Lee County Virginia Historical Society

06/13/2026

05/29/2026

Underage soldiers during the civil war were not that uncommon. This four minute read gives some interesting background to the subject.

Families turned to habeas corpus to recover enlisted sons, forcing a constitutional showdown over military power.

05/28/2026

The Lee County Historical and Genealogical Society held a sign dedication ceremony today for the Battle of Jonesville Civil War Trails sign. President Becky Jones started the ceremony with Ken Roddenberry introducing author Dr. Brian McKnight. McKnight, a professor of history at the University of Virginia at Wise, described what happened at the battle and events that led up to what is known as the 'Frozen Fight.' Steven Starnes, a GIS specialist with the City of Kingsport, also spoke, detailing the many artifacts he has unearthed at a nearby farms that helped define the battlefield

Many people and groups were involved in this project. The Civil War Trails and Chris Brown guided us, creating a beautiful sign and installing it, VCEDA with its financial support and Tourism Capital Improvement Matching Fund, the Lee County School Board in allowing the sign to be placed on school property across from the Dickenson-Milbourn House and Lee County Tourism and Lesile Litton for their support.

We also appreciate society members and volunteers including Richard Parsons and Kyth Banks for their time in research, planning and coordination.

The Battle of Jonesville began January 2 and ended on the third of 1864 with the surrender of Union Major Charles H. Beeres of the Sixteenth Illinois Cavalry to Confederate Brigadier General William E. Jones. The Civil War Trails sign documents these events and is located on the Jonesville Middle School property directly across in front of the Dickenson-Milbourn House, a prominent landmark during the battle. The house sheltered Union soldiers and was used as a field hospital. Majority of the battlefield is private property, so please be respectful.

05/20/2026

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This is great news!

05/11/2026

With this year being the 250th anniversary of the United States, let's reflect on Lee County's Revolutionary War Patriots! Do you have a Revolutionary War soldier in your family tree? Are they buried here in Lee County? Tell us in the comments!

05/04/2026

The Lee County Historical and Genealogical Society will not be meeting this week, Saturday, May 9. Instead, we encourage our members to visit Wilderness Road State Park for their Virginia for Liberty: 1776 program. The event will take place on May 8th to May 10th and is part of Virginia's celebrations of American's 250th anniversary! . Here is a description of the event.

Join us for our three-day Virginia for Liberty: 1776 event, and experience a story 250 years in the making.

The setting:
By the spring of 1776, the rumbling of revolution can be felt across the American colonies and into the far corners of the wilderness. The old Buffalo Trace now symbolizes freedom, though on it a dark shadow grows. For those in the west, community becomes key. Settlements are a beacon of strong will and steadfast determination. The call to unite in the midst of tyranny is heard amongst the whispers on the wind.

Travel to Martin’s Station and experience the growing spirit of independence.

Find wares of all types amongst the merchants and tradesmen.

Meet the illustrious individuals who traverse the trace and the indigenous peoples they encounter.

Immerse yourself in America’s story. Our story.

Schedule:
Friday, May 8; 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 9; 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 10; 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
$10 per vehicle Friday & Saturday; $5 per vehicle on Sunday

About VA250:
Experience history where it happened! Virginia State Parks’ VA250 programs bring America’s founding ideals to life through hands-on adventures and stories that sparked a revolution and shaped a nation. See the full list of VA250 events here: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/va250

VA250 Events at Virginia State Parks
Virginia State Parks are celebrating America's 250th birthday with various events throughout the year.

Please email [email protected] if you have any questions about this event.

Virginia State Parks are celebrating America's 250th birthday with various events throughout the year.

04/27/2026

It is done! If you happen to be driving in Jonesville, stop by the new Civil War Trails, Inc. sign on the Battle of Jonesville.

We are grateful to the many people and organizations who helped make this project possible. We would like to thank the Civil War Trails and Chris Brown for their guidance, creating a beautiful sign and installing it, VCEDA for financial support through its Tourism Capital Improvement Matching Fund, the Lee County School Board for allowing the sign to be placed on school property across from the Dickenson-Milbourn House and Lee County Tourism and Lesile Litton for their support. And a very special thanks to Andrew for helping with the digging!

We are also thankful for society members and volunteers who have contributed their time and effort in researching, planning and coordinating.