A visit to the Historic Battlefields of Virginia

Virginia is home to some of the most historic spots in America, and if you’re history buffs like us, then a road trip through Virginia, exploring some of the most historic places would definitely be a bucket list experience!

We recently visited a few battlefields in Virginia during a summer road trip, and it was amazing stepping foot into all the history. There are quite a few battlefield locations to visit in Virginia, and I’ve listed a few that we’ve seen so far, but will be adding more along the way, so check back for updates.

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Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park

One of the first places we visited on our battlefield tour is the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. This is where the Civil war roared to it’s bloody climax, at the Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and the Spotsylvania battlefields.

Start your visit at the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitors Center. Watch the short orientation film, and explore the exhibits before you make your way to the battlefields.

Our little one enjoyed some of the interactive exhibits and getting to put a stamp on her National Parks Junior Rangers passport, which you can purchase at the museum shop, or get one online here.

The Battle of Fredericksburg was fought December 11–15, 1862, between the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia and the Union Army of the Potomac, as part of the American Civil War.

In Fredericksburg,  you can visit the actual Battlefield and the Cemetery. There are a few highlights worth noting here, one in particular is the Stone Wall and the Sunken Road. This Stone Wall was used during the Civil War as protection during this treacherous battle.

You can still see the original wall, some parts have been restored, but a small part has been preserved.  There are a few other historical sites to see here, you can go on a guided tour, or simply go at your own pace. 

Chatham Manor

Our next stop is at Chatham Manor, which is located just a short drive away from the Fredericksburg Visitors center. Chatham Manor is part of the Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park and it’s so beautiful.

This magnificent Georgian mansion played a vital role as a Union headquarters, hospital and soup kitchen. You can go on a free self guided tour of the mansion and explore its past life.

One of the highlights of this mansion are it’s marvelous gardens, and the magnificent views of the city. Definitely worth a visit if your ever in the region!

Chancellorsville

Chancellorsville Visitor Center was the next stop on our battlefield tour. The Visitors Center has a wealth of information on the battles fought here with the many hands on exhibits and videos.

It was especially kid-friendly and our little one enjoyed playing with the many exhibits. She may not really understand what happened, but she truly enjoyed listening to the stories and was really interested.

I thought that this museum was the most informative if you want to learn more about the Civil War and it’s battles.

Wilderness & Spotsylvania

The Wilderness and Spotsylvania battlefields were last in our tour, and they were basically the sites of the battle. The only Visitors Centers are at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.  You will however find park rangers here that can help you with some info and offer some guided tours as well. 

Manassas National Battlefield Park

Manassas National Battlefield Park preserves the site of two major Civil War battles, the First and Second Battle of Bull Run. There are a few historic sites to visit, including the Stone House, which was used as a hospital during both battles, and the Stone Bridge. 

Make sure to stop by the Visitor Center, and watch the orientation film, and explore the exhibits, which includes Civil War-era uniforms, weapons, field gear and an electronic battle map.

There is also a gift shop and bookstore where you can purchase souvenirs. Don’t forget to get your National Passport book stamped, and pick up a Junior Ranger Book for the kids to complete. 

You can even hike the park, which includes more than 40 miles of hiking trails. There are also a few guided tours to help you explore the park. Scheduled events can be found here. 

Yorktown Battlefield

Another place to add to your battlefield tour in Virgina is the Yorktown Battlefield. Visit the place where American Independence was won at Yorktown.

Yorktown is where the British forces surrendered to the American and French armies led by General George Washington. Start at the Visitors center and watch the orientation film, and explore the museum exhibits.

Make sure to get your National Passport book stamped and pick up a Junior Ranger booklet for the kids. Once they complete the activities, they can receive a Junior Ranger badge.

You can also join a Ranger guided walking tour of the battlefield and the 18th century town, or explore on a self guided driving tour. Make sure to download the Yorktown battlefield app to complement your self guided tour of the battlefield.

*Read our blog on our visit to the Historic town of Yorktown. I share the top things to do in this charming town, including a visit to the Yorktown Revolutionary Museum. You can also read our blog on our visit to Williamsburg, visiting some of the most historic towns along the Historic Triangle of Virginia.

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