The Race to Winter
The last few weeks at Montpelier have been busy. The staff is gearing up for three very exciting events—The Running of the Montpelier Hunt Races, Freedman’s Farm, and Confederate Winter Camp Site Walking Tour, and the all-new Christmas Candlelight Tour at Montpelier. 
The Running of the Montpelier Hunt Races will celebrate its 75th anniversary this Saturday, November 7. Marion duPont Scott founded the Hunt Races at Montpelier in 1934. Today, the Montpelier Hunt Races remain a beloved tradition in Orange County, Va.
Saturday’s races will feature an outstanding lineup. In fact, all but two of the seven races have already reached their entry capacity of 14. Two races are on the flat and five are over fences. The premier race is the sixth race, which is run over Montpelier’s signature live brush fences. These are the only live brush fences in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Most races are more than two miles and the horses make more than two turns around the course.
In addition to the great racing action, attendees are looking forward to tailgating, another great Virginia tradition! In fact, the renowned Chef Patrick O’Connell, the proprietor of the acclaimed Inn at Little Washington, will serve as the celebrity judge for the Dolley Madison Tailgate Competition. 
On the weekend after the Races, we will welcome visitors to step back into a different period of Montpelier’s history. Our quarterly Freedman’s Farm Tour, and Confederate Winter Campsite Walking Tour is scheduled for 2 p.m. on November 15.
George Gilmore was born a slave at Montpelier in 1810 and was emancipated at the close of the Civil War in 1865. He built his own farm only a mile away from Montpelier. Here, he and his wife, Polly, raised their five children. Ironically, Gilmore built his farm from the remains of Confederate camp, just to the north of his homestead. Montpelier has restored and interpreted the Gilmore Cabin: A Freedman’s Farm and is pleased to be able to share the story of another member of the Montpelier community.
The tour also includes a visit to Montpelier’s Civil War Encampment Site. General Samuel McGowan’s South Carolina Brigade occupied this area during the winter of 1863–1864, prior to the 1864 Battle of the Wilderness.
Montpelier’s archaeology department located and surveyed seven Civil War regimental camps and 12 company camps within the area occupied by General McGowan’s troops. From this discovery, the archaeology team could determine the structure of both officer and enlisted huts that were once there. The team also discovered the types of materials the troops used to survive the harsh winter of 1863–1864. Re-enactors from the 3rd Regiment of the Army of Northern Virginia rebuilt some of the huts this past summer.
As the leaves fall from the trees and the air becomes crisp, we’re reminded that winter and the holiday season are right around the corner. This season there will be anew, memorable way to celebrate with the Christmas Candlelight Tour at Montpelier. The tour will take place on December 5 at 5:00 p.m.
Guests will see the gate draped in greenery as they stroll the candlelit path to the mansion. Civil War re-enactors will be outside to teach visitors about 19th Century Christmas traditions, and share period holiday music, and stories. 
After an evening mansion tour, visitors can enjoy holiday music, wassail, wine, and light refreshments around the Christmas tree in the William duPont Gallery. Free wrapping will be available for Museum Shop gifts. Please call 540.672.2728, x109 or e-mail basher@montpelier.org to make reservations.
Montpelier will offer an additional Christmas Candlelight Tour for members on December 6 at 5 p.m. Please contact Karen Costello at 540.672.2728, x108 if you are interested in membership.
Tags: Civil War, Events, george gilmore, Hunt Races, Marion duPont Scott, Montpelier Excursions, Slaves and Slavery