Richmond and Area – Civil War Sites

Richmond was capital of the Confederate States of America from May 1861 until April 1865. Elements of the major battlefields are maintained by the Richmond National Battlefield Park. Although part of the city burned when it was evacuated in 1865, many sites associated with the Civil War in Richmond survive and are open to the … Read more

Southside Virginia & Lee’s Retreat – Appomattox Campaign

Lee Surrenders Appomattox

Driving Tour Following successful Union attacks on his far-right flank at Five Forks on April 1, 1865, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee decided to abandon Petersburg and head west and south in an attempt to join Gen. Joseph Johnston’s army in North Carolina. Union commander Gen. U.S. Grant followed aggressively. Rapidly moving Federal forces blocked … Read more