Fredericksburg And Spotsylvania National Military Park Reviews

Good opportunity to see and learn about this part of our history. The markers help to bring alive the events. Bring your walking shoes!

Today we went to the National Park and it was super cool. We only did the trail behind The Fredericksburg Visitor Center and it was so much information by itself. The national cemetery is also amazing to see. I highly recommend this place!

My Son & I spent some time here. When he was in Law School. I most highly recommend this place of Hallowed Ground. The Staff that works here are also a hidden Gem and should be commended for their efforts.

The half hour walk and talk by the ranger was terrific. As always, top notch expert provided explanations on the significance of the site to the battle and the battle to the war.

Great Visitor's Center and friendly docents. If the weather is clement, take some time to walk some of the surrounding trails.

We spent a good bit of time at the battlefields despite the dreary weather. Our favorite was the Fredericksburg battlefield. The Park Ranger was very informative. The museum was quite well done, and the video gave a clear overview of the events that occurred there. Walking the battlefield gives you a chance to try to imagine the battles and how they occurred.

This was top of our list to visit in the area and didn't disappoint. Tour cut short by thunder storm but the more hardy of us ploughed on with lots to read and see including a small house still preserved with lot of buller holes in the wall and an iconic statue to a confederate solider who went among the union dying to give them water. Very touching.

We drove in circles trying to find the battle fields in Fredericksburg using the NPS website and our phones GPS! We were led to shopping centers and churches! Once we pulled up the driving routes from NPS on our phones and having been around the streets we did find the battlefields.

I suppose I list all battlefields as "must-see'" because I really believe it, and Fredericksburg is no exception. Keep in mind the extreme Virginia weather and be prepared with comfortable walking shoes, hats, jackets, water and comfortable shoes because there is a bit of walking involved.

This is one of those battlefields where you can actually picture troop positions and strategy. Indeed, part of the original wall still stands where Confederate soldiers took position and cut down an attacking Union army. There is a marker which marks where Brigadier General Cobb was mortally wounded and strategically placed cannon give you an idea of firing positions.

Additionally, you get an idea of how the civilian population was affected as armies rolled through the town with the Innis house at the battle site! Of course you also understand the death toll when you see the cemetery where thousands are buried. It's a staggering amount, though only a fraction of the war total.

The park grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset but the park buildings, including a cool little gift shop, vary by season and holiday. Definitely hit Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania!

We visited the Fredericksburg Battlefield for two days while visiting Fredericksburg. Saw Chatham Manor and Kenmore and then went to the Battlefield Center. Great guides and wonderful exhibits. Don't miss the short movie on the battle. Also recommend the driving tour of key positions during the battle, which still have original defensive works. A moving experience of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War and one of the first were a city was deliberately targeted.

interesting story to this battle field, but we had seen many battlefields on this trip and if you've seen one you've seen them all in my opinion, this particular one had a greater sense of the turmoil surrounding war, the house burning chose everywhere, Stonewall Jackson getting shot more than once by his own men, interesting

another great place for civil war enthusiasts.
the cemetery and the sunken road right outside the visitor center.
walk down the sunken road and just imagine you are hiding behind the rock wall and firing at union forces in front of you as cannons fire from behind and above you on the ridge.

Chatham Plantation played an important role both prior to and after the Battle of Fredericksburg during the Civil War.

My small family and I are road tripping civil war sites. It has been fun and educational to go to some main historical areas and learn about this time in our nations history. The park rangers and grounds have all been beautiful and well maintained.

We stopped at this Military Park on our way to Stafford, VA. The park is basically a memorial to Civil War battles that took place here and in nearby communities. Local farms were devastated and people forced to leave their homes. Lost of life was high and there were 85,000 wounded in these battles. We spoke with one of the 2 US Park Rangers posted at the park and she told us about the battles and local farms. There is a cannon and period wagon on display and many plaques to read about all the battles and farms. It was very informative. We were short on time or I would have spent more time here. This is a small memorial park connected to a trail of other area parks. It is worth stopping.

Make sure you give yourself enough time for this visit. There is a large area to cover and it also has a visitors center worth taking your time to see. And when in the visitors center, take your time to read everything they have available. There is just so much to learn about this war and the people who fought it. This center provides you with a more personal connection to those who fought in the civil war. Also make sure you go on a day that is not too hot, too rainy or too cold.

I visited the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park in June 2021 over a two-day period. I went to all four battlefields. First I drove to the Battle of Chancellorsville visitors center. To get there you have to drive on Route 3 West for about 5 miles. The visitors center has a gift shop and bookstore and you can get a National Park Service brochure for a self-guided tour of all four battlefields. Very little survives from the Battle of Chancellorsville in terms of structures. The battlefield is spread out. Key places include the Lee and Jackson planning meeting site and the Stonewall Jackson Flank Attack. Of the four battlefields, this one was the most difficult to follow. Next, I drove to the Battle of Fredericksburg. The visitors center is closed but the gift and book shop is open. The rangers gave me an additional map for a self-guided walking tour. Key places all near the gift and book store include the Sunken Road (the Confederate defensive position against charging Union soldiers), Marye Heights and the Battle of Fredericksburg National Cemetery. One section of the Sunken Road is the original stone wall and the rest is reconstructed. The next day I drove to the Battle of the Wilderness - the first battle between Lee and Grant and part of the Overland Campaign. There is an Exhibit Shelter and a self-guided driving tour. Grant's Headquarters and other buildings no longer exist so you have to use your imagination. A key moment in this battle was the wounding of Confederate General Longstreet and soldiers exclaiming "Lee to the rear!". From here I drove 10 miles to the Battle of Spotsylvania. There is an Exhibit Shelter and a self-guided driving tour. The key place on this battlefield is known as "the Bloody Angle" and this battle had a very high casualty rate. The ranger here was very helpful. When I asked him how he acquired his knowledge of the Civil War he replied "from reading big books". I returned to the Battle of Fredericksburg and walked along the Sunken Road and visited the cemetery again. Finally, I did the self-guided driving tour of the Battle of Fredericksburg. I decided not to walk / hike to Lee's position which takes 45 minutes and requires going uphill. I finished my visit by driving to Chatham Manor.
Although I saw a lot on this visit, I hope to come again and see the things I missed the first time. I would allow a two-day period to see all four battlefields. The Battle of Fredericksburg has the most to see if you want to choose only one battlefield. Visiting the Battle of Chancellorsville battlefield may benefit from a guided tour.

Toured 5 major battlefields in and around Fredericksburg. Incredible tour guide at Battle of Fredericksburg. Two auto tours to the west were great as well. Traveled parts of Virginia never seen before and caught up on so much knowledge of the Civil War events in the area. Would seriously recommend to anyone who is into our history.

This is a fantastic Military Park to visit as it encompasses four major Civil War battlefields and preserves the historic buildings associated with them. Between Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania this is one of the bloodiest landscapes in North America. This area reflects the Civil War's tragic cost, in all its forms. There were more than 85,000 men wounded; 15,000 killed. Homes were destroyed and residents forced to flee.This is a perfect area for the Civil War History Buff.

Fabulous time at Fredericksburg battlefield. Brilliant guide, very informative. Nice shop. No charge to visit just a 2 dollar fee for the historical film. Struggled with the 100 degree temp on the day.

The Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park preserves four separate Civil War battlefields, each with good self-guided driving tours, and a couple of other related sites as described below.

Fredericksburg (Dec. 11-13, 1862) – Considered Lee’s easiest victory where he successfully defended high ground again repeated charges buy the Army of the Potomac lead by General Ambrose Burnside.

Chancellorsville (Apr. 27 – May 6, 1863) – Considered Lee’s Greatest victory where he divided his army in the face of the superior forces of the Army of the Potomac, now lead by General Joseph Hooker, and send Stonewall Jackson on a successful, surprise flanking attack. The victory did come at a high price to the Confederates as Stonewall Jackson was mortally wounded by friendly fire.

The Wilderness (May 5-6, 1864) – The first battle of General Grant’s Overland Campaign where the Confederates avoided near disaster and fought the Union to a draw. Despite the draw, Grant continued his march towards Richmond, unlike prior Union Generals who withdrew, marking the beginning of the end of the Civil War as the Union’s superior numbers of men and material will ultimately prevail in a sustained effort.

Spotsylvania Court House (May 8-21, 1864) – The second battle of Grant’s Overland campaign, the Union’s initial breakthrough of the Confederate’s fortifications at the tip of the Mule Shoe Salient led to 22 hours of sustained hand-to-hand combat at what became known as the Bloody Angle. Despite what became another bloody stalemate, Grant continued to press forward in the battle’s aftermath.

Stonewall Jackson Shire – The site of Stonewall Jackson’s death following the amputation of his arm which was injured by friendly fire during Chancellorsville.

Ellwood House – Plantation house on the Wilderness Battlefield that served as a field hospital and headquarters during several battles and is the site of the grave of Stonewall Jackson’s amputated arm.

The Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville sites have excellent visitor centers, once fully reopened post COVID, while The Wilderness and Spotsylvania Court House are limited to an exhibit shelter at each.

Due to the many sites, it is impossible to truly see the entire Military Park in a single day; I have visited twice for a long day each time and still have not seen everything the park has to offer.

