About Us
Bradford County and the Civil War (BCCW) was created with a goal towards ensuring all things Civil War related within the county were placed in one convenient location for easy reference. Spearheaded by the 141st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, as part of the Northeast Brigade, BCCW’s goal is to promote our heritage, and keep Bradford County’s Civil War history alive.
The 141st PVI is an anomaly among re-enactor groups in that a vast number of the membership is descended from Bradford County Civil War soldiers! Since our members take their hobby seriously, many of the group have traveled many miles to participate in recreations of Civil War battles. Sites such as Shiloh, Chicamaugua, Spotsylvania, The Wilderness, Antietam, Fredericksburg , Bentonville, Funkstown, Appromattox and, of course, Gettysburg have seen our soldiers trace the footsteps of men from Bradford County.
Locally, the 141st PVI participates in parades, honor ceremonies, the Troy Heritage Days and hosts an annual reenactment at French Azilum Historical site. Re-enactors from all points of the compass converge to enjoy the camaraderie of competition.
History of Soldiers Rest
Soldiers Rest was built near the Orange and Alexandria Rail Road Depot to provide a rest for soldiers traveling through Alexandria by train.
The complex was used as a hospital from May 28 to October 4, 1864, according to relief worker Julia Wilbur. During that time it was part of the 1st Division General Hospital and then returned to use as a rest stop. (Source: Civil War DC website, from National Archives data.)
From the Alexandria Gazette, October 21, 1863:
Designed for the accommodation of U.S. troops arriving and remaining temporarily in this place, recently built at the upper end of Duke Street near the railroad depot, is said to be the largest and most complete establishment for the purpose contemplated, in the U.S. or anywhere else. It has sleeping apartments, bathing rooms, reading rooms, etc. etc. The estimated cost of the whole establishment is $50,000
