Back to Blogs
Richmond, Virginia is one of the most well known historic Civil War destinations in America, capital of the Confederacy and an important battlefield during the war. This comprehensive guide is a great way for families with children to explore the depth of Civil War history in Richmond.
You'll want to start your journey at the American Civil War Museum and for good reason, the historic Tredegar was the former iron works that produced more than half of the cannons used by the Confederacy. One of the best things about The American Civil War Museum is that it presents the conflict in a more balanced way, not just from the military perspective, but also from that of civilian life and the stories of both enslaved and free people. On the other side, the Richmond National Battlefield Park visitor center offers important maps and Junior Ranger booklets for young historians.
Head to Capitol Square, where Richmond was at the center of the Civil War. Here, the bell tower once alerted citizens of oncoming battles; while the Capitol building hosted both Virginia and Confederate legislatures. St. Pauls Episcopal Church is where the news of the imminent fall of Richmond reached Jefferson Davis.
Drop in at the Confederacy White House, home of Jefferson Davis, where Mary Bowser, an enslaved woman believed to be a Union spy, set an interesting tale of espionage in action. Drive on to Chimborazo, home of the largest hospital complex of the Confederacy, with sweeping views of the countryside where citizens of Richmond used to watch battles from afar.
Cold Harbor Battlefield is one of those bloody grounds where more the 6,000 Union troops fell during war. The preserved trenches provide a sobering insight into what life was like for the military. Proceed to Gaines' Mill, site of one of the most important battles of Seven Days' Battles of 1862 where General McClellan's Peninsula Campaign faced heavy counterattack from those of Robert E. Lee.
Malvern Hill is among the most scenic battlefields, being the site of the dramatic end to the Seven Days' Battles. From there, head over to Berkeley Plantation, home of the headquarters of General McClellan. The plantation is still scarred by the war, one of its buildings still sporting an embedded cannonball.
Fort Harrison is where the Union secured an important victory in 1864. This six-mile driving tour has multiple stops, but the visitor center and its well preserved fortifications area must see.
Petersburg National Battlefield is where a nine-month siege eventually led to Confederate defeat. Don't miss the Crater which is the result of a Union attempt to break Confederate lines by tunelling below them.
Stop by General Grant headquarters at City Point, now a serene point along the James River once a bustling military port. The original cottage where Grant held court provides a glimpse into Union efforts during the war's final months.
Though military history dominates the Civil War sites in Richmond, the city offers many opportunities to explore the other side of the era:
Richmond's Civil War history presents challenging topics, but experiencing the stories of these sites is a great opportunity for families to discuss slavery, freedom, and reconciliation. Preserving and interpreting these historic places will help new generations understand this critical chapter in American history.