On March 9, 1862, Hampton Roads was the scene of a terrific engagement, which revolutionized naval warfare. The first battle between ironclad ships, often called the Monitor-Merrimack (Virginia) engagement, is perhaps the most significant naval event of the entire Civil War. This duel is an epic tale that tells how steam-powered iron ships rang the … Read more
Johnsonville Johnsonville State Historic Park New Johnsonville TN 37134 931-535-2789 Confederate Gen. N.B. Forrest attacked a large Union supply base here on the east bank of the Tennessee River Nov. 4–5, 1864, hoping to disrupt Union Gen. William T. Sherman’s activities in Georgia. Forrest set up artillery on the west bank of the river and … Read more
Martinsburg Civil War Visitor information at 126 E Race St, or call 800-498-2386. Belle Boyd House 126 E Race St 304-264-8801 Restored home of the famous Confederate spy and several area museums, including the Boyd Mason Civil War Museum with much on Lower Valley sites. Gift shop and Civil War information here. Open five days … Read more
A visitor center is located in an old railroad station in the heart of Manassas and on the site of a critical Civil War rail junction. Two major battles were fought just a few miles north, along a creek known as Bull Run. The visitor center is a good place to get oriented to the … Read more
615 E Capitol Ave, Little Rock AR 72202 888-844-4781 Open Monday–Saturday 9 am–5 pm; Sunday 1–5 pm. Little Rock Campaign Tour Following the fall of Vicksburg in July 1863, Union military attention turned elsewhere. Marching west from Helena, 12,000 Union troops under Gen. Frederick Steele headed for the Confederate-held state capital at Little Rock. A … Read more
Virginia’s western counties had little in common at the outset of the war with the populous and politically powerful section of the state east of the mountains. Opposed to secession, political leaders from the west distanced themselves from Virginia’s decision to leave the Union. The rift was so great that the western counties themselves seceded … Read more
After suffering through months of fits-and-starts trying to get at Vicksburg from the north and east, Grant decided move most of his army west of the Mississippi River, march south, cross back over the river below Vicksburg, and then attack the main Confederate supply line to the city. Grant needed transportation with gunboat support to … Read more
Best known as home to Presidents Jefferson and Monroe, Charlottesville has an interesting Civil War history as well. The Downtown Visitor Center is a good starting point for history tours of the city and Albemarle County. Downtown Visitor Center – 610 E Main St, Charlottesville VA 22902. Open 9 am–5 pm daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas … Read more
Alexandria For more information about Alexandria Civil War-oriented walking tours, call 888-458-6778. Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site 4301 W Braddock Road, Alexandria VA 22304 703-746-4848 One of the 68 forts that ringed the Federal capital has been restored and interpreted. A nearby museum offers excellent Civil War exhibits relating to Alexandria’s war-time experience and … Read more
Another option for touring sites associated with the various Valley campaigns is to use U.S. Route 250 east and west. The road west of Staunton roughly parallels the old Staunton-to-Parkersburg Turnpike. This route will take you, sometimes on the original road, from rolling landscapes in the Valley into beautiful and nearly unspoiled areas in the … Read more