The loss of life from battle on top this beautiful hill location over looking the stone wall you can count the head stones. The Parks museum is across the street as is the Kirkland monument and other sites from the Battle of Fredericksburg.

We enjoyed visiting the various battlefields in the area. Very clean. The visitor centers were friendly and welcoming.

{The quote above is from a plaque in the soldiers' graveyard.} The visitor's center was not an easy place to find, but it was worth the time to search for it. The battlefields at this site are well-maintained and easy to navigate. NPS rangers do walking tours if you would like an introduction to the history of the battles fought. If short on time, consider taking the easy walk to the cemetery, and watching the film in the visitor's center. Recommended.

There is nothing like walking in the footsteps of history. The lady who runs the bookshop is awesome and a big help. Hire Fredericksburg Tours for a private tour. My wife and I did and had a blast.

Great ranger guided tour, visitor center with many exhibits and film, extensive gift shop, friendly and helpful staff, everything beautifully maintained.

We only did the portion of the park at the main Visitor Center.

My family has visited many Civil War sites in the last few years. This site was interesting as well. We watched their video ($2 each) which was informative as we knew nothing about this battle going in. We then took a ranger led tour that lasted about 45 minutes. Much of what he said was a repeat from the video but there were many things that had not been in the video.

We walked almost all of the trails including those through the national cemetery. The signs along the trail were informative. We did not look at the "museum-quality" exhibits in the visitor center so we can not comment on those. We were merely passing through and had to get back on the road.

In the area for a family wedding, spent the free afternoon touring the battlefields and walking trails. Thoroughly enjoyed discovering the trenches and seeing the cannons. Found it fun and interesting to lay in the trenches and visualize the enemies coming our way. Not so fun to think that lives were lost on those very grounds. Scenery in the area is beautiful!

Worth your time to visit. An excellent look back in the history of our nation. Bring sneakers to walk the sunken road and climb the hill up to the Civil War cemetery for an idea of the superior position of the Confederate soldiers in this battle. Make sure you drive out to the other battlefield locations in this park. The plaques are helpful in understanding the events of December 11 -15 1862. Or hire a private guide to give an even more in depth and dramatic interpretation of the battle as it developed.

We visited 2 of the 4 parks (Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania. Both locations were very informative and the Rangers were extremely knowledgeable. The parks offer a Jr. Ranger program which is great for kids to stay engaged in the experience. Looking forward to going back to visit the other two parks.

Great lunch with friends at the Capital Ale House. Excellent hamburgers! If you are a beer drinker they have dozens to pick from.

Nice Battlefields to visit. Very historical. Some of the bloodiest battles during the civil war. Need to wear walking shoes to walk all the battlefield trails. You can visit both in one day but would take you all day. I would recommend doing the Fredericksburg Battlefield first. Not good for a rainy day. Some of the Spotsylvania Battlefield can be driven.

There is just a lot of history to soak in here at the park in addition to the town itself. You should visit the sunken road/Marye's Heights (spelled correctly), the angel of the battlefield monument, prospect hill and many more. As you look you can even see cannon balls still embedded in structures. It is a national park and solemnity should be taken into consideration regarding the great loss of life that took place here. If you are a Civil War Buff this is definitely a stop you will want to make in your journeys.

Had a wonderful day exploring Fredericksburg. Stopped at the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Park to take my nephew. He love it. Reading and seeing all the things that happened durning the Civil War. Amazing history. A must to visit if you ever in the area.

The movie is worth it. Price is reasonable. The sign displays can give you the same information, but the events acted out give you a better visual effect. There is an easy trail behind the visitor center. The Fredericksburg National Cemetery is next to it. There are several sites within 20 miles of the main visitor center in downtown Fredericksburg.

beautiful drive. a pleasant interlude from the d.c. over commercialized area. historical so as to understand the ground fought on. we downgrade heritage, but if we understood or better grasped how much geography effects how and why things happen we could maybe take some of the emotions out of it so we could better understand our world.

This was a quick stop on our family American history vacation on our was to Williamsburg. The park is lovely! The gentleman in the welcome center was very knowledgeable and friendly. We learned some additional things about the civil war and this battlefield's history and enjoyed a nice walk.

A wonderful place to visit, full of history.

Visit the museums and wander through the many antique stores - also dont miss all the great Wall art throughout the town.

Fascinating and well worth a visit.

But be careful with parking on the roadside, as active mobile camera cars regularly patrol the area - use one of the easy to find public parking spots adjacent to the river.

It's impossible to look at a place like the sunken road and not be in awe of the men who fought the Civil War. A visit here is also a timely reminder of the people -- well, Yankees -- who died to save our country ... for us.

A great place to visit and enjoy history. You can actually visit four civil war battlefields within a short drive. Besides the great history this is a beautiful part of the country as well.

This was a nice area to visit. Once you get out of the traffic and on into the countryside you can relax and take in the area. There is an auto tour (common on most of the battlefields). The visitor center was pretty good as well.

I visited the park in August 2018 on the way from Charlottesville to DC — this made for a very long day of exploration, and we did not get to the Fredericksburg Battlefield’s visitor center or the Chatham House before closing. I would recommend bringing good shoes, and if there’s a chance of rain, be sure to have rain jackets, umbrellas, and towels! When we visited, we experienced a lot of rain, making for muddy trails, especially where there is no explicitly marked path. My biggest complaint was that despite there being signage and maps provided via the visitors center, the path was difficult to follow. I used the Stone Sentinels website’s tour guides to each of the battlefields to get driving directions and additional information for each stop.

This was an excellent site to take our 10 year-old grandson who is deeply interested in all things civil-war. Stopping at the Fredericksburg museum first and talking with a park ranger helped a lot in determining what to see and where the three battlegrounds were located. The museum provides a full color brochure, and separately, a large map for orienting yourself to the three sites.
The sites are well appointed with well maintained walking paths, information plaques, signage, and artifacts. The museum provides a good visual and oral explanation of what happened, especially in Fredericksburg, including a hands-on pontoon bridge building station, which our grandson enjoyed “building.” A trip to the museum gift shop was the icing on the cake for our 10year-old because it sold ( among many historical books, films, souvenirs) Union and Confederate soldier hats as well as play Union/Confederate Army soldiers.
Recommended for anyone interested in Civil War history.

Walking the nicely manicured trails and turning the corner to see the Bloody Angle was an unbelievable moment....upsetting and disturbing and u real all at the same time. The monuments and placards walk you through the very real scene.

Take time to walk the short trail. It's a beautifully maintained site of history. The markers are informative and interesting. We thoroughly enjoyed it and was touched by the feeling you get seeing the unmarked gravesites of so many that gave.

Great site! We enjoyed the park and ended up staying in Fredericksburg overnight as well! Nice town and stopping point for those on a road trip!

The Civil War permeates this area. The Spotsylvania Park is particularly beautiful--even if you aren't interested in battlefields. Watch out for deer ticks--even in November!

Wanting to have a leisurely day, we chose to visit one of the local Civil War battle sites. Easy to find and plenty of parking. When we first entered the building, a very nice gentleman took the time to explain everything in their buildings, the adjacent grounds and the other sites in the area. He was very helpful!. We enjoyed the video, the historical displays and the walking path through the battle site was very well maintained and clean. Very enjoyable on a Spring Day! We arrived in the late morning and after completing the tour visited one of the many great restaurants near by.

You may have never heard of this place, but it is a must see. It was one of the major turning points of the Civil War.

This review is focused on the Spotsylvania battlefield (see separate review of Fredericksburg battlefield). Well maintained battlefield that was part of the Overland Campaign that eventually led to the surrender of Lee's army at Appomattox Courthouse. Battle occurred subsequent to Grant and Lee squaring off for the first time at the Wilderness. Like most battlefields, there is a driving tour and a seasonal Park Ranger led walking tour. The ranger did an excellent job outlining the overview of the battle and in particular the fighting at the "Mule's Shoe" at stop 2 on the driving tour. There is no visitor center but there is a shelter with information and a ranger during summer months. Battle tactics changed by 1864 with much of the fighting done from trenches that are still visible throughout the battlefield.

Four of us stopped for a visit. I feel that stopping at the visitor center and watching the movie about the area and the sites you are about to see works really well. It really helps you get your bearings about the lay of the land.

I wasn't sure what to expect; but this was my favorite part of our visit to Fredericksburg. The park rangers were incredibly knowledgeable and very passionate about their work, as was the historic reenactor. We did the self-guided tour but the map and the signage was really interesting and informative and I liked that it was a tour you could do in about an hour without spending all day there.

I have visited this park a number of times over the past years. I learn something new each time I go. The rangers and volunteers bring out the terrible cost, in lives, of this uniquely American war. The facilities are top notch. Great book store. A must for all Civil War and American history buffs. There are many walking trails. We must support these Civil War sites. There is a huge amount of development going on in these areas which threatens this hallowed ground, where so many gave their lives.

The landscape is so serene and the same time to believe so much futility and loss of life happened those many years ago in the serenity that is now. The park is well kept and easy to move around in.

We spent the day touring the Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park. Such a great site!!! I started my Civil War to Civil Rights Trading Card collection at this park. Friendly staff/rangers. The lady in the gift shop/book store was great!!!

These 2 battlefields are a MUST SEE if you’re in the Fredericksburg and/or Spotsylvania area. To see where tens of thousands of soldiers gave their lives is very somber and humbling!

