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.
Mailing Address
P O Box 576
Locust Grove, VA 22508
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.
New hours for Payne’s Farm Interpretation will be 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Saturdays and Sundays only beginning this coming Saturday through Sunday, August 11.
Zoar Baptist Church has graciously allowed us to park in their parking lot, so there is plenty of parking available. The church is directly across the street from the event.
Register below online or download and mail this pdf, here
FOWB 5K & 10K Rally
FOWB is helping promote this event and we would love to have you join us in preserving, promoting, and protecting this property. The property is owned by the American Battlefield Trust, and FOWB is assisting in stewarding it and telling it's story. Some of us intend to walk it, and both walkers and runners are welcome.
Registration is now open and you can sign up to participate. You get a T-shirt and a medal with your registration fee. See details and deadlines in the event information.​
Thank you to Our Sponsors
Come experience Historic Ellwood Manor & Wilderness Battlefield
Located 30 minutes West of Fredericksburg , Virginia.