“Truth! This story is dripping with real events and real history in a high-paced, dramatic form. Also, the characters were very captivating to me—Constance Armstrong, Aaron Ames and Frank Stringfellow in particular. Their personalities were so well defined that it was a joy to write their songs.” These, the comments of nationally recognized song writer Rod Stone, when asked why someone from the West Coast would want to invest so much time in a Civil War story, according to a recent press release from the Marching Through Culpeper, On Stage Production.

Culpeper is known for many things. Of all of them, the relationship with the American Civil War is at the top of the list. We live here and yet the story of our heritage is often overlooked. How can we preserve and illustrate the story of such drama on our streets and fields? Enter Virginia Morton, a local historian and author. Ms. Morton has captured the hearts and minds of local residents as well as national figures by bringing the story of Culpeper’s rich legacy dating back 150 years, to life.

Marching Through Culpeper, by Virginia Morton, a local best seller book will become a full stage production in August of this year. The stage production will be surrounded by events honoring the 150^th Anniversary of the Battle of Cedar Mountain as well as the newest attraction to Culpeper, the Marching Through Culpeper Stage Production. I say attraction, as the event will certainly bring visitors from far and wide to be a part of this first, of what I hope will be, an annual event.

With contributions of talent from the West Coast to Nashville, and locally, we are in for a real show. The mystery for now is who will play Aaron Ames? Could it be our very own Jon Krawchuk? We will see….

As we cultivate the development of our local Arts Community, this world class stage production is a prelude to what we will soon see at the State Theatre of Culpeper. The historic renovation of the State Theatre will also open doors for local and global talent to showcase their entertainment to the regional audience.

We have a culture of entrepreneurship emerging in Culpeper. It is great to see it take a very pleasant turn towards the arts. Entrepreneurship is really a synonym for creativity. Whether it is creating a new stage work or a new way to save energy, the genesis is creativity. The Arts can enable such wealth creation in our midst. Potentially financial wealth, yes, but more importantly, a wealth of ideas for a better Culpeper. A wealth of understanding for who we are, by knowing what we went through, to be the strong community that we are today.

A worthy thought for this Presidents Day. Honoring those who have led our great country. A prayer for those that will lead us in years to come.

Support the Marching Through Culpeper program and the Battle of Cedar Mountain 150^th Anniversary with your time, talent, and financial contribution, go to MarchingThroughCulpeperOnStage.com for more information.

Jim Charapich is the President/CEO of the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached at jcharapich@culpepervachamber.