We stopped through Fredericksburg on a recent road trip to Baltimore. Before heading out of town, we decided to get in some walking and see a battlefield. The visitor's center had some great memorabilia and the staff was very friendly and helpful. Our family ended up walking a loop of just over a mile and enjoyed seeing the sites. Everything was very well maintained and marked. We stopped in nice gift shop before hitting the road again.

Very fun visit, Unfortunately in Spotsylvania there was not much going on at all so didn't spend much time there.

I listened to the National Park Service guide in his introductory talk and went with him (along with a group of 20 other visitors) as he took us on an informative walk and interesting narrative of the fight that day for Fredericksburg, Virginia. We saw the site of the Sunken Road killing field and the buildings that still remain on the site. It is amazing how small the actual space for the fight was. It gives one a new realization of the horror of close fighting in the Civil War period. When one considers the damage the artillery and rifle fire would inflict on humans in such close proximity, the bravery of these men, from both sides, the Blue and the Gray, must not be questioned. It is all the more relevant nowadays in which the forces of Political Correctness have attempted to change our American history through the removal of Confederate memorials and statutes. This kind of cultural destruction must stop and only true Americans of all faiths and races must call a halt to such practices.

I want my children to appreciate our America history and the battlefield have so many places of interest, we all get to enjoy it. Memorial day is an amazing time to tour the cemetaries.

We visited so that my Civil War History Buff 13 yr old could walk the Sunken Road. Nice visitor center and store. Offers guided tours.
Visited Spotsylvania to see Bloody Angle.

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania NMP actually encompasses four different Civil War battlefields: Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, the Wilderness, and Chancellorsville. Each of these sites deserves hours to fully walk the terrain and familiarize yourself with the battle. Each site has a corresponding visitor's center, and most have some sort of video explaining the battle. We spent about 2-3 hours and only had time to rush through two: the Wilderness and Fredericksburg. I especially enjoyed Fredericksburg. If you're a big Civil War buff, you have to visit the site of Stonewall Jackson's shrine, where he was shot by his own men on a night patrol. Plus, there's the supposed burial site of his arm, although according to the visitors there, there's actually no arm buried in that location! The mystery continues...

Great opportunity to learn more about the Civil War and the great sacrifice of life. America lost a many good men. The total loss of life is staggering in comparison to today's conflicts and wars.

I have made many visits to the Fredericksburg Visitors Center, museum and the Sunken Road over the years. I was last here for a solo and then a group tour in the summer of 2011.

Since then they have made major renovations to the exhibits. Really like the upgrades. So much to see at this site. To stand in the Sunken Road and imagine what is was like during those days in the Winter of 1862. You must make the walk down the street. You need multiple hours to take it all in.

Of course if you have time, their are so many other parts of these battlefields. The staff are wonderful and a joy to interact with on visits. If you don't like "war" head to downtown Fredericksburg to explore colonial Fredericksburg. Some wonderful places to visit!

Kenmore is great, then down to the Mary Washington Monument. While there, walk down the street to the Thomas Jefferson Religious Freedom monument. See, this place has no end of things to see!

If you are in the area for a few days, head out to Culpeper and explore their great museum, and visit the Cedar Mt and Brandy Station battlefields. Make a stop at Chancellorsville and Wilderness battlefields as well! Or head into Orange and explore the world of James Madison. What a great area!

This place is great!!!! Such history!! The grounds are beautiful. The study is well told I learned allot

I'm tired of war related books and tourism, but my partner wanted to go here and while sad, it's an impressive park for its size with good information inside and out. We did the Sunken Road walk with the ranger which was worthwhile.

This isn't a very big display but people flock to see the site. I live nearby and there are always tourists enjoying the area.

What an experience it was for my children to C history 1st hand. The information here was awesome. Even I learned a few things that I was not even aware of. The people who we spoke to there were so knowledgeable of their VA history it blew my mind. My children really fell like they were living history. So cool.

This is a large park covering four major Civil War battles taking place in three different years. The walking and driving routes are well marked and lead to many informative interpretive signs and exhibits. Both major visitor centers have been updated and redesigned in recent years. The park staff is outstanding with many extremely knowledgeable rangers and historians on board. I make extra efforts to attend Ranger led walking tours on battle anniversaries and during special programs hosted by the park. I am hoping the History at Sunset program is continued in the summer of 2017. I am a frequent visitor to this park but still look forward to finding new information and insights on each trip. Needless to say I will be back again.

We visited both parks and were impressed. Fredericksburg park is located in the city of Fredericksburg, and we enjoyed the 22 minute film here. The people at the gift shop were very nice, too. We also thought the museum was very good. At the spotsylvania national park, we enjoyed an excellent talk at 4:00 p.m.- the Bloody Angle- the park ranger was very knowledgeable and related his information in a very interesting way. FYI, there is not a visitors center at the spotsylvania national park. We met the park ranger st the #3 spot on the trail.

View the film, inspect the exhibits and walk the battlefield. Yesteryear comes alive and the horror of war is evident. A truly memorable experience.

My son and I enjoyed our visit on the 159th anniversary of the actual battle. A day we will remember!!!

We live very close to this location. The tour is great, the facilities are very good. We find it very important to remember our history as a nation.

This is a wonderful place to visit and see the very ground where the first battles of the civil war took place. The park rangers are very knowledgeable and give guided tours, speaking loudly enough for large groups to hear. Apps are offered for Android and Apple devices which add to the experience with maps and virtual walkthroughs.

The entire civil war trail from Battle of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Spotsylvania National sites are well worth the visit. Recommend you follow the "ambulance trail" route that Stonewall Jackson road following his wounding,

Serving as the Headquarters for the National Park Service, this mansion has been witness to centuries of actions, people, and major events. During a free tour and informational video, volunteer guides and rangers share the various layers of history with visitors. Be sure to take in the lovely view of Fredericksburg from the front lawn and stroll throughout the gorgeous gardens, too.

The Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center is laid out nicely and was very informative. Those with no knowledge of military tactics or history can easily understand the near-futile task the Northern troops faced. The exhibits upstairs and downstairs appeared to have been updated in recent years. There's a 22 minute long movie (I didn't have time to watch it) downstairs, and in an adjacent building there is a gift shop well stocked with books and other mementos. Outside there is a self-guided walking tour along a trail that highlights Sunken Road/Stone Wall, Marye's Heights, and the impressive National Cemetery with over 15,000 dead from the Fredericksburg area battles are interred.

The Richard Kirkland monument is noteworthy. Not only is it a fine memorial to decency among men who also happened to be mortal enemies, but it's a fine sculpture by Felix de Weldon (of Iwo Jima Memorial fame) in its own right.

It was a very nice park to go visit to learn about the battle. It was well kept and some trails for you to go on if you so desired.

Such an historical place to stop and take in the culture. Don’t miss this local, free attraction in Civil War Fredericksburg

Excellent 22 minute film, great museum and information about the battles and very helpful staff. Good maps for car tours.

Excellent center and history of Fredericksburg before and after the Civil war. Center has many static displays and interactive displays. There is a 22 minute film that show on the hour and half hour, well done overview of the "burg". A Sunken Road Guided walking tour of about 40 minutes, see times.Overall very impressive.

This site isn't just one park but covers 4 battlefields over an expanse of 70 miles. You will probably not want to do them all in one day if you take advantage of what is at each one and do them in depth. Very interesting and thoughtful presentations including walking tours and roadside exhibits.

We started at the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center and watched the film there. Park Rangers were available to answer questions. We also got the National Park Service battlefield map covering all of the battlefields. It is easier to plan your day with this map.

There is so much Civil War history in this area. A great place to learn more about our country's past.

Excellent source if local historical information on thr civil war. Staff are great and exceptionally knowledgeable!

Guided or unguided tour with so much history. I'm not that much into Civil War battles but this was very interesting. To actually stand and see how the battle was carried out was phenomenal. Great way to spend an hour. Structures still standing that was in the middle of the battle.

My husband and I spent a couple hours here on our way home from Williamsburg. We were fortunate enough to hear most of Ranger Cody’s tour. This was at the Visitor Center. I recommend stopping here first to get an overview of the battle locations. What’s interesting about this battle is that it’s one of the few that was an urban battle. The confederates fortified themselves in the town while the union built pontoon bridges over the Rappahannock River. There was actually considerable looting in the city by frustrated union troops. Cody did an excellent job of explaining the battle There is a small but nice museum at the visitors center with some cool artifacts. The book store was also very nice and had an excellent selection of books. I wish we could have stayed longer to do a driving tour and see some of the other important battle sites.

The personnel that works at the Battlefield is wonderful, Very nice, great knowledge about history. Great service and customer service, Always with an Smile.

When you step onto the battlefield you quickly learn why the Union charges were fruitless, if not idiotic. There are some great rangers here that are very engaging!

