port republic museum

Founded by the The Society of Port Republic Preservationists in 1993, the Port Republic Museum is located between Port Republic and Cross Keys Battlefields in the Shenandoah Valley. Housed in the 1830's Kemper House where Stonewall Jackson's Cavalry Commander Turner Ashby laid in state after being shot through the heart during actions at Cross Keys, the Museum chronicles Port Republic's history as a colonial river port town and setting for two Civil War battles. The exhibits include artifacts spanning several centuries, a documentary film about the history of Port Republic, and a research library. This little gem of a Museum includes a gift shop and gardens and is the starting point for the Society's walking tour of the well-preserved historic village of Port Republic that passes by Madison Hall, Stonewall Jackson's headquarters during the Battles of Port Republic and Cross Keys. The walking tour is truly a step back in time as the layout of Port Republic has remained essentially unchanged since its 1802 charter, and most of the structures have been restored or are in the process of restoration. On my visit to Port Republic Museum I followed the self-guided walking tour of the village and received a personal guided tour from one of the docents covering battle actions that took place along the river near the museum. I spent a wonderful afternoon in Port Republic and would recommend this museum to history and Civil War buffs.

Typical Civil War site with little of additional interest to us. Known battle by Jackson but really not of real interest.