also suggested the construction of land batteries to command the Potomac River and provide communication from the mouth to Washington by fast steamers. These forces could provide Union protection to Washington and its citizens.

From May 1861 to March 1862, Confederate and Union forces crossed swords on the PotomaL River. Southern calvary and foot soldiers countered amphibious operations by the North durin the whole period. Both naval forces engaged shore batteries and were successful in capturing vessels in the river. Admiral D.D. Porter USN commented on these early operations on the Potomac and Chesapeake: " the country was too busy watching the black clouds gathering1 South and West to note the ordinary events that were taking place on the Potomacyet the\

Gauntlet" campaign. The various combatants used current technological advances in wu : including rifled guns, mines and naval air. The outcome was not dcidcdby thes atst advances but by the manpower lemands ofthe Confederate stacs. Maryland Historical Trust Page 2 of 2 Maryland Maritime Archeology Program, Crownsville, Maryland

TITLE: Potomac Gauntlet: The Ten-Month Campaign on the Potomac River in 1861-1862.

Project objectives: The Maryland Historical Trust will lead this project and attempt to locate and identify the batteries, campsites, shipwrecks, ammunition dumps, and skirmish locations of the ten-month campaign.

Professional archeologists, students, volunteers, and interested private parties will work together in gathering data to achieve a better understanding of these activities during this campaign. Terrestrial and underwater archeological teams will work to complete the work necessary for the National Park Service's American Battlefield Protection Program. The result will allow preservation specialists to develop heritage tourism strategies and resource management plans for the complete region, state and local authorities.

Potomac Gauntlet timeline (revised): 04/21/61 - Confederate battery constructed at Aquia Creek (CSN). 04/22/61 - Union organizes a Flying Flotilla (USN). 05/21/61 - USS Pocahontasseizes steamboat off Machodoc Creek, Va. 05/24/61 - First landing of Union troops on Virginia shores, surrender of Alexandria demanded. 05/29/61 - Potomac Flotilla engages Confederate batteries at Aquia Creek. 06/01/61 - Continued attacks on Aquia Creek batteries. 06/14/61 - Confederates bum American schooner near Machodoc Creek, Va. 06/24/61 - Potomac Flotilla shells Confederate batteries at Mathias Point, Va. 06/27/61 - USS Resolute burns Confederate supply depot. - Potomac Flotilla attacks Confederate forces at Mathias Point. - Commander Ward killed, first naval officer of the war to die.* - John Williams will be awarded the first Medal of Honor for his actions.* 06/30/61 - USS Reliance destroys a sloop. 07/05/61 - USS Dana captures a sloop in Nanjemoy Creek Md. 07/07/61 - USS Pocahontasfires on and damages CSS George Page. - Floating mines picked up by USS Resolute.* 07/29/61 - Potomac Flotilla engages Aquia Creek batteries. 09/25/61 - Potomac Flotilla engages Confederate battery at Freestone Point, Va. 10/11/61 - USS Union bums Confederate schooner in Dumfries Creek, Va. 11/11/61 - Thaddeus Lowe makes balloon observations of Confederate forces from first aircraft carrier USS G. W. Parke Custis.* 12/09/61 - Potomac Flotilla engages Confederate forces at Freestone Point, Va. 12/21/61 - US Congress authorized Medal of Honor, our nation's highest award.* John Williams of Potomac Flotilla awarded first Medal of Honor for his actions on 06/27/61. 01/01/62 - Potomac Flotilla engages Confederate batteries at Cockpit Point, Va. 03/09/62 - Landing party from Potomac Flotilla destroys abandoned Confederate batteries at Cockpit Point and Evansport, Va. CSS Page founded blown up.