It's hard to give an excellent rating to this battlefield after you've been to Gettysburg and Antietam, and the only reason I don't is because these 2 other battlefields have wonderful NP Visitors Centers, while Spotsylvania does not. With that said, the series of battles (Fredericksburg, the Wilderness, and Spotsylvania) were as crucial to the outcome of the Civil War as any other series of battles. Walking, as I did, through part of the Spotsylvania battlefield brought to life, the horrors of war and the desperation on the part of Lee's army to hold their positions at all cost. It is fascinating to see where the opposing troops took positions, clashed and constantly tried to outmaneuver each other to gain time and the upper hand. The NP Service does a nice job with signage and maintenance of the trails. Much of the trenches especially around the Bloody Angle, are still visible. A small pavilion at the entrance helps put the battle into context as it related to the entire Civil War, as well as explaining the actual battle that was fought over a 2 week period. I only had about 45 minutes to roam about, but it was very well worth every minute. I found this to be a very interesting site and urge all history buffs to visit.

The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House was fought May 8 – May 21, 1864 as part of Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant’s 1864 Overland Campaign of the American Civil War. I wanted to see the trail taken by Grant's troops. Over 150,000 troops participated here. There are still reminants of the battle to include trenches, battle scarred trees and pictorial plaques of the battle. I was sombered.

Drive through the battlefield on a beautiful afternoon. Well done placards that tell you what happened and where. Neat for history buffs.

Great visitor centre with helpful staff and a movie to make you think long and hard about the war that tore through this area.

Tranquil area on the edge of town with thoughtful layout. If you are interested in the Civil War in any way this is a place to visit.

Great trip. The book store personnel were running the park due to shutdown. They were very knowledgeable and informative.

We took the trolley tour. It was a very hot day and the trolley is not air conditioned. Recommend you take on a cool day. It lasts a little over an hour. The driver was very informative. Saw places that we went back to see in more detail later. We very much enjoyed seeing Mary Washington's home. She was George's mother. George grew up at Ferry Farm in Fredericksburg. That is fascinating, but it is not on the trolley tour. Enjoyed seeing the Rising Sun Inn and hearing about the way it was run back in the Civil War era. Dr. Hugh Mercer's Apothecary was also interesting. There is so much more to see in Fredericksburg.

Cemetery was well kept, grass mowed and tree limbs pick up.

Easy to follow the tour path and was interesting to see the numbers.

My knowledge of Civil War history was weak, so I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about it while walking on the ground where important battles were fought. We also visited Chatham on this trip.

JMJ The name is the longest of all the National Parks and the history is some of the best and worst (so many killed and maimed here). All Americans should come and get some idea of what battle and life was like for the people in this area. The movie will make you feel like you are there and then walk outside and see why the spot was so extra deadly. Might not hurt to stuy up a little before you come bit if you can the store has some excellent materials to purchase. The staff was very helpful. Dress accordingly, especially good walking shoes.

My daughters and I went here for a few hours and walked around the grounds. If you are familiar with the Civil War then it is hallowed ground as two important battles were fought here. I would recommend for anyone the museums, films, and just walking around to remind ourselves that this great country of ours did not get this way without difficulty.

It is quite obvious I have forgotten more of our country's storied history than perhaps I ever actually knew! My recent visit to Fredericksburg and the Civil War battleground was very worthwhile. Acknowledging the significance of that battle and the subsequent one at Chancellorsville on both President Lincoln's plan for revealing The Emancipation Proclamation and the course of war was fascinating. It was also gut-wrenching to learn how futile the Union tactics were in thinking "we've got more men than you have bullets". Talk about a complete military disaster!!! It also highlights the superior military leadership of Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson, both of whom might have turned the course of the war if not for Jackson's untimely death. To think how history might have been written had they both survived and continued the Confederates' effort, dubious though it was. I intend to return for a more extensive tour of the area in the future.

This site is filled with history. My husband and I visited while on vacation and we enjoyed this very much.

My husband and I like historical sites, we've visited other battlefields so decided to stop at this one on our way to MD. We went to the Chancellorsville Visitor Center because the one in Fredericksburg was closed due to covid. We did some walking- Stonewall Jackson's death site, etc. and some driving to battlefields. But we were disappointed with directions and absence of signs. We only had time to visit this one so maybe the one closer to Fredericksburg was better marked.

For those visiting Fredericksburg and the surrounding areas with an interest in the Civil War, the battlefields are a treat. Well marked trails, excellent park rangers and, and informative visitor's centers make the experience an excellent one.

As all tours, this is better with a guide but with some basic knowledge of the battlefield you can follow the well signed routes and read the signage at the specific sites.

The Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania Battlefield Park encompasses a number of Civil War sites –Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and the Stonewall Jackson Death Site –and requires a bit of driving between the different locations. We visited in April, and a number of sites were closed due to COVID including the Fredericksburg Visitor Center (although the shop and a restroom were open in a separate building), the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center exhibits (shop and restrooms open), Chatham Manor (which was a hospital during the war), and the Stonewall Jackson Death Site.

Maybe it was because of all the closings, I was underwhelmed by the experience. We started at Chancellorsville and followed that driving tour, which mostly takes you to signs and maybe the occasional obscure earthwork. The Fredericksburg site was most interesting, with a one-hour walk past the Sunken Road, some homes (not open) that were on the battlefield, and then the Confederate cemetery.

All in all, the experience was underwhelming. Perhaps when everything is open again the experience would be different.

You can visit all battlefields in one day. Wth good planning and the use of available literature and movies, every visitor will have a better understanding of the great impact that these battles had during the civil war. All battlefields are well kept, clean and convenient for tourists as well as families wanting to learn more about local history.The National Park Service rangers are very friendly and versed about all things regarding the Fredericksburg area Civil War history. All museum shops are well supplied with souvenirs and other memorabilia. Highly recommend it!

The four battlefields that make up the park are within easy driving distance of each other. Definitely get the CD tours that can be purchased in the gift shops at either Fredericksburg visitor center or Chancellorsville visitor center. You can follow the various stops in order and find out what happening at each spot as well as the history behind each battle. There are also fee walking tours that last about 45 minutes at each of the four battlefields. Definitely take the walking tours at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania. I had read about the battle of Fredericksburg at least 3 times oveer the years, but the pictures I had in my mind are nowhere near as dramatic as seeing the actual terrain. The Union troops not only marched across open fields seven times on one day against Confederate troops on a hill fronted by a stone wall and a sunken road, but they did going not over flat lands, but rather uphill and had to cross an abandoned canal ditch half way to the stone wall. It really brings out both the incredible stupidity of the Union officers and the incredible bravery of the Union troops. The incredible bravery of both Union and Confederate troops at the "bloody angle" on the Spotsylvania Court House battlefield also hits home on the walking guided tour there. The battle of Chancellorsville was always kind of confusing to picture as I read about it but the CD car tour was extremely helpful. I always thought about Robert E. Lee winning mainly defensive battles, but the bottom line is that Lee outnumbered 3 to 1 with those troops split into two forces defeated the Union forces that had superior numbers and higher grounds. It is also amazing that Union general Hooker actually had an excellent initial strategy that should have ended the Army of Norther Virginia at that battlefield, but instead he kept pulling his troops in closer in a defensive position and then deciding to retreat all together. I think it is the result of that battle that gave Lee the confidence that he could wage an offensive campaign into Pennsylvania culminating with three separate offensive attacks at Gettysburg.

There is an excellent movie ($1 for seniors or under 10 years, otherwise $2 per person) and exhibits in the Visitor Center. There is also a Jr Ranger program. The walking path behindthe VC is easy and worthwhile with signs of explanation.

We stopped at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park on our way from Kentucky to Maryland. We only scratched the surface since we only got to visit Fredericksburg and Chatham, but it was still a great stop. We will be back to visit the other battlefields for sure! We learned so much in such a short visit. Everyone was super helpful and knowledgeable. Can't wait to come back!

More soldiers died in Stafford and Spotsylvania County than in any other counties. The battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, the Wilderness, Salem Church, and Spotsylvania Courthouse were fought here. The Visitors Centers in Fredericksburg and at Chancellorsville tell the stories of great armies fighting giant battles. The other Battlefields have kiosks that have infformation located there. All of these Battlefields are beautiful places to walk and reflect on the past. Check them out!

Great walking area for the family or by yourself. Friendly and knowledgeable workers/volunteers who practice social distancing during the pandemic.

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park is primarily composed of four geographically separate Civil War Battlefield. It also includes the Stonewall Jackson Death Shrine. I stopped there first, simply because it was on my way. The building was open at the time of my visit. It's a short stop, but worthwhile.

From there, I went to the visitor center in Fredericksburg. There is a walking tour of the area around the visitor center, which I elected to forgo as it was a hot June afternoon, and my time was limited. Instead, I did the driving tour of the Fredericksburg battlefield. Many of the sites are located along a quiet country road, but there are some earthworks and cannons to be seen.

Next, I went to Chancellorsville and did the driving tour. Unfortunately, I didn't make it to the last few stops on the tour, as I was out of time. Most battlefields I've visited are open, with cannons, earthworks, fortification, and often monuments. Chancellorsville is much more subdued. It's a collection of stops along wooded country roads. The Chancellor house site has the most to see of any of the stops. However, that doesn't diminish the significance of this site. Chancellorsville was an important, and bloody, battle, and is worth visiting.

All of the battlefield parks in Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania are very well maintained, with well illustrated signs explaining about the specific battles that were fought at each one.
They are all very friendly for people who want to walk or ride bikes for fitness, with paved roadways within the parks in a beautiful setting. Lots of people walk their dogs there too.
As you walk or drive along the roadways within the parks, you can stop and read the historical signs.

