Freeman Store and Museum
Caught in Conflict
Caught in Conflict.
In 1859, Abram Lydecker, a New Jersey merchant, purchased land in Vienna on which to build a large combination dwelling and store. The Lydecker family was displaced early as the Civil War swirled around the small village. Vienna village changed hands many times and the Lydecker’s store and residence was occupied by both sides. Union officers were quartered here and kept their horses in the cellar. The Confederate army used it as a hospital.
The Alexandria, Loudoun and Hampshire Railroad passed nearby. A wooden bridge connected the store with the tracks. On June 17, 1861, Confederate troops ambushed and routed soldiers from four companies of the First Ohio Regiment less than one-half mile from this spot as they approached Vienna by train. The Federals, most of whom had left the train to fight, were forced to retreat on foot when the engineer hurriedly escaped with the locomotive and attached cars.
After the war, Anderson Freeman joined Lydecker, his father-in-law, in the business. When the next generation took over, it became the Freeman Store. The store closed in 1929 but remained a residence until the 1950s.
The Town of Vienna purchased the building in 1969. It was restored and opened as a museum and old-time general store. The restored building was dedicated June 6, 1976, and is operated by volunteers of Historic Vienna, Inc.
Marker is at the intersection of Church Street and Dominion Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Church Street.
Courtesy hmdb.org
