![]() During the May 1863 battle the Union lines swept across the Howison farm on their way to the crest of the heights behind the house. Rising south and west of Braehead is Howison Hill, upon which Confederate artillery shelled advancing Federal troops. The house and property sat in the middle of the Confederate defenses for both the first and second battles of Fredericksburg. During the Civil War, Braehead became a refuge for locals during various Union occupations of Fredericksburg. Howison used salvaged brick from buildings already standing on his property to reduce construction costs, which totaled $15,000 when finished. The home is built of brick with a raised basement and a unique plan comprised of two two-story sections connected by a single-story central structure. John Howison built Braehead in 1859 as the home for his family, which included his wife Ann and seven children. Braehead is, however, a significant battlefield landmark and is one that still bears scars from the intrusion of war in the 1860s. The majority of travelers along this stretch of the tour road probably don’t notice the house, as it is screened by trees and lacks any markers or interpretive signs. ![]() The antebellum home sits along Lee Drive, between Tour Stops 3 and 4. Most visitors to the Fredericksburg Battlefield pass “Braehead” when driving the park auto tour. ![]()
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