We stopped at both the main visitor center and Chatham manner. We arrived late in the afternoon after visiting Mt Vernon. The info and videos at both stops as well as the displays helped us understand and appreciate the struggle that occurred here lasting 18 months. We didn't have time to do all of the battle sites, but the 2 we chose were excellent for the overview.

The civil war sites are great - well maintained with markers. Lots of room to walk. And amazing how long the battlefield was.

This is another site great for American history buff. We found it to be informative and very interesting. You can go at your own pace and take time to read the signs.

Luckily we were able to pick up a tour guide who was able to bring history very much back to life. He also gave us a new appreciation for the area. Didn't realize how bloody the battles were that went on at Spotsylvania. The grounds are as they were years ago.

This was our first visit to a National Military Park so we weren’t sure what to expect. We were warmly welcomed by the ranger who took a lot of trouble to outline what had happened here and what we could see. We were absolutely delighted when he guided a tour for us. He pitched it perfectly - lots of interesting detail but not information overload! The lady in the bookshop was extremely friendly and helpful too. Lovely clean restrooms. Our visit here inspired us to take in several more Military Parks on our travels. A great experience.

Had wanted to visit this famous site for a long time. Patience was rewarded! Reading about it in a book is one thing, actually touring the site was beyond incredible and very emotional for this visitor. Standing on the high ground above town it was easy to imagine the desperation of the battle. 15,300 soldiers are buried in the Mary's Heights cemetary! The sheer futility of this very lop-sided struggle was appalling.

Wonderful experience. We had a guided walking tour with a park ranger. Guided tours are at specific times of the day so check out the times. The park rangers are well versed historians.

No matter where you go history is around you. Take the time to read the signs. Respect what is around you

Amazing set of four battlefields. Driving tour is totally worth the price in the gift shops helps understand and highlight all the major points. Must see in Virginia.

Central Virginia is a great place for civil war enthusiasts. Four major battlefields are within a short drive: Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness and Spotsylvania. Each of these battles are worthy of detailed study. The awesome destruction and horrific fighting at each of these battles is just an incredible story. It's one thing to read books about these battles and another to be able to walk the same ground. Stonewall Jackson's flank march at Chancellorsville, preserved via the Jackson Trail road, is particularly intriguing. So is the Mule Shoe at Spotsylvania. These battlefields do not have a lot of monuments like Gettysburg or Vicksburg but they are historically significant and worth a visit particularly if you are a student of the Civil War. They are convenient to Fredericksburg which has many fine places to stay and restaurants (even a few microbreweries and wineries). There is tons of history here to study. If you are a nature lover there is lots of open space, forests, hiking trails and quiet roads to bicycle.

Stop and look at the information at the starting point and pick up a self guided tour map. Takes about 2 to 3 hours if you stop and walk to points of interest . Check out the nearby Confederate Cemetery as well.

Take a slow drive down Lee Drive and pause at any of the roadside stops - it is a relaxing drive full of well documented history.

Excellent for all ages. The National Parks Service Junior Ranger Activity book has delighted our children and earned them a badge leading them to other Civil War sites in the area. Learn about the "Angel of Marye's Heights" and other facts about this period of time in U.S. history. Highly recommend.

I love going on solo trips and learning about our history. I always like looking at all the interesting picture

We stopped here to see what the local history from the civil war. Great museum with lots of information about the area. Also very help park staff and rangers to answer any questions. You are able to see the battle field behind the museum, and also many artifacts.

While in school, the battles were listed in order but by traveling from one to another, I learned much more. Walking takes more effort through a forest. I can appreciate now how a soldier might be exhausted from his trek to the site before a battle. The 20-minute film was excellent and well worth the time.

Fredricksburg is worth visiting if only for the story, not the views of the battle. Chanchlorsville and Wilderness are not worth the visit. Can't see anything as forest is too thick to see anything. Not NPS'S fault, just the way it is. If you've been to Gettysburg this is far from it. At least I can say I've been there but that's it.

What's better than visiting a well-interpreted major Civil War battlefield? Visiting four of them! (Though not in the name, Chancellorsville National Battlefield and Wilderness National Battlefield are also part of the same park.) I am a history lover, but there is also plenty here to hold the interest of the casual observer. One driving map shows easy-to-follow color-coded driving tours for each of the four sites. You can get out and walk the fields and trails firsthand, or simply read signs in each small parking area. Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville also both have excellent visitor centers. Wilderness and Spotsylvania have outdoor displays, but are also featured in the Chancellorsville visitor center. Some original buildings, monuments, cannon, and plenty of earthworks remain in the area.
TIP: To best understand the progression of the overall war, visit the sites in chronological order: Fredericksburg (Dec 1862), Chancellorsville (May 1863), Wilderness (May 1864), Spotsylvania (May 1864). You won't even have to backtrack.

Excellent indoor interpretive center and beautiful driving tour with signage and hiking paths. Be sure to hike up Lee's Hill near Braehead B&B.

We only had time to explore the area around the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center, Stonewall Jackson Shrine and Chatham Manor. At the Visitor Center, there is an easy walking path that is along the Sunken Road. There is a rock wall along the road that is partially original and reconstructed. The trails goes by former Stephens house site and cemetery, the Innis House, the Kirkland Monument and into the Fredericksburg National Cemetery. There is also a self guided tour of the cemetery as well. The cemetery is well kept and has monuments and Confederate artillery. Chatham Manor is another great place to visit. The grounds are well kept and landscaped. There is a short, easy trail around the grounds. We were there too early to go inside the house. The buildings range from 1700s to 1900s. There are a couple of Catalpa trees that were growing at the time of the Civil War. We had visited the Jackson Shrine the night before, so the house was closed, but we looked in the windows and could see the room where Stonewall died. The Shrine is a short drive off the interstate.

These moving historical visits were made exceptional by the guides that we had at both locations. They were both so passionate that they went way over the 30 minute tour time. And we were completely enthralled. Kudos to our Park Rangers.

On a NON-100 degree day, the walk would be awesome. We were there when it was 100 degrees so we couldn't stop too long to look at stuff. The walk is well done. There were lots of clues/answers to the Junior Ranger book on the walk. Displays in the visitor center were really nice. Genealogy records are available for both the Union and Confederate soldiers. We got a certificate for our Civil War veteran and know which battles that he fought in.

If you want pristine battlefields, great stories, and an even better park staff that will go the extra mile to make sure you have the best visit possible, then this park is a must see. Spread out over 8,000+ acres in 4 counties and the city of Fredericksburg, along with historic buildings like Ellwood, Chatham, and Jackson Shrine, you won't be let down. Something to do during any season of the year, with most occurring during the peak summer months. Easy on and off access to I-95 for those heading north and south. A treasure in the Civil War Community!

This national monument, while not as famous as Gettysburg, played a pivotal moment in the Civil War. While there is not a main visitor center, and the area is spread out between a few sites, this is good stop for anyone interested in history and the Civil War.

When touring the Fredericksburg area, we feel that this Park is a "must see" for historical and photographic purposes. Impeccably well-kept grounds with a river view. Home was open for touring. Free admission with clean restrooms available.

Despite not being massive civil war fans AND being English I do find that I enjoy my battlefield visits on our road trips, and this was no exception.

Small visitor centre with lots of exhibits. There is a short film ($2 fee - but worth it).

Unfortunately it was raining heavily so our plans for a walking tour were abandoned. Instead we followed the self guided drive, this was good. There was hardly any other traffic on the road so we could stop where we wanted.

Living or visiting Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania/Stafford counties lets you visit many of the Civil War battle fields. You and your children can walk through the battlefields where many Civil War battles were fought. Looking and walking through the fields, stop and imagine pulling a cannon or mortar, carrying heavy rifles, wearing wool clothes. Prepare with your children by reading about the battles, what each side fought for, how men and boys fought and many died for all of us, so long ago. I'm lucky to have a husband who knows so much about this history. He studied a lot and asked historians many questions. Come and step in to American history, right here in Fredericksburg. And it is free.

We drove over one day from Williamsburg and really enjoyed the area. We walked and drove through the Spotsylvania Battle Field. Very interesting. The whole area is so full of history

Informative and moving civil war battleground site. Take a short or long stroll on the grounds and learn about the battle, as well as local details about families from the past. The cemetery was vast and humbling. Highly recommend.

When we arrived, a volunteer was giving a brief in the historical events that happened here. Very knowledgeable and engaging. Lots of artifacts and very nice displays. The grounds were kept up. A must see in the area.

Fredericksburg has so many interesting locations to visit. Libby Griffin hosted us on the Blue Bird Tour bus as we saw the reenacted events of the Fredericksburg Battlefield. A step in time was so amazing. The staff were professional and very engaging. We really enjoyed our tour and we plan to visit again.

Whatever you interests, history holds the ground here. Two visitor centers and miles of well marked roads and trails lead you through four of the most critical battles of the Civil War: Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, The Wilderness and Spotsylvania Court House.
Each battle was pivotal in its impact on the over effort to preserve the Union. Union and Confederate forces are everywhere you turn. The stories of each battle are told in two superbly informative visitor centers with new and dynamic interactive displays, describing the fighting from senior leadership to the individual soldier level.
Whether you are a historian with previous knowledge of the fighting or new to battlefields and just want to walk the grounds and understand the incredible sacrifices that took place here, this park will accommodate you. Both Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville are enhanced through easily downloaded apps and audio self guided tours are available for all four battlefields.

