Virginia National Golf Club Bluemont , Virginia

Virginia National Golf Club at the Battleground of Cool Spring is one of northern Virginia's crowned jewels.This extraordinary course is set between the scenic Shenandoah River and Blue Ridge Mountains. Between these two masterpieces of nature lie 18-holes of golfing splendor. The golf course is situated on property that resonates with fascination and history. Native American Indians first staked this land and named the Shenandoah River "Sherando, Daughter of the Stars." As Europeans began to arrive, King Charles granted more than five million acres to Lord Fairfax in 1646. This huge tract was surveyed in 1747 with the help of George Washington. In 1799, Thomas Parker built a house that he named "The Retreat" which later became the home of his grandson, Judge Richard E. Parker ("Hanging Judge Parker"), who presided over the trial of John Brown in 1859. The original house still stands overlooking the 18th green. John Brown's rebellion was a precursor to the Civil War. In 1864, advancing Union troops, under the command of General George Crook, were intercepted by a Confederate force sent by General John C. Breckenridge. The two armies met at Cool Spring. Fighting forced the Union troops across the river at the ford on The Retreat farm, where many drowned. The Battle of Cool Spring is remembered as the only Civil War battle fought in Clarke County, Virginia, and one remembered everyday by the golfers who visit Virginia National.