The Virginia Civil War Trail Marks Famous Sites and Battlefields

Virginia was the home of many famous battles of the Civil War. It is fitting that the Virginia Civil War Trails would mark so many famous sites and battlefields. Both armies marched across this state more times than anyone can count.

The trail system has been designed to promote tourism and allow for the study of history so that those lessons (good and bad) would never be forgotten. Tourism is expected to increase as we approach the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War in April 2011.

Richmond was the capitol of the Confederacy. It's proximity to the U.S. Capitol in Washington; D.C. made the city a logical target. The strategic advantage of many roads, bridges and trails made the perfect storm for Virginia to become a hotbed of military activity.

My family has traveled through parts of the Virginia Civil War Trail system. We're slowly trying to see something in every geographical area. Historic battlefields and sites are spread throughout the state. Many of the trails follow major roadways. This makes traveling much more convenient for tourists.

Honoring past history is the Civil War Trail in Virginia. This trail is one of the newer ones in the state and is part of the larger national system of Civil War Trails. Many lessons were learned between April 1861 and April 1865.

There are 5 geographical areas to the Civil War Trails in Virginia. These include; Central Virginia, Southside and Lee's Retreat, Valley and Mountains, Northern Virginia and Tidewater. Each area has its own story to tell.

Some of the Virginia Civil War Trails battlefields and sites are outlined below. Follow the links for addition information.

Virginia Civil War Trail Battlefield - Central Region
Richmond area
Gaines Mill Battlefield
This park spans parts of 3 counties and is the site of 4 major battles. Visitors need to set aside a full day to see this park. There are many monuments on the 80 mile road. Richmond area battlefield sites are free.

Virginia Civil War Trail and Battlefield - Southside and Lee's Retreat
Appomattox
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
This museum marks the site of the surrender of Robert E. Lee. There is a visitor center and many exhibits. This is an "all day" site. An admission fee is charged. This varies by season. The link above outlines the fee schedule. Since the tour is self-guided picking up a map at the visitor center is a must. Otherwise you will miss much of the park history.

Virginia Civil War Trail and Battlefield - Valley and Mountains Virginia
Shenandoah Valley
Shenandoah National Park
To go through the park visitors will need to take Skyline Drive in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The speed limit is 35. The park rangers are very firm on this.

My family took a day and only saw part of the Shenandoah National Park. Next time we will definitely stay in the park. Campgrounds, cabins, a lodge and a resort provide lodging. There are many overlooks to enjoy and the Appalachian Trail crisscrosses Skyline Drive several times. Expect to see bear or other animals, steep inclines, curves and absolutely stunning views.

Virginia Civil War Trail and Battlefield '" Northern Virginia
Manassas area
Manassas National Battlefield Park
It is hard to imagine that such fierce fighting could happen in such a beautiful spot. The truth is, this was the site of not one, but two battles.

Food isn't available. There are 2 picnic areas. The one where we stopped had a large parking area and covered pavilions. Visits can range from an hour to all day if you want to explore the park in depth.

Virginia Civil War Trail and Battlefield '" Tidewater
Yorktown
Yorktown National Battlefield
Yorktown was the site of the last battle of the Revolutionary War. It was also part of the Peninsula Campaign of the Civil War. The fee collected at the visitor center is $10 for adults age 16 and over. National Parks Passes are accepted. An audio CD of the driving tour costs about $5. The tour itself takes just over an hour. Find out more on the link above.

Sources:

Personal Experience
Civil War Traveler.com
Virginia Tourism
On to Richmond.com
Hampton Roads.com
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