Walt Whitman, Clara Barton, Abraham Lincoln's and thousands of soldiers played their part on this stage. Find your way here from anywhere in the world and the American Civil War will never be the same for you again.

If you stand at dawn, midday or sunset the men who struggled here are with you. And before departing, visit the National Cemetery contained with the park's boundaries. There are 15,000 soldiers buried here and only 1300 names listed on headstones. The measure of the incredible bravery, sacrifice and dedication is highlighted on the headstones by what Walt Whitman called, "that significant word, Unknown."

The visitors center is full of information and the staff are eager to share details. Good for all ages. Memorial Day luminaries are seen by locals and visitors yearly. Get there before sunset (long lines, but very organized) and plan to stay until after dark.

If you are a civil war nut then this, of course, is already on your list of places to visit. If you have only been to Gettysburg, then prepare to be disappointed. The Virginia Campaign battlefields are among the least developed as battlefield parks, but unfortunately they have been ravaged by traditional development. There are exhibits to see and 2 shared visitor centers and some shelters, etc. There are park lanes to explore, often flanked my modern subdivisions and businesses, but some earthworks remain as do artillery batteries etc. These are nice parks but they have a long way to go to tell the story of the civil war. Spotsylvania is the best of the 4 in the area, Wilderness is second.

There is no charge for the visitor's center. There is a short film downstairs that is very well done. The exhibits are good. Well worth going to visit.

I visited the Fredericksburg portion of the park, where, in December 1862, Ambrose E. Burnside's Army of the Potomac vainly charged entrenched Confederates on Maryre's Heights. There is a visitor center with exhibits and one can get a map to follow the action. Good bookshop, too.

While not as famous as Bull Run or Gettysburg, the Spotsylvania battles were even more bloody and desperate. There is no museum on the spotsylvania site but some good signage and descriptions of what occurred in the spring of 1864. Spend a few hours hiking the trails and paved roadway, they give you insight into what the Bloody Angle was like!!

A great treasure. The parks are amazing and with so much history. Many displays conve the history. Also a great place to run and hike.

We only got to Fredericksburg NP. Learned so much about this historic bloody battle. So many lives lost. Take the time to go and find out what happened on December 13, 1862.

There is a lot to see on the Fredericksburg Battlefield, it can't be done in a single day on foot. A walk around town, beginning from the Sunken Road, is a must to trace the course of the Union advance. Further south are the bluffs of the Confederate defense, now traced by walking trails and the battlefield drive. Take enough time to see it all from the river to the bluffs.

Definitely go to the visitors center first and see the movie and look at the exhibits. We went with a guide and walked down the sunken road. The guide was excellent and talked a long while, and we were the only people who stayed with him the whole trip. I don't know how you can appreciate sites like this if you don't listen to what guides tell you. Our country has a fascinating history, folks!!

I have read extensively about the Civil War but this combination of battlefields and the excellent interpretive material really improves the understanding. The visitor centers at Fredricksburg and Chancellorsville are well worth an hour or two each. The one at Chancellorsville is especially extensive and complete and covers all the battlefields. The movies are very well done and the cost is only a dollar or two, depending on age. There are no other fees. The combination of visitor centers, smaller shelters, and walking and driving tours is really effective at providing an understanding of what happened and why. We spent a day and a half at the various sites, but I recommennd allowing two full days, if not a little more. There were some spots, like Salem Church and where Jackson died that we didn't see. The Park Service really has done a nice job with all these sites.

A nice visitor center with a good bit of exhibits and the 22 minute video if that interests you. It doesn't for us, so I can't speak for that. The exhibits are pretty interesting and you can see the different holes in walls and learn about what other buildings were affected by this part of the war. The bookstore and cancellation stamps are next door in another building. The park staff are friendly and there if you have any questions and the bathrooms are clean, obviously important.

As far as the park goes, it is spread out but not hard to find. The sunken road is a good intro to the park if you are short for time or just want a good stretch break. You've got numerous points of interest in that section alone.

Anyone driving between Richmond and DC, must stop and visit this historic site. Between George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, you will be amazed at this discovery.

Highly recommend touring the battlefields. Great trip for those interested in civil war history! Great for hikers as well!

Small museum, a movie, and tours of some of the battlefield by a guide. If you like CW history, definitely swing by and check it out.

2nd and 3rd stops for our tour of Civil War sites around Fredericksburg, Va. Fairly easy to follow driving tour; but be aware that no park rangers are available on week days in the late fall and winter months.

We have visited Fredericksburg battlefield many times (we have family nearby) - the visitor center is well done and right next to the cemetery - worth a stop. This trip we went to the site of the battle of Spotsylvania Court House. They have a well designed driving tour which we found very enlightening - especially as relates to the strategies and the tragedy of the battle.

The Visitor center covers multiple battlefields in the local area and we have visited many of them on former trips. The center is very helpful with guides and a museum.

(special note - if you are in or near Fredericksburg on Memorial Day, local Boy and Girl Scouts put thousands of luminarias on the graves the evenings of the Memorial weekend and they have special guides positioned throughout the cemetery to tell the stories of what took place and the people who died - it is exceptionally moving!!!)

We enjoyed the 22 minute informative film that is shown in the visitor's center. It made the walk on the grounds even more awe inspiring. I'd love to go again during a reenactment.

Beautiful well-kept Battle of Fredericksburg Battlefield. This battlefield is great for visiting, touring, biking or jogging. Rolling hills and exceptional historical settings and markers make for a great outing.

This was amazing to walk around and see the historical things that happened here. Very sobering. So worth the visit!

We'd been to Fredericksburg before & did the typical tourist stop at the NPS center, walked along the stone wall & tried to figure out where everything was... not a memorable visit.
We decided to visit with a friend who is interested in the Civil War & to try to better understand the various battles in the area. Our previous experience led us to look for resources to provide knowledgeable guides (similar to the licensed battlefield guides at Gettysburg).
We contacted & ended up using Hallowed Ground Tours (a small private company in Fredericksburg) for a custom day tour of the different sites ( about 6 hours). This was definitely the way to go. I am not a shill for the company, but if you're interested you can find them on the internet.
End result, this was a great trip for us, understanding the major events/actions that led to the results & info on the key players.
This is a special place.

I have been reading Civil War History for years, but visiting the actual sites and listening to the Rangers interpretations has been magic! We had a Park Ranger at one site who was such a good presenter that I actually felt the battle unfolding around me. Even though the terrain, trees, fortifications, etc. have changed over time, there is enough remaining that you get a good feel for how the battles developed and resolved. I need to go back to my books to get a new appreciation based on this visit!

Nice, free and well kept battlefield. Staff was knowledgeable. Large gift shop. 3 passport stamps. Postcards!

If you come to Fredericksburg and you do not visit this place, you are cheating yourselves out of a moving experience. Not only is it moving, it is also educational. This is especially appropriate for students.

rare glimpse of what was a part of our history we should all know about it looks to be a place to study and contemplate while walking around the grounds

This is but one part of the Battle of Fredericksburg. Be sure to view the video, tour the museum and visit the gift shop, The tour offers a LOT of information on the battle involving Burnsides troops trying to breech the sunken road. If you have more time, definitely buy the CD tour, and make sure to ask for the corresponding map.

Fredericksburg (Dec 1862), Chancellorsville (May 1863), Wilderness (May 1864), and Spotsylvania (May 1864) - four major engagements in the east. Worth the visit.

Tried to see this en route driving between Harpers Ferry and Richmond via Manassas and didn't have time to do it justice so only saw Frederickburg and Chancellorsville.
As usual, the National Park Service do a great job with introductory films, auto driving tours with descriptions of each stop, etc. You can see just Fredericksburg in 1-2 hours but to do all four battlefields and do them justice would take 5-6 hours.

Fredericksburg is one of the Civil War's most important battles, and it is great to see key portions of it preserved in this sprawling suburban area. Plan for traffic nightmares getting there and leaving via freeway, but it is worth the trouble. A nicely interpreted park. Take the time to visit the sites on Lee Drive. Rare earthworks and some of the most scenic views of the park.

As we travel through Virginia the history here can be humbling. This park once again proves why the National Park system is important. Not as much to see as other locations but do not miss it.

Several things in the area are worth seeing. From the view from the top of the cemetery to the sunken road and the monument to human compassion for another soul.

There is construction at the entrance so you need to be watching and it is oneway around the visitors center.

A good friend and I are huge Civil War buffs and we spent a couple of days exploring the town of Fredericksburg and the battle locations. We were surprised to be able to experience all of the key spots over a full day. Be sure to take your time at the visitor centers and check out the pavilions. So much interesting and significant Civil War history.

Great battlefields to visit with many signs along the way telling the story of the battles there, See places where the great generals where.

The battlefields (4) are a great place for visitors of all ages to get a better understanding of the civil war. There are trails and driving routes so that all fitness levels can experience the battlefield, and the signage is very helpful for explaining what you are looking at.
In the summertime the NPS has a program on Friday evenings called History at Sunset. These are free lecture/walks with the rangers that go off the beaten path and show you more of the park than you would normally find on your own. The rangers are very informative and display great sensitivity when discussing aspects of the war and also the history of the parks. The lectures will make you think and will help you understand the human cost of the war as well as the tactical and strategic considerations. I highly recommend these! Bring water and a flashlight for the last bit of the walk and use bug spray.

