The Civil War from 1861 - 1865
More major Civil War battles were fought in Virginia than any other state. The history of America’s greatest internal conflict runs deep here. When you visit the Richmond Region you can follow the course of the Civil War from start to finish -- from the spot where Robert E. Lee accepted command of the Virginia state forces in 1861 to the last great battle at Petersburg in 1865. Learn why the names of places such as Seven Pines, Petersburg, Cold Harbor and Malvern Hill are forever etched in America’s memory. Watch the videos.
Itinerary 1: Peninsula Campaign
Named for the large-scale Union operation of 1862, this exciting, two-day itinerary begins at the American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar and takes visitors to the very battlefields where the infamous Seven Days Battle raged from Chickahominy Overlook to Malvern Hill.
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Itinerary 2: Overland Campaign
The Overland Campaign of 1864 was a massive series of battles between the armies of Lee and Grant that proved to be a strategic victory for the Union. Start at Historic Tredegar at the American Civil War Center and National Battlefield Park, then follow this two-day itinerary through the footsteps of the soldiers that fought at North Anna Battlefield Park, Cold Harbor, Trevilian Station and more.
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Itinerary 3: Bermuda Hundred Campaign
The Bermuda Hundred Campaign was a series of battles fought at the town of Bermuda Hundred, outside Richmond, Virginia, during May 1864 in the American Civil War. Union Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler, commanding the Army of the James, threatened Richmond from the east but was stopped by forces under Confederate Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard. Follow the footsteps of the soldiers who fought through the Petersburg area.
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Itinerary 4: Siege of Petersburg
The Siege of Petersburg from June 9, 1864, to March 25, 1865 was the longest siege in American warfare history. For nearly every attack the Union made around Petersburg, another was made at Richmond. Through this strategy Grant's army gradually encircled Petersburg and cut Lee's supply lines from the south. For soldiers of both armies it was ten months of rifle bullets, artillery and mortar shells, relieved only by rear-area tedium, drill and more drill, salt pork and corn meal, burned beans and bad coffee.
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