What Is Richmond National Battlefield Park?
This military park is made of 20 sites, spanning 13,000 acres, which interpret the Civil War battles in Richmond in 1862 and 1864!
What Makes It Historical?
Two major campaigns took place in and around Richmond during the Civil War! The first, the Peninsula Campaign of 1862, was led by General George B. McClellan. His goal was to attack the Confederate capital from the south and put an end to the war, which was only one year old. He had some early successes, capturing Yorktown, but during the Seven Days Battles in Richmond, Robert E. Lee’s earthwork defenses proved too strong to capture, and the Union had to withdraw! Some battle sites preserved from this campaign include Beaver Dam Creek and Malvern Hill!
Two years later, the Union was back with a vengeance! What the Confederacy had lost in personnel and resources, the Union had gained in expertise and weaponry! Nevertheless, General Grant’s Army of the Potomac got defeated at the Battle of Cold Harbor and had to resort to siege tactics, putting the railroad junction of Petersburg under siege for 292 days! Having starved and harrassed the Confederate Army for the better part of a year, the Union Army finally captured Richmond and burned most of it on April 3, 1865!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Volunteer at Richmond National Battlefield Park!
- Donate to Richmond National Battlefield Park!
- Be a responsible visitor! Remember the old adages: Pack out what you pack in! Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints!
How Do I Get There?
Start your adventure at the visitor center:
3215 East Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia 23223
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit the Park?
All visitor centers are open Wednesday through Sunday with varying hours! Your best bet is to visit beween March and November and between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM!
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