We were on a national park tour down the east coast with our 10 year son who loves history. The Park Rangers and staff were wonderful and very well informed! They took the time to talk to our son. I recommend he Jr. Ranger program for kids. They learn a lot!

Nice location to learn about the history of the civil war! Well kept. The visitors center was full of information that was real interesting.

Great historic battle field. Make sure you do the walking tour on your smart phone. Adds a lot of depth to the experience. The movie and exhibits afterwards in the parks building is educational as well.

Fredericksburg is a pleasant colonial seaport rudely interrupted by the American Civil War. The museums were redone for the sesquicentennial with interesting exhibits about the battles, people, events, and impact on the area from 19 months of battles and other military activities. Absolute MUST for any history buff.

December 13, 1862 was a serious loss for the Union Army. The Union soldiers were delayed because a bridge was not in place for several days. This delay allowed Lee to move his troops into place along Marye’s Heights above Fredericksburg. The Confederates were secure in a sunken road protected by a stone wall, looking down on the open slopes that stretched from the edge of Fredericksburg. Confederate position was strong. NPS did a wonderful job displaying and describing the battle. As you walk down the Sunken Road, there are many information plaques that delineates the details of this battle. This is where Richard Rowland Kirkland performed his heroic deed to the dying and wounded Union Soldiers. Our time here, manifested a somber emotion. We arrived prior to visitor's center opening, so not sure if they are allowing visitors to view the short film about this battle. Small parking lot and restrooms on site.

This is a must see for anyone who's interested in Civil War history. The visitor center has a wealth of information. There is a walking tour and you can drive to some of the other sites. There are two neat canons on Howison Hill.

This park has many pieces and I understand it is the largest NPS park on the East Coast. It encompasses 4 main battlefields plus a number of lesser ones. The museums and movies were updated for the 150th anniversaries of the battles and provide a more meaningful understanding of the battles and their impact on the local area. If you have a relative who fought in any of the battles, the rangers can trace on maps where your relative was almost on an hour by hour basis during each battle. Watch the NPS website for various special programs provided throughout the year.

I have always wanted to visit Fredericksburg as several ancestors were in the battle. It is so moving to walk the paths and learn of the immense struggle that occurred here. The 2 Confederate cemeteries and the National cemetery are such a tribute to the men that fought and died here.

There was a good film reviewing the Fredericksburg battle and also giving an overview of the nearby battlefields of Chancellorville, Wilderness and Spolsylvania. I had not realized that due the the high casualties of all four battles, this area is more blood-soaked than any other in the entire country! Museum displays upstairs (small), downstairs, (more) and film downstairs.

Though the building has an accessible ramp, the film was downstairs - a stretch for my brother-in-law, but it would be impossible for totally wheelchair bound people.

Take a nice drive and learn a little history. If you are a civil war buff both these parks are a must see. Learn of the best and worst of both the Union and Confederate sides, but know the bravery and valor of both.

I only had one day so I definitely will be going back. Volunteer and professional staff were friendly, helpful, and very knowledgeable. Definitely a good idea to see the short video. Wish I had more time to walk this hallowed ground. Be back soon as I can

Civil War History comes to life. Well documented. Very informative and interesting. You will not be disappointed.

We arrived on Sunday morning and were very happy to discover that the film is shown on demand. So we did not have to wait. The film was well done. AND we had the benefit of a guided tour from a park ranger. The whole experience was well done.

If you are in for a nice historic walk, this is one not to miss. One of the bloodiest battles of the war, this area has many historical markers which describe the scenes. You can stroll leisurely around the bottom of Mary's Hill, climb the hill if your more athletic for a stunning view of the city, or have a soda at the gift shop and visitor center. Have fun!

The visitor center itself was only a quick stop, with some battle diagrams and historical quotes from participants and spectators, but the battlefield behind really gave us the chills. Parts of the original wall as well as a reconstructed portion give a sense of how disturbing it must have been to try and attack such a position. With people shooting at you from behind a wall, artillery firing at you from up the hill and a steep climb before you even can actually get to them, it must have been a fearful experience. While reading the signs around the rather small but densely packed battlefield, the stories and relics let us feel the desperation and determination of both fighting parties.

Definitely worth the visit, since free, but they accept donations, of course.

Found the docents to be very knowledgable . Theere has been recent restoration to give the visitor the best view of Fredericksburg and the Rappahannock River.

Very well interpreted national park. They took good care of all of us on a day when it was 101 degrees. We always enjoy and get a lot out of presentations by national park rangers - they're the best way to learn U.S. history!!

History was never my cup of tea growing up. If I had teachers like the staff here, I probably would have felt very differently. So much history in the region and the National Military Park is another place to immerse yourself in the history. Recommend taking advantage of the signs that are strewn throughout the park, as they are very informative. Wear good walking shoes and be sure to dress for the weather.

My husband and I toured Virginia and did not want to miss this historic site. Be sure to go inside the visitor center and watch the video. The staff is very welcoming. The tour guide was especially insightful and wonderfully knowledgeable!
The lives lost makes this a sad battle site, but is so worth the visit to learn more about the nuances of the war.

The battlefields allow one's imagination to take one back in time and see some of the most horrendous fighting in all of human history.

Great experience Kids had a great time as did the adults. Very informative. Not hard to find and.
Lovely views. Would recommend for any ages.

Nice visitor center with 20 minute film to explain the history of this battle. Walk along the path and read the info plaques. Interesting and solemn.

We stopped at the Fredricksburg Battlefield Visitor Center and from there followed trails. We did not do it all, but had a nice informational walk reading markers along the way. Until we went up to the cemetery the path was graveled and flat. Rangers were stationed around to answer questions. The Visitor Center houses a gift shop and there are restrooms on the outside of the shop. Park admission is free. A very interesting stop at one of the very important batterfields of the Civil War.

Nice park if you wish to learn a bit of Civil War history. This is an extensive facility with many different units to visit that covered an important part of the War. If you are heading down I-95 and you need a quick visit, go to Chatham House. The volunteers may/will give you way more of the speech than you need to hear but the view out back is a good visual if the battle that took place there.

If you are a Civil War aficionado, you don't need this review to know that you will be enthralled.

I have an ancestor who fought here and this was such a meaningful experience to see where he would have been. The park rangers were kind to pull out maps and show me where his regiment would have been at and what they were doing. While some of the signs may be a little graphic for younger children, I think this part of our country's history is so important to remember.

Unfortunately it rained the day we visited the Battlefields so walking the fields was difficult. The sites are well maintained with roadside signs explaining the battles fought there. There are also designated tour stops. There are several Battlefields that can be driven to and easily visited in this area besides Fredericksburg, These include Chancellorsville, and Wilderness.

Learn about the Union's assault on Fredericksburg early in the war and then contrast it with the Spotsylvania battle's role as part of Grant's Overland campaign in 1864 on the way to Appomattox in 1865. See the remains of Confederate and Union trenches and the 'Bloody Angle' where the longest period of hand to hand fighting of the entire war took place. If you have time, be sure to stop by 'The Wilderness' and 'Chancellorsville' battlefields nearby as the Fredericksburg area, as a whole, is the most bloodied ground in North America.

Recently I found it that my 3rd great uncle had died in the Civil War and was buried in the National Cemetery in Fredericksburg. The staff, I forgot his name, was great. He looked up my uncle, verified the site and marked it on a map. It was a short walk but we found it without incident. Definitely an awesome experience. I will be researching the battle of Fredericksburg further.

We toured the battlefield with Hallowed Ground Tours - we were several cars - and the very personable guide rode in the front car and we listened via cell phones. The battle and troop positions covered a fair bit of ground - more than is easily walked. The tour was great - and includes a nearby plantation now owned by the NPS - and equally worth seeing.
The Visitor's Center is another must -

The rangers are all knowledgable and friendly. Visitors center is closed but they do set up outside. The trail is about 3/4 mile long. The parking lot is small, not RV friendly.

Nice place to see. There is a mile walk around the battle with a map. Great to see from the hill with the canon.

I've been to dozens of Civil War parks and battlefields over the years and must commend Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania on the level of information, displays, media, tour routes and preservation. Along with Gettysburg, Chickamauga and Antietam, these sites are the best at bringing the terror and savagery of this bloody war right to your heart. I highly recommend visiting all 4 battlefields (Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania Courthouse (you must do the walking tour there and see Bloody Angle), Chancellorsville and The Wilderness - they can be done in one leisurely day. And be sure to catch the video and artifact display at Fredericksburg Visitors center. If you are interested in the War Between the States, this National Military Park is a must.

Well kept park, with alot of information. We loved reading the signs about the monument and that the monument were spread across the park. So much history, everyone in the family enjoyed it

The displays, the short but excellent video of the battle coupled with a walk around the key areas where the battle occurred we found enthralling and gave us the best understanding of what it must have been like. Well done to the National Park Service and your volunteers

Again this is a great place to see Civil War History. The price is free, and you can drive through the park. You will not be disappointed.

