Friends of Wilderness Battlefield 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.

FOWB President Bob Lookabill remarks that “FOWB wishes to acknowledge the tremendous support received from VDHR personnel and is profoundly grateful for their guidance as we move forward in the preservation and interpretation of this important piece of Orange County’s Civil War history.” 

This property was a significant part of the 1863 Payne’s Farm fight that occurred during the Mine Run Campaign in 1863.  There is also other significant history that is pre- and post-Civil War connected to this property. 

FOWB looks to 2026 to begin completing the preservation and interpretive process as well as reaching out for support as we continue to move forward.

FOWB is fully committed to advancing Orange County’s heritage tourism and battlefield preservation.  In addition, this property provides open space conservation, recreation and wildlife habitat opportunities along with the goal of presenting significant Orange County, State of Virginia and United States history.

FOWB’s purpose is to promote for the benefit of the public, the preservation,

protection, and interpretation of the natural and historic resources located in the

Wilderness area of Spotsylvania and Orange counties.

Additional information is available on FOWB’s website www. fowb.org.

Donate Here: https://www.fowb.org/randolph-artillery-tract