Each year I look through the Garden Club of Virginia’s Historic Garden Week brochure for properties open to the public that played a role in the Civil War. This year there are two tours showcasing such properties. Garden Week runs from April 18-25.

Tuesday April 21- morning and afternoon Williamsburg Tours- The Cole-Garrett House was owned during the war by Dr. Richard Garrett. The house was used as a hospital where the doctor cared for soldiers from both armies. Bassett Hall- After the Civil War Battle of Williamsburg, Union cavalryman George Armstrong Custer stayed as a guest in the Confederate Bassett household. Custer’s West Point classmate, John W. Lea, a Confederate officer, recovered from wounds at the Bassett home and became engaged to a daughter of the house. Custer served as best man at their wedding.

April 25- On the Eastern Shore of Virginia Sugar Run served as a Civil War hospital.