Camp Lee
Information about Camp Lee in Richmond, VA during the Civil War.

Camp Lee was also known as New Fairgrounds, or Camp of Instruction.

Camp Lee was used as a training camp in the early part of the war and consisted of several barracks-type buildings that appear to have been used for garrison and hospital purposes later in the war

Camp Lee was located west of the city, north of Broad street at the present location of the area behind the Science Museum of Virginia (former Union Station)
From Confederate Military Hospitals in Richmond by Robert W. Waitt, Jr., Official Publication #22 Richmond Civil War Centennial committee, Richmond, Virginia 1964.

Written Accounts

1859-01-07, Richmond Dispatch; residents of Jefferson Ward to purchase land at “Hospital Hill” (Chimborazo) to give as a fair grounds. Description notes that “it is within the city limits, and will be under control of the Mayor..."
1860-10-30, Richmond Dispatch; the upcoming cavalry encampment at the "Central Fair Grounds" will be called "Camp Lee," fifteen companies to attend
1860-10-31, Richmond Dispatch; praises the establishment of Camp Lee and the upcoming cavalry encampment - in this time of "ominous clouds...none of us can tell how soon the services of the troops may be needed."
1860-11-01, Richmond Dispatch; notes on the success and proceeds of the late Agricultural Fair at the Central Fair Grounds
1860-11-01, Richmond Dispatch: Capt. Charles Dimmock has resigned from the board of the Central Agricultural Society
1860-11-02, Richmond Dispatch; a cavalry company from Caroline county will be attending the upcoming encampment - there will be 16 companies there
1860-11-03, Richmond Dispatch; adv for Medical College Hospital, gives prices and names surgeons, McCaw, Gibson and Peticolas among them
1860-11-06, Richmond Dispatch; Executive Committee of the Central Agricultural Society to meet
1860-11-06, Richmond, Dispatch; paragraph noting the upcoming cavalry encampment and that a local citizen has donated a saddle to be won by competition - some of the troops named
1860-11-07, Richmond Dispatch; the first troops are expected today at Camp Lee.

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