One hundred fifty years ago the Civil War returned to Virginia with renewed vigor and throughout 1864 the state was the main focus of fighting and campaigning. In 2014 Virginia will likewise again be the focal point of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and Emancipation with special events, reenactments and commemorative activities marking those pivotal events of 1864.
As Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant squared off for the first time, Central Virginia became witness to some of the most intense fighting of the Civil War. Armies also combed the Shenandoah Valley, leaving destruction in their paths. African-American troops saw their first extensive action in battles around Richmond and Petersburg. Enslaved Virginians renewed their efforts to escape bondage and civilians faced their most daunting challenges of the war
Virginia will commemorate the extraordinary times of 1864 with action-packed special events throughout 2014. While some activities hold special appeal for Civil War buffs and history enthusiasts others have distinct family-friendly elements as pleasing for kids as adults. Re-enactments and other living history events, 150-years-to-the-hour guided battlefield tours, symposia, lectures and special exhibits can be found throughout Virginia this year. Here are a few highlights of 2014 Civil War and Emancipation 150 activities in Virginia:
On April 25-27, the Bermuda Hundred reenactment just south of Richmond will offer the rare chance for spectators to see Civil War re-enactors fighting from behind recreated period earthworks. The event will also offer immersive experiences as visitors will have the chance to mingle up-close with military and civilian living historians and learn hands-on what life was like in Civil War Virginia.
From May through September National Park Service units from Fredericksburg south to Richmond and Petersburg will offer special 150th anniversary commemorative programs following the campaigns and battles of Lee vs. Grant. Special ranger-led tours at Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, Fort Harrison and Petersburg lend new insights into the fighting there. Of special interest will be a September 29th real-time walking tour at New Market Heights. Of the 16 Medals of Honor awarded to African-American soldiers during the Civil War, 14 were earned at this battle.
In the Shenandoah Valley May 16-18 the 150th anniversary of the Battle of New Market commemorates the charge of the Virginia Military Institute cadets, some of whom were as young as 15, which turned the tide of that battle. A re-enactment, an adventure camp for ages 7-12, author book signings and other special programs are part of the activities.
Also in the Shenandoah September 11-14, the “Thunder in the Valley” event near Lexington features a two-day cavalry ride through the surrounding countryside following the rout of Union and Confederate forces in 1864. The riders and soldiers end up at the Virginia Horse Center for two days of reenactments, living history events, music programs, antebellum ball and encampments.
On October 17-19 at the Cedar Creek battlefield special tours, ranger programs and a re-enactment highlight activities in the northern Shenandoah.
The Virginia Sesquicentennial of the Civil War Commission continues its exceptional work in 2014, hosting its annual Signature Conference (“The American Civil War at Home”) May 31st at George Mason University. Its Civil War 150 HistoryMobile, a rolling 18-wheeler Civil War museum, tours throughout Virginia in 2014 and will be at many of the above commemorative events.
Follow the Virginia Civil War Trails marking hundreds of sites with fascinating historic waysides. Free maps are available at Virginia Welcome Centers and local visitor centers throughout the state.
Of particular note, three Virginia Civil War National Battlefield Parks will team up in May on a commemorative event that may be the first of its kind in America. Rangers from Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania, Richmond and Petersburg National Battlefields will travel to selected communities North and South that lost heavily in those battles to help conduct simultaneous luminary programs in those communities and at the battlefields.
More Civil War battles were fought in Virginia, by far, than in any other state. Because of that, commemorative events abound in Virginia during the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War and Emancipation. For more information on how to plan your visit to Civil War historic sites and attend commemorative events in Virginia, visit Virginia Tourism Corporation’s Civil War and Emancipation web site www.Virginia.org/CivilWar.
Virginia’s wealth of historic sites and museums covering all periods of American history is complemented by so much more to see and do. Add to your itinerary and stay long enough to really enjoy a Virginia getaway. Visit www.Virginia.org for easy-to-use travel planning resources or call 1-800-VISITVA and ask for a free Virginia is for Lovers 2014 Travel Guide
