Honoring the Battle of Jonesville: A 2024 Commemoration Project

The Lee County Historical and Genealogical Society is proud to announce a special 2024 project to honor the Battle of Jonesville, a significant Civil War engagement that took place on January 3, 1864. This battle featured Union soldiers of the 16th Illinois Cavalry, led by Major Charles Beers, facing off against Confederate cavalry troops commanded by Brigadier General William E. "Grumble" Jones and Lieutenant Colonel Auburn L. Pridemore.

As part of this initiative, we are installing a Civil War Trails ® interpretive sign near the heart of the battlefield, across from the historic Dickinson-Milbourn House. Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore a driving tour of the battlefield, complete with trail markers featuring QR codes that provide detailed site information. To further enrich the experience, a visitor brochure will be available, highlighting key aspects of the battle and its historical context.

This project is made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Lee County Economic Development office and other valued partners who share our commitment to preserving local history.

We invite you to join us in this endeavor to commemorate and learn from the past. Stay tuned for updates on the project’s progress and upcoming events related to the Battle of Jonesville.

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VCEDA Approves Funds for Lee County Battlefield Tourism Project

JONESVILLE, VA – MAY 23, 2025 -- A new trails marker and monument commemorating the Civil War Battle of Jonesville will be constructed in Lee County, VA due in part to an up to $1,750 grant approved recently by the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA). The funds will be used to help finance the construction and installation of the trails marker and monument at 160 Middle School Drive (Bulldog Circle) in Jonesville.

The funds were awarded through the VCEDA Tourism Capital Improvement Matching Fund.

The Lee County Economic Development Authority (EDA) is involved in the tourism project as part of a collaborative effort among multiple stakeholders. 

The project, known as the Civil War Trails Initial Monument and Trail Marker Signage Installation Project, aims to establish a network of historical markers highlighting key Civil War sites in the region, with the initial focus being on the Battle of Jonesville and the Dickinson-Milbourn House in Lee County. 

“According to the Lee County EDA application, the initiative will enhance heritage tourism by educating visitors, preserving local history and stimulating economic growth,” said VCEDA Executive Director/General Counsel Jonathan Belcher. “Future plans of the initiative include additional signage installations, the integration of digital resources such as QR codes linking to historical narratives and partnerships with local tourism organizations to create guided tours and special events.” 

The Battle of Jonesville was a significant event in the region’s Civil War history and the nearby Dickinson-Milbourn House is a registered historic site. The Lee County Historical and Genealogical Society is providing a 1:1 match for the VCEDA grant.

The new trail marker will be located on property owned by the Lee County school system and within the Virginia Department of Transportation’s right of way.

The application notes that heritage tourism remains a strong economic driver, particularly for Civil War enthusiasts, history scholars and cultural travelers.  The project is expected to cater to those audiences by providing clear, engaging site interpretations.  The application further notes the community gains economic, educational and cultural benefits as the project attracts tourists, provides learning resources for schools and strengthens local identity.

Letters of support for the project were received from the Virginia Tourism Corporation and The Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority.

“The Economic Development of Lee County is grateful to VCEDA for awarding this tourism capital grant, which will help commemorate The Battle of Jonesville with a new Civil War Trails marker,” said Lee County Community Development Director Leslie Litton. “We are proud to partner with CWT and the Lee County Historical and Genealogical Society to bring this important chapter of local history to life. This investment not only honors our history, but also supports our ongoing efforts to boost heritage tourism and economic development in the region.”

About Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and Southwest Virginia’s e-Region: The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988 to enhance and diversify the region’s economy and help create jobs, markets Southwest Virginia’s e-Region and its focus on electronic information technology, energy, education, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship. VCEDA is a unique economic development organization that manages funds for economic development projects from a percentage of the coal and natural gas severance taxes paid by coal and natural gas companies that operate in the region. Located in southwestern Virginia, the region includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton. www.vceda.us or www.e-Region.org.