Welcome to Friends of Wilderness Battlefield
Who We Are
The purpose of the Friends of Wilderness Battlefield (FoWB) is to assist the American Battlefield Trust and the Central Virginia Battlefields Trust in their efforts to preserve the battlefields in Spotsylvania and Orange Counties. The Friends provide advocacy, educational programs, and service projects for the battlefield.
FoWB comprises members from more than two dozen states and Canada. Nearly one-half of our members reside in the Virginia counties of Orange and Spotsylvania. Local members are integrally involved with the organization and its preservation activities, including interpretation at Payne's Farm, battlefield maintenance, events support, and community outreach and education.
What Makes FOWB Special
Unique Partnership
We enjoy a unique partnership with other like-minded historical preservation organizations to help maintain battlefield property and provide interpretation and living history events.
Beautiful Trails
The battlefield grounds are beautiful to walk, with lovely trails.
Heritage Program
We have a Heritage Program to honor ancestors who were there. We host a variety of Living History Events throughout the year, and host dinner or lunch events, with speakers.
Who We Serve
If you love history and want to be a part of our organization please consider becoming a member.
School and Community Groups
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Educational Programs for All Ages by prior arrangement
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Provide Speakers for your Meetings
Tourists
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Free Volunteer led tours of local battlefields
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Self Guided Driving Tour of the Battlefield
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Numerous Hiking/Walking Trails
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Acres of Beautiful Woods and Meadows to Explore and Enjoy
Volunteers
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Trained Interpreters at area battlefields
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Maintenance of area battlefields
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Committee work, research and special events
Latest News and Updates
If you would like to stay updated on our latest events and projects make sure to sign up below.
Park Day
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Payne's Farm
31391 Zoar Rd Locust Grove, VA 22508
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
It's Park Day! Every year, the American Battlefield Trust hosts an event called Park Day, where volunteers come out and help clean up parks around the country. FOWB is focusing on Payne's Farm currently, and we will have volunteers on hand that day to clean up trash, clear out debris, and help maintain the trail to ensure that this battlefield stays clean and safe for people and wildlife. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring gloves, clippers, and rakes if you have them.
Bug spray is recommended, and you might want to bring hand sanitizer in case you need to use the porta potty!
FOWB will provide water and light snacks!
We will be meeting in the Payne's Farm Parking area, across the street from Zoar Baptist Church at 31334 Zoar Road. Parking is limited, and additional parking is available in the church lot. Registration is not required for this event. Just show up and be ready to work! We hope to see you there.
Thank You to Our Race Sponsors
Nancy Manners Fahy
Past President Friends of Chatham
Vickie L Burns $100 Sponsor
Randolph Artillery Tract
The Virginia Department of Historic Resources (VDHR) has awarded a grant in the amount of $195,925 to the Friends of Wilderness Battlefield (FOWB) that will be used toward the purchase, preservation and interpretation of a significant piece of the 1863 Mine Run Battlefield, entitled the Randolph Artillery Tract, in Orange County, Virginia.
Learn more about how to help us purchase this historic piece of history.
