Rob's Historic Sites

During the War Between the States (aka unCivil War), Burrel Hemphill was a slave in the household of the very wealthy bachelor, Robert Hemphill, who had been killed in The Battle of Seven Pines on June 13, 1862. Sherman’s troops had been stealing what they wanted and burning what remained. When they approached the Hemphill estate in February of 1865, they reportedly demanded that Burrell reveal the hiding places of the Hemphill family’s silverware, other valuables and money that had been hidden from them. In an attempt to coerce Burrell to talk, the Yankees tied a rope to his ankles and dragged him up and down the road by a horse, before simultaneously hanging and shooting him. Despite the Yankees best attempts, Burrell died without saying a word. This monument erected in his honor reads, "In memory of Burrel Hemphill, Killed by Union soldiers February 1865. Although a slave, he gave his life rather than betray a trust. He was a member of Hopewell." (More info found in l...

This historical marker in Kenbridge, Virginia is one of many that comments on the lack of respect Yankee troops had for private property, homes, businesses, and churches during the war. Northern/Yankee troops from distant states even looted and severely vandalized George Washington's own Pohick church near Mt Vernon! At least this church building wasn’t burned down like others in the area. It begs the question, who killed, plundered, and destroyed more American people and towns; British troops sent by King George III or Yankee troops sent by Lincoln? Excerpt from this marker: Federal raiders "pillaged public and private property. The plundering of St John's Church, from which a silver communion service was taken, especially outraged local residents... The residence of Captain William A Adams was robbed of every light article of value it contained, the furniture broken up, and the house then committed to the flames. We hear many other reports of valuable residences ran...