Civil War Road Trip: Battlefields, Museums and More

Gettysburg National Military Park – Battlefield, Museum & Visitor Center – The Battle of Gettysburg is often called the "High Water Mark of the Rebellion.” It was also the war’s bloodiest battle and the inspiration for President Lincoln’s famed “Gettysburg Address.” Start your tour at the Visitor Center to get an overview of the park, plan your time, and arrange a battlefield tour – seeing the 6,000 acres will help tie the history to the geography of this huge expanse where the fighting took place. Auto, group, horseback, biking, self-guided or professionally guided tours are available. Adjacent to the Visitor Center is the world-class Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War with informational and interactive exhibits that appeal to all ages and teach about the battle as well as the history of the Civil War. The not- to-be-missed, compelling 20-minute film, A New Birth of Freedom helps viewers better understand the battle; while the Museum helps visitors better understand the history and logistics. Check the schedule for living history demonstrations and reenactments which are well done and frequent. Be sure to stop at the Gettysburg Soldiers’ National Cemetery where Lincoln delivered his address and the final resting place of 3,500 fallen Civil War soldiers.

Ticket to the Past—Unforgettable Journeys the Virtual Reality Experience at the Gettysburg Lincoln Railroad Station – kids and adults will love this virtual reality experience at the old railroad station where Lincoln arrived for his famous Gettysburg Address. The experience allows you to follow the journey of one of three historic figures.

Historic Homes and Museums – Gettysburg boasts several restored homes from the Civil War which are high quality. The Jennie Wade House showcases the home of the only civilian to die in the Battle of Gettysburg. The David Wills House, Shriver House, Daniel Lady Farm, and Seminary Ridge Museum are also worth seeing.

Eisenhower National Historic Site – while Ike wasn’t around for the Civil War, Gettysburg is where President Eisenhower lived several times, retired to, and traveled to during his presidency to meet with various world leaders. The site provides a “warm and personal” look at the lives of Mammie and Ike Eisenhower. It is located next to the Gettysburg Battlefield and is a pleasant and educational stop before or after the Battlefield.

National Civil War Museum – About an hour north of Gettysburg in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is one of the largest museums solely dedicated to the “War between the States” – its history, causes, impacts, and the lives of those affected by this war. If you have the time, it’s worth a trip.

Monocacy National Battlefield – Even though Union forces were defeated at Monocacy in July of 1864, the encounter is called “The Battle that Saved Washington,” since it delayed (and ultimately stymied) Confederate plans to invade Washington, D.C. and influence the 1864 presidential elections. The Monocacy Battlefield is in a beautiful rural setting with rolling hills and trees, with six walking trails to stretch your legs. Consider the self-guided auto tour with a free audio guide. Special events such as re-enactments, commemorations, and lectures are held regularly (see Events Calendar).

National Museum of Civil War Medicine – this sobering and inspiring museum tries to link lessons from the past to today with interactive exhibits, storytelling, and special events. Discover the sacrifices, skills, innovations, and techniques used during the Civil War to save wounded soldiers’ lives.

Fredericktown Hessian Barracks – tour the exterior of this historic place which held captured Hessian soldiers during the American Revolution, and was then a state armory, fairgrounds, a Civil War hospital, and eventually the Maryland School for the Deaf.

Historical Society of Frederick County – check out the small museum and its low cost bus and walking tours that explore the county’s role in American history, including the American Revolution and Civil War.

National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton – In nearby Emmitsburg, the Shrine commemorates the life of 19th Century Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first U.S.-born person to become a Saint in the Roman Catholic Church. Start at the Museum and Visitor Center (don’t miss the 12-minute film) and then continue on a tour of the Basilica, farmhouse, and the St. Seton’s working houses. Kids will enjoy interacting with in-character staff at this living history museum.

