Trevilian Station Collection
 Please Note: The Trevilian Station collection has now gone back to its owners and is no longer on display. Thanks to the owners for our extended loan while it was here! Here is what you missed:
On June 11, 1864, General George Armstrong Custer's command was under orders to effect the "Complete and thorough destruction of the Virginia Central Railroad". The local railroad served as a vital supply link connecting the Shenandoah Valley with Gordonsville, Trevilian Station, Louisa Court House, and the beleaguered Confederate capital in Richmond. The fight that ensued was described as "bewildering" as it was violent. Cavalrymen on both sides fought dismounted from tree to tree. By mid-day Custer's command had worked themselves behind the Confederate's scattered positions, capturing 1,500 of their horses, supply wagons, artillery caissons and prisoners. But within minutes, the tables were turned. The Union Cavalrymen were surrounded on all sides. Custer was slightly wounded and his own personal wagon train was captured by Confederate Cavalryman Lieutenant Frank Blair. Blair took the booty home to Texas where it remained for over 135 years.
Custer's captured items  make up the Trevilian Station Exhibit now on display at the museum.
Two items of particular interest are Brigadier General George Armstrong Custer's dress frock coat that he wore when he was married to Elizabeth Bacon in Monroe in February, 1864 and a 1860 Tiffany Presentation Sword  and Case.
|