After His Stunning Victory at Second Manassas Aug. 28-30, 1862, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee Decided to Seize the Initiative, Relieve Virginia and Threaten Washington by Marching North. In Early September, Lee Led His Ragged Army of 55,000 across the Potomac River at White’s Ford near Leesburg. By Sept. 7, the Confederate Army Was Marching … Read more
Fort Donelson National Battlefield 1 mile west of Dover, northwest of Nashville. Visitor center entrance on US 79. See park website for specific directions. This strong Confederate fortification on the bluffs of the Cumberland River was the site of the first major Union victory of the war and the place that introduced the term “unconditional … Read more
The seven-state Provisional Confederate Congress met for the first time here Feb. 4, 1861, to organize a government, adopt a constitution and elect a provisional president. By the time the Congress adjourned March 21, all was accomplished. Jefferson Davis was elected president and was inaugurated at the Alabama capitol Feb. 18. The expanding Confederate States … Read more
Murphysboro LoganGeneral John A. Logan Museum 1613 Edith St, Murphysboro IL 62966 618-684-3455 Museum is devoted to the life of Gen. John A. Logan, a popular politician before the war, good general during the war, and advocate for veterans following the war. He is credited with establishing the Memorial Day tradition. Open Tuesday–Saturday 10 am–4 … Read more
The modern US 340 corridor between US Route 50 and Interstate 64 encompasses some of the most beautiful landscapes and intriguing Civil War history in Virginia. During the war, the territory east of the Massanutten Mountain was connected by a variety of roads, most of them inferior to the “improved” and more famous Valley Pike … Read more
For more information about historic sites, stop by the Lynchburg Visitor Center, 216 12th St. Union Gen. David Hunter reached the outskirts of Lynchburg June 17, 1864, hoping to capture the important supply and hospital center. Hunter’s advance on Lynchburg followed a decisive victory over Confederates at Piedmont in the Shenandoah Valley two weeks earlier. … Read more
Kansas City Battle of Westport Visitor center located 6601 Swope Parkway, Kansas City MO 64132 (913) 345-2000 www.battleofwestport.org Westport A 32-mile, 25-stop driving tour guides visitors through this Oct 21–23, 1864, battlefield, now a busy part of Kansas City. The Union victory here proved to be the decisive moment in Gen. Sterling Price’s 1864 Raid … Read more
Grant’s Canals Two Louisiana sites commemorate Union Gen. U.S. Grant’s efforts to get at the Confederate stronghold at Vicksburg by digging various canals, trying to manufacture a waterway bypassing the forts there. All these efforts were ultimately failures. Grant’s Canal Park 600 Lake St, Lake Providence LA 71254 318-559-5125 (Byerley House) An attempt by Grant … Read more
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
Since Las Vegas is quickly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, it’s no surprise that there are millions of people looking for advice on what to do while they’re in town. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or you just want to brush up on some of your favorite haunts, read … Read more