Heart of Civil War Heritage Area Visitor Center – open seasonally, this NPS-run and staffed visitor center provides information, maps and brochures on the Civil War sites of three nearby Maryland counties. Some use it as a basecamp for exploring important sites such as Antietam, Gettysburg, Monocacy, South Mountain, Harpers Ferry, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park – this park is packed with interesting overlooks, historic buildings, museums, hikes and things to see in its 3,500 acres. The park is divided into ten distinct areas with Lower Town being the most popular. Don’t miss these sites: John Brown’s Fort, Pry House Field Hospital Museum, Industry House Museum, Dunker Church, ranger-led battlefield "walk & talk" tours, a self-guided auto tour, and the Harper Cemetery. The Park offers great opportunities for hiking, biking, climbing, fishing, and picnicking. Consider hiring a certified guide for a more detailed and personalized tour. The National Park Service has a recommended one-day itinerary.

Antietam National Battlefield – 18 miles from Harpers Ferry lies the naturally beautiful 3,000-acre Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg, Maryland. Top things to see and do include: Visitor Center, National Cemetery, a self-guided auto tour, ranger-led programs, and self-guided hikes. The many overlooks and vistas will make you forget the tragic history of this battlefield. The National Park Service lists certified private guides for those looking for a more in-depth experience at Antietam. The Park also offers a calendar of programs, re-enactments, lectures, guided hikes, and more.

C&O Canal National Historical Park – The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal runs 185 miles from Cumberland, Maryland, to Washington, D.C. The tow path runs the whole length, offering hiking, biking and paddling opportunities as well as mule-drawn canal boat rides.

Outdoor Pursuits – Harpers Ferry is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream! Both the Appalachian Trail and Blue Ridge Parkway run through the town. Hiking, rafting, horseback riding, and boating opportunities are plentiful.

Manassas National Battlefield Park – Start your visit at the Henry Hill Visitor Center & Museum and watch the 45-minute orientation educational film about the battles fought at Bull Run. Take the 20-mile self-guided driving tour (about two hours long), and consider using the free Bull Run Battle App from the American Battlefield Trust. There are also wonderful ranger-led walking tours and self-guided hiking tours. If you have time, visit the Brawner Farm Interpretive Center and the historic Stone House.

The Winery at Bull Run – Adjacent to the Battlefield Park is a charming winery that offers historical walking tours paired with wine tastings (of its locally produced wines) along the way.

Ben Lomond Historic Site – This former plantation was used by the Confederacy as a hospital after the first Battle of Bull Run in 1861. You can still see the signatures of soldiers who occupied the house. See the home, a restored slave quarter, smokehouse and a rose garden.

Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park – In nearby Bristow, tour the battlefields of the smaller Battle of Kettle Run (1862) and Battle of Bristoe Station (1863) at this 140-acre park. There are hiking and equestrian trails but no bathroom facilities. Use the Bristoe Station Campaign Cell App for a guided audio tour.

Farm Brew Live – Eat, drink, and listen at this wonderful indoor/outdoor entertainment, dining, and craft brewery which is a popular local hangout that you don’t want to miss!

Fredericksburg Battlefield – Stop at the visitor center and check out the ranger-led programs. Take the driving tour. Be sure to stop at Chatham Manor, a former plantation turned into a hospital, headquarters and communication center during the battle. Fredericksburg Battlefield has seven hiking trails that lead to important battle locations.

Chancellorsville Battlefield – Stop at the visitor center and check out the ranger-led programs. Take the driving tours. Be sure to stop at the Old Salem Church, the Chancellor House site, Hazel Grove, and Fairview. One of the four battlefield hiking trails takes you to where General Jackson was wounded.

Wilderness Battlefield – After a stop at the Wilderness Exhibit Shelter to get an overview of the battle, follow the driving tour. Be sure to stop at nearby Elwood Manor, a staffed and partially restored farm overlooking Wilderness. Check out of one of the five history-filled hiking trails.

Spotsylvania Courthouse Battlefield – Start your driving tour with a stop at the Spotsylvania Battlefield Exhibit Shelter to get an overview of the battle. Check out the two hiking trails winding through the battlefield.

