Civil War/Historic Attractions
SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY
"Crossroads of the Civil War!"
Spotsylvania County is rich with Civil War history. For in depth information on the many sites and places to visit in our area we recommend that your first stop by one of our County's Visitor Centers.
*Spotsylvania County Visitors Center at Massaponax
4704 Southpoint Parkway
Fredericksburg, VA 22408
540-891-8687 / 1-877-515-6197
*Spotsylvania Courthouse Visitors Center
9102 Courthouse Road
Spotsylvania, VA 22553
540-507-7996
Spotsylvania Courthouse Battlefield
-This is the site of the May 1864 Civil War battle that lasted two weeks.
-Take a five mile driving tour of this historic battlefield. The tour begins at the Spotsylvania Exhibit Shelter and ends on Route 208. Follow the brown and white tour markers and wayside exhibits as they guide you and provide you with information about this historic battle.
-Do you enjoy long walks? Take the walking tour of the battlefield. It is a six mile trail that covers the majority of the field. This main trail is called the Spotsylvania History Trail.
-The Bloody Angle walking tour is just about a mile long and takes approximately thirty minutes to complete. Here is where it is believed that the most intensive hand to hand fighting of the Civil War was held. Historians lead guided walking tours through the end of October on most weekends.
Fredericksburg Battlefield
-The battle known as General Robert E. Lee's easiest victory and took place on December 13, 1862.
-The location of the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitors Center is at the base of historic Marye's Heights on the Fredericksburg Battlefield. Here you can watch a twenty-two minute film about the battle, tour the museum exhibits and pick up numerous maps and brochures at the information desk. Also on site you can shop at the bookstore near the center for an extensive collection of Civil War books.
-Several walking trails can be accessed from the visitors center. Some of them are: Marye's Heights Walking Trail, Sunken Road Walking Trail, National Cemetery Walking Trail, Hamilton's Crossing Trail. Be sure to ask about other walking trails available when at the visitor center.
-Historian guided tours are available for the Sunken Road. The walk takes about thirty-five minutes to complete. Check out the times and dates available at the visitor center.
-A ten mile round trip driving tour will allow you to visit most of the Fredericksburg Battlefield. The starting point is at the visitor center. A detailed driving tour brochure is available at the bookstore.
-Cassette tape tours will provide you with one of the best ways to see the Fredericksburg Battlefield. Tapes can be rented or purchased at the bookstore. To complete the tour it takes approximately three hours.
