The following articles by Staunton historian Charles Culbertson are available as PDFs and may be paid for securely with Paypal. The article(s) purchased will be sent to the e-mail address you provide to Paypal. Please allow one working day.
A Concise History of Staunton, Virginia In 2,507 words, an overview of the history of the Queen City of the Shenandoah. FREE! Click here.
Mary Julia and the General How Augusta Female Seminary headmistress Mary Julia Baldwin hoodwinked the Yankees during the Civil War. Words: 3,749.
The Great Fire of 1911 An errant gasoline stove threatens to destroy downtown Staunton. Words: 1,338.
The American The history of Staunton's only surviving hotel from the Civil War. Words: 916.
Valiant John Greene He was the first American soldier to be decorated for heroism in World War I after the U.S. officially entered the fray – and he was a Staunton, Va., boy. Words: 1,090.
The Virginia The story of one of the most historic hotels in the United States. Words: 1,048.
The Royal Queen Elizabeth Miller She was named after royalty, but this Queen provided a home for abandoned and unwanted children in Staunton. Words: 1,304.
Buffalo Bill Rides Again The great plainsman makes one of his last public appearances in Staunton in 1916. Words: 1,036.
The Daring Life of William Meade McMechen The old man who was killed on Staunton's railroad tracks in 1930 was more than just a wandering, confused patient at Western State Hospital. Much, much more. Words: 3,778.
Billy Sunday and "The Sawdust Trail" Famed evangelist Billy Sunday brings hellfire and brimstone to Staunton in 1926. Words: 2,081.
Gypsy Hill Park: "No Fitter Place" A history of Staunton's famed, historic and lovely Gypsy Hill Park. Words: 1,092.
Death on the Half-Shell The convergence of a drunken Confederate soldier and an unfortunate waiter results in one of Staunton's most publicized trials. Words: 2,412.
Tempest in a Silver Set Staunton newspaper editor Richard Mauzy enrages Confederate cavalry Col. Asher W. Harman, with unpleasant results. Words: 947.
"Staunton's Hero" Itinerent filmmaker Don O. Newland comes to Staunton in 1929 and makes a two-reel, silent comedy using city residents as the "stars." Words: 3,741.
A Leg-Up For Humanity Augusta County resident James Hanger – the Civil War's first amputee – invents the world's first moveable, artificial limb.Words: 874.
Mary Baldwin's Hidden House Renovations at Mary Baldwin College in Staunton in 1997 yields a startling prize. Words: 502.
The Fort That Never Was: Or, the Shenandoah Mountain Skeedaddle The Confederate fortress on Shenandoah Mountain near Staunton was supposed to form a bastion against Yankee attack. Instead, it became the scene of a comedy of errors. Words: 1,386.
The Forgotten General: Robert Lilley The life of Confederate Gen. Robert D. Lilley. Words: 964.
The Proud Rebel He was just a boy, but as a member of Mosby's men, John McCue of Staunton was facing death at the hands of a Yankee court. Words: 902.
Not All Were Patriots Southerners were great supporters of the Confederate cause. Well, most of them were. Here's a look at those who weren't. Words: 1,137.
Visions of the Past Photographers in Staunton captured the people, places and events of the 19th century. Words: 1,277.
The Blakemore Photo Dynasty The life of Benjamin Blakemore, Confederate veteran and the leading photographer in Staunton for 50 years. Words: 1,133.
The Downtown of Yore A look at downtown Staunton, from its early days to the glory days of restoration. Words: 1,342.
The Statler Brothers and "Happy Birthday, U.S.A." How The Statler Brothers started and maintained a 25-year tradition in Staunton – the famed "Happy Birthday, U.S.A." celebration that drew up to 100,000 people to the city each year through 1994. Words: 2,160.
A Confederate Ghost Moves On Shot down in Staunton's Selma mansion in the closing days of the Civil War, a Confederate soldier decides to stay put for the next 118 years. Words: 905.
The "Little Giant" Takes Staunton By Storm Stephen A. Douglas, seeking the Presidency, visits Staunton in 1860. Words: 1,290.
Staunton Honored Its Confederate Veterans Staunton lionized its citizens who fought for the South. Words: 942.
Staunton Liked Ike President Dwight D. Eisenhower visits Staunton in 1960. Words: 4,108.
J.E.B. Stuart's Battleflag Given to Staunton's Stuart Hall school by a descendant of Confederate Gen. J.E.B. Stuart, a historic battleflag used by the general during the war is treated with the ultimate disrespect in 2001. Words: 653.
Where is John Kenedy?
He wrecked a train that killed a man; he was tried in Staunton, convicted and sentenced to hang. But four days before his appointment with the noose, John Kenedy made the most daring – and successful – jailbreak in Staunton's history. Words: 2,532.
The Flood of 1896
Never before had Staunton seen such violence and destruction. When it was all over, much of the once-vital downtown had been smashed into kindling. Words: 2,437.
Death Knell for a City How the "urban renewal" craze of the 1960s wiped out a significant portion of Staunton's downtown, and threatened to destroy it all. Words: 937.
Staunton's General The story of heroic World War II Gen. Alexander M. Patch, Jr., and his love affair with Staunton. Words: 2,641.
Cave-In In 1910, the ground in Staunton opened up and swallowed a whole bunch of things – including a house! Words: 805.
The Nation's First Staunton pioneered the city manager form of government. This article explores how and why it came about, and takes a very human look at the nation's first city manager – Charles Ashburner. Words: 1,519.
