civil war – Family Adventures VA

First Day at Chancellorsville

+Spotsylvania County Museum Fighting at Chancellorsville opened on the morning of May 1, 1863, along the Orange Turnpike and the Orange Plank Road. “The Battle of Chancellorsville started here – amid the homes of families living along the Orange Turnpike. On the morning of May 1, Ann Lewis ,…, found Union cavalrymen lounging in her yard.Continue reading “First Day at Chancellorsville”

Graffiti House – Brandy Station

The Graffiti House, located in the eastern end of the town of Brandy Station, Virginia, is believed to have been built in 1858 by the local postmaster. It is one of few dwellings in the village built before the American Civil War to survive intact to this day. Because of its location — on the Orange &Continue reading “Graffiti House – Brandy Station”

Stafford Civil War Park

This 41-acre park tells the story of the Army of the Potomac’s Winter Encampment in 1863. More than 135,000 soldiers occupied Stafford County while their new commander, General Joseph Hooker rebuilt his army. This critical time has been referred to in soldier’s letters as “The Union Army’s Valley Forge.” The Stafford Civil War Park preserves 3 earthen artillery fortifications, manyContinue reading “Stafford Civil War Park”

Chancellorsville Battlefield

Chancellorsville Battlefield is one section of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. This small area west of Fredericksburg witnessed the heaviest and most brutal fighting in American history. The battle of Chancellorsville involved more men, and resulted in more casualties, than any other battle ever fought on Virginia soil. The casualties from these battlesContinue reading “Chancellorsville Battlefield”

Fredericksburg Battlefield

South Lee Drive Trail Fredericksburg Battlefield has several walking trails. Years ago we visited the Fredericksburg National Cemetery and the Sunken Road and Stone Wall. This week we decided to go to the section of the Fredericksburg Battlefield in Spotsylvania County. We went to an area called Prospect Hill and walked the South Lee DriveContinue reading “Fredericksburg Battlefield”