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
-
Educational Programs for All Ages by prior arrangement
-
Provide Speakers for your Meetings
Tourists
-
Free Volunteer led tours of local battlefields
-
Self Guided Driving Tour of the Battlefield
-
Numerous Hiking/Walking Trails
-
Acres of Beautiful Woods and Meadows to Explore and Enjoy
Volunteers
-
Trained Interpreters at area battlefields
-
Maintenance of area battlefields
-
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.
Tour at Payne’s Farm
Saturday, June 20, 2026
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Payne’s Farm Battlefield (Across the street from Zoar Baptist Church 31334 Zoar Road, Locust Grove, VA 22508.
Cost: Free and open to the public. Please note that a $10 donation is welcome but not required.
Tour At Payne’s Farm
Please join the Friends of Wilderness Battlefield (FOWB) on Saturday, June 20, as we lead a tour of Payne’s Farm Battlefield, in Locust Grove, VA. The tour will begin at 10:00 AM and will last approximately two hours.
Fought on November 27, 1863, the Battle of Payne’s Farm was the largest action during the Mine Run Campaign and was the last campaign in the eastern theater in 1863. The fight was a meeting engagement as portions of the Army of Northern Virginia and the Army of the Potomac marched to reach Locust Grove. Led by FOWB historians, the tour will discuss how the armies came in contact and the late afternoon fighting in the woods and fields of the J. Harrison Payne farm.
This month’s tour will be led by FOWB board member and public historian Michael Block. The tour route covers just over a mile, on uneven trail and dirt road. Sturdy walking or hiking shoes are advised. Please bring sunscreen and insect repellant and dress for the weather. There are no public restrooms.
Parking is available on the Payne's Farm Battlefield, across the street from Zoar Baptist Church, 31334 Zoar Road, Locust Grove, Virginia. Please do not park in the church parking lot. A $10.00 donation per person is appreciated but not required! We are looking forward to seeing you there!
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.
