Beautiful view, horrific history

The one thing that constantly amazes me is how much I learn by taking photos. And often what I learn has more to do with the setting than photography itself. This photo is the perfect example.

Anyone would be happy to take this shot. I certainly was. The late afternoon light was perfect shining on the Blue Ridge Mountains, highlighting the ice-encrusted trees along the undulating summit. This is the southern section of Shenandoah National Park.

I noticed a historical plaque close to where I had stopped to get the shot. So I pulled up to read what the plate said. I was stunned. Here among all these rolling farm fields against the backdrop of the mesmerizing Blue Ridge Mountains a bloody, decisive Civil War battle had been fought. Known as the Battle of Piedmont, Union soldiers defeated Confederate troops. This led to the fall of Staunton and control of the railways in the Shenandoah Valley, known as the Breadbasket of Confederacy.

The combat was costly on both sides. The Union suffered 800 casualties and the South nearly twice as many with 1,500. I wondered if passersby knew of the blood spilled all those decades ago. What did the farmers think as they plowed those fields?

I took the photo with mixed emotions. The scenery was marvelous, the history humbling. Without the marker, this would be just another beautiful rural scene. In reality, it is so much more than that.

“Beautiful view, horrific history” is my Photo of the Week.

Author: Bruce Stambaugh

Writer, marketer, columnist, author, photographer, birder, walker, hiker, husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, township trustee, converted Anabaptist, community activist, my life is crammed with all things people and nature and wonder. My late father gave me this penchant for giving and getting the most out of life, my late mother the courtesy, kindness, and creativity to see the joy in life. They both taught me to cherish the people I am with. I try and fail and try again. View all posts by Bruce Stambaugh

5 thoughts on “Beautiful view, horrific history”

Bruce – how chilling to almost stand there with you as you read the news. That Happened to me on belle isle and at few other civil
War sites –

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Bruce Stambaugh says:

March 14, 2019 at 8:19 pm

Yes, chilling is exactly how I felt, despite the view.

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1. Prior... says:
  
  March 14, 2019 at 9:28 pm
  
  And it is so important to remember and your post will help many of us to pause a bit today – I know I did and you wrote it so well
  
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I think there are times when it is so important to stop and marvel at God’s beauty, but as you so beautifully pointed out, some times its just as important to remember those who came before us. Who loved the land or fought and died for the land. And the sacrifices that were made to keep it.Thank you Bruce for the reminder.

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