*- Indicates a historical first. CEDELL BROOKS, JR. Shiloh Election District

ROBERT H. COMBS COUNTY ADMINISTRAT : James Monroe Election District L. ELDON JAMES, PO Box MICHAEL J. GERAGHTY Dahigren Election District King George, Va. 22 Telephone: (703) 775-9i, JERRY D. GOODMAN FAX (703) 775-5248 James Madison Election District

D. KEITH McGINNIS'

Mr. Robert Clare P.O. Box 202 King George, VA 22485 Dear MaAfare: /eo Regarding your recent inquiry of the Board concerning the Historical Society restoring the old jail as a museum, it would appear the best way to proceed is to develop an agreement between the County and Historical Society for this purpose. At your convenience, please contact my office to set up an appointment to discuss the framework involved in developing such an agreement. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely,

L. Eldon James, Jr. County Administrator geb cc: Perm. File Chron. File C2,08'01 THU 1":51 FAX 540 663 4485 JAMES

KING GEORGE COLT HISTORICALSOCIEFI P.O. Box 424

Februry 8, 2 00 King George, Virginia 22485

King George Counv Boacd o'Superisors King George, VA

Ann: Grace Bottomly

Re.: King George County Historical Society

The KG County Historica Societywould like to address the Board of Supenisors at the meeting on February 20, 2001.

The following are the topics to be addressed.

. Update the Board members with past year and current year progress with the istor Cal Society.

2. Expansion of the Historical Society with regard to the Museum.

3. Givc an update on the progress/status of the operations of the Museum.

Thanking you in advance for the opportunity to address the Board of Supervisors

Respectfully submitted,

James F. Mullen, President ROBERT J. BARLOW 3',- James Monroe Election District

CEDELL BROOKS, JR. Shiloh Election District COUNTYADMINISTRATOR THOMAS E. HARRIS MARILYN J. EICHELBERGER Post Office Box 169 Dahigren Election District King George, VA 22485 Telephone: (540)775-9181 ROBERT P. FUSCALDO FAX: (540)775-5248 At-Large Election District

JOSEPH W. GRZEIKA James Madison Election District September3,1999

Mr. James Mullen P.O. Box 1291 Dahlgren, VA 22448

Dear Mr. Mullen:

I am writing to ask for your insight into three matters that I believe to be beneficial to King George County.

1. I have attached an article out of the Richmond Times Dispatch concerning funds through the Save America's Treasures program for Kenmore, the home of George Washington's sister. You had previously indicated to me that George Washington's grandfather's home is in King George (still standing) and I thought that we may want to pursue purchase or preservation of the home.

2. The King George Recreation Department (Tony Herdemian, Director) is pursuing a project at the Wilmont Landing (erosion control and boat ramp), however, in conversations with the Army Corps of Engineers, issues were raised concerning "historic artifacts" on the County property at Wilmont, and further that the State Department of Historical Resources would therefore need to be involved.

As County Administrator and a lover of history, if we need an archeology study done I am in full support however I would appreciate your perspective with regards to such historical artifacts.

3. I am trying to determine how many (if any) historical or archeological sites we may have lost to development over the past few years. Again your expertise would be of great value.

In closing, I hope that you will be able to provide some insight and direction on these two matters. I would like to go and see firsthand the home site.

Thank you for your anticipated assistance and if you have any questions or concerns I am available at your convenience.

Sinc

Thomas E. Harris County Administrator Restoration group will assist Kenmore

FREDERICKSBURG - A restora- tion project for Kenmore, the .home of George Washington's sis- ter, has been named an official project of the Save America's Treasures program. Save America's Treasures is de- -signed to bring attention to sites, 'documents, monuments or other cultural artifacts that tell the story of American history. The program's high-profile proj- ects include an effort to preserve 'the flag that inspired "The Star- Spangled Banner" and the renova- tion of the Washington Monument. Congress approved $30 million for Save America's Treasures last year, funds that go directly to the histonc projects selected. Addi- tionally, the program has raised an- other $33 million from corpora- tions, foundations and individuals. Carol Underhill, who is respon- 'sible for grants and special projects at Kenmore, said Kenmore's desig- nation couldn't have come at a bet- ter time. Officials have been plan- ning a major overhaul for five years, and work will get under way later this year. Kenmore was the home of Field- ing Lewis and his wife, Betty, who was George Washington's sister.