I recently visited downtown Herndon and noticed the Mosby’s Raid Herndon Historic Marker located there.
On March 17, 1863, Captain John Singleton Mosby, a Confederate Ranger of the 43rd Battalion of the Virginia Cavalry, conducted a surprise raid and captured four visiting Union officers who were then dining at the Purdie House.
Captain John Singleton Mosby was also known as the “Gray Ghost” since he was clever and hard to capture.
The photograph of this historical marker is located on Eldon Street in front of a brick bank building.
Apparently, this was the site of the Purdie House which no longer stands.
I actually have seen two different spellings for Purdie–Purdie and Purdy. Apparently Purdy ran the funeral home which is located near by. I wondering if the same person also ran the Purdie House?
I remember several years ago, attending a reenactment of Mosby’s raid in Herndon.
The reenactors were dressed as Confederate Rangers. They rode their horses quickly around the historical downtown area. I really don’t recall if they had any Union prisoners though.
This historical marker helps us remember and reflect on the past.
Question of the day: Did you enjoy learning about history in school?