Auburn: Culpeper’s historical gem

Clark “Bud” Hall
Published: May 1, 2008

More than 20 years ago when I first began researching Culpeper’s rich Civil War history, I was fortunate to meet a truly memorable lady—a lady in the truest sense of that distinguished term. It is a fact that Sallie Ratrie Witten, the matriarch of Auburn, helped set the model for Culpeper graciousness, geniality and unselfishness of spirit.

And although she has been deceased for more than a decade, I can close my eyes and envision the lovely Mrs. Witten sitting serenely on Auburn’s porticoed porch while relating tales of an era now gone with the wind. In her beautiful, ancient Virginia dialect, Sallie repeatedly expressed her love for Auburn—she pronounced it “Awhhburrn”—and I know how proud she would be today of the tender care Auburn receives from her two loving daughters, her sons-in-law, and their children.

Built in 1855-1856 for James A. Beckham and located just west of Brandy Station, Auburn is located precisely in the center of the most beautiful 425-acre farm field in Culpeper County. Architects describe Auburn as embodying “Greek Revival” style, and this gleaming, white home situated solidly within the southern sector of the Brandy Station Battlefield repeatedly witnessed significant action during the Civil War.

Someone once inquired, “Which Culpeper farm hosted more general officers, on both sides, than any other?” My answer: “Unquestionably, Auburn.” Some homes indeed received more Confederate generals (Afton; Redwood; Beauregard), while others entertained more Union generals (Farley; Rose Hill; Greenwood; Glen Ella;). But, at one time or the other, Auburn observed all the top commanders, both Blue and Gray—including R.E. Lee and Ulysses Grant. (If only those old walls could talk…)

In late 1862, John Minor Botts, a cantankerous Whig from Richmond and ardent Unionist, fraudulently took possession of Auburn (long story) from a demented, incapacitated James Beckham. Franklin Stearns, a Richmond businessman and fellow Unionist, “co-owned” Auburn, and Stearns also purchased nearby Farley at the same time. Botts moved his wife, three daughters and a son into Auburn in January 1863.

Within days of Botts’ Culpeper arrival, the Civil War literally landed right on his front doorstep, as General Jeb Stuart—having no love for “Yankee John Botts”—galloped up at Auburn “with his entire cavalry force.” “General Stuart…took possession of every part of my premises,” Botts complained, “with his highly incensed command.” Little did Botts know that Jeb Stuart’s harassing visit would be the least of his wartime concerns.

More cavalry battles occurred in Culpeper than any other county in this country, and most took place while successive commands advanced and retreated from Fleetwood Hill over the broad, flat plain stretching between Auburn and the railroad tracks. Thousands of cavalry troopers crossed sabers within a bugle call of Auburn’s front porch, and there is no doubt that the last structure many dying soldiers witnessed was Auburn itself.

Beginning in November 1863, the Army of the Potomac moved into Culpeper for six months and Auburn’s grounds were covered with thousands of tents and drilling soldiers. Sympathetic to the North because of his political alienation from Virginia, Botts invited generals Ulysses Grant and George Meade, as well as many other Federals to dine at Auburn. Ironically, the evidence is abundantly clear that Auburn survived the war simply because Unionist Botts was “friendly with the Yankees.”

John Minor Botts died in 1869 and a court decision resulted in his heirs losing the farm back to the Beckham family from which it was originally stolen. Turner Ratrie, Sallie Witten’s father, purchased Auburn in 1915, and this acquisition signaled the beginning of the present ownership of this magnificent estate.

Now for some great news…Based on an extraordinarily impressive application submitted by Auburn’s owners, Sarah Witten Barron and her husband, Bill Barron, and Crimora Witten Ayers, the Board of Historic Resources has placed Auburn in the Virginia Landmarks Register, honoring Auburn as one of the Commonwealth’s precious historic resources. Further, Auburn has been entered into the National Register of Historic Places, meaning of course, Auburn is now recognized as a national historic treasure. What an honor!

Congratulations to Auburn’s entire family! Gazing down from upon high, your beloved Sallie Ratrie Witten must be deeply proud of each of you.

Clark “Bud” Hall is the leading authority on Culpeper’s role in the Civil War. E-mail .