Discover The 9 Most Historic Battlefields in Virginia

Virginia is one of the original thirteen colonies and therefore the state is steeped in rich history. Long before Virginia was for lovers, the state was the site of some of the most important and deciding battles in American history. From the American Revolution to the Civil War, when you visit these battlefields, you can still feel and imagine the battles that took place at those sites. Let’s take a look at the nine most historical battlefields in Virginia.

Appomattox Court House National Historic Park

The Battle of Appomattox Court House was one of the last battles fought in the Civil War. It was also the last battle that Confederate General Robert E. Lee commanded. Lee retreated west after a devastating loss at the Siege of Petersburg. But Union forces pursued Lee’s army and blocked them off at Appomattox Court House. Lee had no choice but to surrender. That afternoon, Lee signed the surrender documents with General Ulysses Grant present. You can tour the battlefield including McLean House where both men signed the surrender documents.

Petersburg National Battlefield

A series of battles that took more than nine months, the Siege of Petersburg took place around Petersburg, VA in the last year of the war. General Grant created a trench warfare style type of campaign that proved unsuccessful. So he built a trench line for over 30 miles from Petersburg to just outside of Richmond. This proved successful as Lee was cut off from supplies. He had no choice but to abandon both Petersburg and Richmond and head west. The Petersburg Battlefield is the site where the standoff occurred and you can learn about the battles, as well as visit the grounds.

Richmond National Battlefield Park

The 60 acres of the Richmond National Battlefield Park highlight all the battles that took place in Richmond, VA, which includes the Seven Days Battle and Gaines’ Mill. The battle lasted seven days. The Union Army attacked the Confederate Army but quickly lost footing so they retreated. Under the leadership of Major General George B. McClellan, the Union Army continued to Harrison’s Landing on the James River, and then onto Malvern Hill. There, General Lee attacked. The battles ended with heavy casualties on both sides. The Union Army, suffering 16,000 casualties (as opposed to the Confederate Army’s 20,000), retreated away from Richmond.

Raid on Richmond

This isn’t so much a battlefield, but Richmond frequently holds reenactments and other historical talks of the Raid on Richmond in the city. The Richmond National Battlefield Park and others organize the event to highlight the American Revolution and the Raid on Richmond. Under the leadership of traitor Benedict Arnold, loyalists, and British troops advanced into Richmond. He sought to make a deal with then-Governor of Virginia Thomas Jefferson — in exchange for tobacco, he wouldn’t destroy Richmond. Jefferson refused and the British Army destroyed most of the city. It shocked colonists throughout America. George Washington was so furious, he called for a bounty on Arnold’s head.

Manassas National Battlefield Park

This is the site of several battles including the First Battle of Bull Run and the Second Battle of Bull Run. The First Battle of Bull Run was the first major battle in the Civil War and was fought on July 21, 1861. Under the command of Brigadier General Thomas J. Jackson, the Confederates held strong against Union Army attacks and launched a counterattack of their own. Because of this “stonewall,” it was how famous Confederate general Stonewall Jackson earned his nickname. The Union Army was badly wounded and they retreated north. You can take a tour of the entire park and also be a witness to reenactments.

Brandy Station Battlefield Park

The Battle of Brandy Station, or also known as the Battle of Fleetwood Hill, was the largest cavalry battle in the Civil War, as well as one that took place on American soil. The Union cavalry surprised the Confederates in Brandy Station and more than 20,000 horsemen battled it out on a single day. Eventually, both sides retreated. This was also the first battle in the Gettysburg campaign. The Brandy Station Battlefield Park is 2,159 acres where the park, which opened in 2003, recreates the history of the site of the battle and includes the site of the major cavalry charges.

Chancellorsville Battlefield

Known as Robert E. Lee’s “perfect battle,” the Battle of Chancellorsville was a Confederate victory. The Union Army planned to attack Lee’s army from both sides near Chancellorsville and when they charged ahead, Lee decided to split his army several times. The Union Army continued to fight, but after one of the bloodiest days of battle in the Civil War, they withdrew. Lee engaged in clever tactics and surrounded the Union Army. This, in turn, made the Union Army retreat. Heavy losses were incurred on both sides, but perhaps the most devastating loss for General Lee was the death of Stonewall Jackson due to friendly fire. His left arm was amputated and died of pneumonia a week later. If you visit Chancellor Battlefield, you will be able to take a tour of the park, as well as watch a historical film, and see historical artifacts.

Fredericksburg Battlefield

Taking place in Fredericksburg, VA over four days, the Union Army suffered twice as many losses as the Confederates did. Major General Ambrose Burnside wanted to cross the Rappahannock River to march into Richmond before Lee could stop him. With an unfortunate delay, Lee blockaded his path. The Union Army was able to charge ahead from other avenues, however, the Confederates proved too strong and Burnside retreated. It is said that Lincoln was informed that the battle ended as a “butchery.” Fredericksburg Battlefield is a park where you can witness history and walk along the site of the many battles that took place in the city.

Yorktown National Battlefield

The Battle of Yorktown in the fall of 1781 was the last major battle that took place on land in the American Revolution. The Americans, together with help from the French Army, started bombarding the British defenses and it was so intense that British Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis surrendered. The Yorktown Battlefield includes the field where everything happened, plus the encampment areas and siege lines. You can explore the park, visit the exhibition, and take pictures of the historic sites of the battlefield grounds.

Conclusion

And there you have it, these are the nine most historic battlefields in Virginia. Today, museums and parks mark the battlefields where the battles took place. You can learn about the colonists’ valor for freedom and also about a dark chapter in American history during the Civil War.

As you traverse the site where the Union soldiers fought against the Confederate soldiers, think about the history of the United States. Think about how much freedom costs, how much unity costs, and what our forefathers did to enjoy the country we have today.