The Philo Parsons Conspiracy

Location of Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park in Virginia

Where

Program Location: Visitor Center
Main Park Address: Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park, 6541 Saylers Creek Rd., Rice, VA 23966.

When

Oct. 10, 2026. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

In September 1864, a group of Confederate agents boarded a passenger steamer on Lake Erie with a plan that, if successful, could have set the northern frontier ablaze. This lecture examines the seizure of the Philo Parsons and the audacious scheme to capture USS Michigan and free prisoners from Johnson’s Island.

Through court testimony, newspaper accounts, and diplomatic correspondence, visitors will explore how espionage, cross border networks, and calculated risk nearly carried the war onto the inland seas. By the end of the presentation, the Civil War appears not only as a clash of armies, but as a conflict shaped by conspiracy, ambition, and the thin line between bold strategy and reckless failure.

This program will be presented rain or shine. For questions about this program, please contact the Visitor Center at 804-561-7510 or email Shannah.Winchester@dcr.virginia.gov.

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes.
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 804-561-7510
Email Address: SailorsCreek@dcr.virginia.gov