General “Stonewall” Jackson’s Death Site at Fairfield/Chandler Plantation – Famed General Jackson died at this farm 10 miles south of Fredericksburg in 1864 during the Battle of Chancellorsville. He was injured by friendly fire, subsequently had his arm amputated, and died six days later. The grounds are open year-round but the house is only open seasonally.

Richmond National Battlefield Park – Spend a day or two checking out the 13 sites on this 2,300-acre battlefield overseen by the NPS. The stops are spread out over 80 miles, so plan accordingly. Popular stops include: Cold Harbor Battlefield, Gaines’ Mill, Glendale National Cemetery, Malvern Hills, Drewry’s Bluff, and the Chimborazo Medical Museum (formerly a Civil War hospital). Start your tour at the Visitor Center at Tredegar Iron Works, a former important munition factory in downtown Richmond. Do NOT miss the American Civil War Museum at the Historic Tredegar Iron Works. The Park offers multiple visitors centers, museums, exhibits, talks, tours, living history demonstrations, and special events.

White House of the Confederacy – One of three museum sites operated by the American Civil War Museum in downtown Richmond, this home served as the personal residence and office of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, until he fled with his family days before General Robert E. Lee surrendered to U.S. General Ulysses S. Grant. Even President Lincoln visited here. Today, it is well-preserved and offers a perspective on the impact of war for all those affected – white, black, free, and enslaved.

Virginia State Capitol – This imposing building in downtown Richmond stands in ironic testament to the survival of democracy. Designed by Governor Thomas Jefferson in 1785, this building saw the Virginia ratification of the Bill of Rights, the vote to secede from the Union by the Virginia General Assembly, the location of the Confederate Congress, and the location of Virginia’s certification of the Electoral College during presidential elections. If these walls could talk! Free one-hour guided tours are available every day including Sundays.

Historic Districts – Check out a wonderful Richmond historic district for taste of 19th century life. The Church Hill Historic District is filled with 19th century buildings, including homes, hip eateries, shops, and world-class bakeries. The historic St. John’s Church is where Patrick Henry gave his famous speech “Give me liberty or give me death!”. In summers, the church hosts re-enactments of the nine Founding Fathers’ debate. Tours are available but please be respectful since it is still an active congregation. Richmond has several other historic districts worth considering.

Petersburg National Battlefield – Nine months before the fall of Richmond in 1865, U.S. troops besieged General Lee’s troops, resulting in 70,000 causalities. By cutting off supply lines, the fall of Richmond was ensured as Lee’s army declined. This 2,700-acre site has plenty of history but also great hiking, biking, and even fishing, Check in at the Eastern Front Visitor Center for information on guided, self-guided and auto tours. At the museum, watch the 18-minute video to learn about the battlefield and see artifacts from the 292-day siege. Don’t miss the Poplar Grove National Cemetery where thousands of fallen Confederate soldiers are buried.

Appomattox Courthouse National Historical Park – see where it all ended, and Reconstruction could begin. The National Park Service does a wonderful job presenting the import of this battlefield through ranger-led guided programs, living history actors, tours, a film and artifacts. The 1,700-acre park has miles of hiking trails to enjoy.

American Civil War Museum – Appomattox – Visit this wonderful museum with over 400 artifacts (including the uniform General Lee wore at the surrender), photos, and documents. It provides unique insight into the Civil War and the surrender at Appomattox.

Charlottesville and Monticello – for those looking for more history, continue on to Charlottesville, Virginia, to see Thomas Jefferson's farm and slave plantation, Monticello. During the war, (long after Jefferson's death), the Confederacy seized and occupied Monticello because it was owned by a northerner, Uriah Levy. The estate was eventually returned to the Levy family. Charlottesville experienced almost no fighting during the Civil War but served as a resource for arms, uniforms, and artificial limbs. For a more in-depth visit to historic Charlottesville and Monticello, check out the GenieTrip, Southern Mountain Magic – Skyline Drive & Blue Ridge Parkway