Like many, we have seen the Ken Burn's series and read Shelby Foote's work, but a short trip to the visitor center, trail walk, and cemetery renews interest and makes one reflective. The visitor center has a well done video for context and there are some well crafted exhibits. Recommend the short walk to Marye's Height and the Union cemetery with so many unmarked graves to get a sense of the tragedy, now so far away in time.

Though we only got to visit a small part of his park, the battle over Maryes heights was extraordinary to learn about. From walking the sunken road to driving to sites overlooking the battleground, this was an extraordinary place. Unlike so many battlegrounds, this was especially interesting because the topography made it so easy to envision exactly how the battle occurred.

We stopped here on our way to Richmond.

The park has a lot of interesting information and history. The park headquarters was sort of small with some videos. We enjoyed the self guided walking tour along the stone wall up to the Confederate artillery positions.

For those of you perhaps not familiar with the National Parks Service (NPS) and their sites, quality of these places are top notch. This place is no exception. The visitor center is located on the Fredericksburg battlefield, pretty much on top of the wall at Marye's Heights where the Union forces made charge after charge at a well fortified Confederate position. A large portion of the wall is there. One of the houses was even preserved and is available for tours - and the amount of holes in the walls was scary. There is a small museum on the battle and a movie, which is well worth the extra 2$. There is ample interpretation and maps through the park, which is spread over a few sites over several miles. The facilities are wonderful but the staff are really something else.

The NPS offers a tour, which I highly recommend. Your NPS guide will take you on a 30 minute walk of the sunken road and tell you what happened here using primary sources from the Confederate and Union forces. This was no dry retelling of tactics and numbers, but personal stories of heroism on both sides. It made this place come alive.

I have an ancestor that fought here. The NPS staffer asked me where I was from and why I came and I let her know. She asked me for his name and Unit, which I knew. She told me to come back in an hour or so. I smiled and was very polite but I doubted the young volunteer was going to tell me anything that the family annals did not. I was wrong - she found my ancestor, his officers on this day, and where he was - or at least his unit - throughout the day. All of a sudden the gravity of this place became real. It's not just about the sacrifices made in front of a stone wall. The weight of the gun and the wool uniform became oppressive. The clicks of hundreds of bayonets became scary. The unimaginable roar of artillery, choking smoke and screaming became horrifying. The dull three liners about troops retreating from artillery positions due to a massive cannonade while others were sent forward through that disaster - and realizing that one of them was family - to push back an advancing and determined enemy - well, wow.

This was the site of four major battles during the Civil War. More men died in this space of land than anywhere else during the war. Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park is where you find the Battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness and Spotsylvania, three out of the four are in top 10 bloodiest battles of the Civil War. Two of these battlefields have visitor's centers whereas the other two do not. However, they have exhibition shelters where anyone can read about the battle and the major figures involved. The park has nice trails or places to walk. Fredericksburg is a nice city to walk in and has a lot to offer, not just Civil War history. If you had ancestors that fought here, a park ranger can show you on a map where they were. I had four ancestors that were at these battles, so the park service was kind enough to show me where they were during the fighting. I have a personal collection, but this place is good for history fans.

Don’t be fooled, visiting these sites will require a good amount of time. However, they can be done in one day. I am a history buff but I don’t need to read ever since sign and walk to every single vantage point. With that being said, it took me about 8 hours to see all four battlefields with a quick car lunch. I started with a stroll around the sunken road loop near Fredericksburg. I then went through each driving tour and visitor center. I got out at most tour stops and read the location information, and took a few walks. Don’t miss the Elwood house in wilderness. Also if you want to expand on Fredericksburg there is a site not on the tour…slaughter pen farm. This is also worth a stop. If you want to dive deeper you will probably benefit from two days. Beware the local roads: people speed and many speed limits are pretty high for a place you want to drive leisurely and turn often.

We arrived wanting to know a little more about the civil war, knowing that Fredericksburg had been an important Battle. Being from the UK our knowledge beyond that was little limited.

inside the visitor centre is an interesting and informative museum which we spent about half an hour in, looking at exhibits and watching the film that was playing.

We then got some information from the helpful people on the desk and did the short (about a mile) walk around the site with a printed guide that points out various things as you go round.

Worth a stop of about an hour i would say.

This is an chance to enjoy some great Civil War History. The driving tour of the battlefield is easy and informative.

Your experience here is second to none. Known as some of the bloodiest land in America, key Civil War battles were fought in this area. You must visit.

If you are a Civil War buff, then spend a day visiting the various battlefields around Fredericksburg, VA. Also, visit the museum.

We visited both parks and they both inspire to become a Civil War buff. It is great travel the paths of the Northern and Southern armies and learn about the greatest tragedy in American History. The parks are beautiful and well kept and the Park Rangers are really informative.

We had never been here before & we were completely enthralled. October was the perfect time of year to visit with smaller crowds + terrific weather. Everything was extremely well-maintained. The National Park Service teams were very nice & informative. Thanks so much to all of them!

We loved our visit! We purchased several CDs that gave us plenty of background knowledge and instructed us to drive to each site while offering an overview of each.

I completely enjoyed the history tour! We had an amazing time, it was fun to do this at night as well.

We took the self paced car tour through all of the locations around Fredericksburg. We visited the 3 main sites. I was not able to walk all of the stops, but to see what the human cost was to fight this war is sad. Seeing how beautiful many of these areas are makes it hard to imagine all of the death and destruction.

There is so much we were not told about in history class, I am 59. The brutality in this war was heartbreaking. So i can understand how many people from those regions may still feel loss and allegiance.

Everyone should try to see or at least read about the battles. you will read about true determination, heroic efforts and great sadness on both sides of the fight.

We stopped here to buy some time before a soccer game. The staff at the visitor center was really helpful. We watched the movie which set the stage. They charge a small fee. You need to pay the gift shop in another building. We did the sunken road and saw a hawk just hanging out. Was a nice park. Will be back.

This was a great battlefield. I enjoyed the beautifully groomed trails. There were plenty of rangers there to help. I loved the gift shop and the person working behind the counter was so wonderful. I am assuming if you are visiting this site that you are interested in the Civil War. It is worth a stop.

Not much happening here..few old civil war cannons open fields..walking trails abundant..if you looking to kill a little quiet time this would be up your alley

We drove through the park and read the numerous informative plaques along the way to learn about the battles that were fought. We were very impressed by the Civil War soldiers, the challenges they faced, and either overcame or succumbed to. It is a humbling history lesson and makes me appreciate all that our military do to serve our great country-past and present. United we stand!

We stayed in Fredericksburg and walked up the hill to the Sunken Road and wandered around before visiting the centre and taking the Ranger Tour. As ever a wonderful, intelligent, knowledgeable Ranger took upon a tour of the Sunken Road.
Then walked up to the ridge and visiting the cemetery. As ever very sobering experience.
Even if you are not into the Civil War visit and make the tour, 8,000+ casualties in a single day deserve your attention.

A beautiful spot for the entire family. Stopped and walked the grounds to get out of car traveling. Could not have been better.

I really enjoyed the park. We walked the Bloody angle. I felt that this was well laid out and informative. The plants that fill the field now attract a wonderful amount of Butterflies. The field seems well manicured in all the walking areas. There were several shaded paths that offered relief from the sun.

What a great way to spend a pleasant spring afternoon. It is very well maintained and exceptionally clean. The staff are friendly and all of the other visitors were respectful - a small place of peace in a busy area. Worth the time to visit.

If you're into history, this is a great visit. Small museum but the grounds are great. The statues commentating important spots, seeing the homes, and then the cemetery all put the battles here into perspective. Definitely sobering.
As a part of the National Park service, they do have the Junior Ranger program if your kids are participating in that.

This is a historic battlefield site that we found very interesting. They have a nice Visitors center (on 2 Floors) with a video showing every half hour. I would suggest you start there. If possible, go on a weekend - there is a Ranger tour of the battlefield, and there is an opportunity to get more information than just from the video. In a separate building is the gift store with lots of books and trinkets.

We were only able to visit Chancellorsville but we will return to see the entire park some day. The exhibits in the visitor center show in detail the horrors of our civil war. I believe this park is a must for anyone interested in the history of our country.

These battlefield locations must be preserved for the reminder of what it took to retain our great nation. The collective sacrifices paid by both sides of the war as well as the price paid on the local geography is worth the memorialization of this land. Very much worth walking the ground and learning of the tremendous effort expended by all.

Took a walk to and through the Fredericksburg Battlefield on New Year's Day as our son just moved to the area in October. It was so informative and actually very cool to think this battle took place right here, about 2 blocks from our son's apartment! Thoroughly enjoyed the walk and history revealed all the way through the area as well as the cemetery. We shall never forget those who fought in this war!

The Visitor Center was closed but staff was available to answer questions. Lots of markers to explain the action of Sunken Road. It's hard to imagine the carnage that occurred. There are to grave sites the largest was the Union cemetery.

There was adequate parking and free.

This site is Civil War history.

I really enjoyed this Miitary Park. Well worth seeing. The Park is well done and easy to get around.

If you're already into Civil War stuff then you can get a lot out of this site. If you're not, then it's probably going to be underwhelming. The visitor center exhibits and movie are standard. The Sunken Road wall is only partially original. Most of it is reconstruction. The main walk is a super easy 15min around a few building foundations and one still standing, sign posts along the way, with optional loop uphill into the cemetery. It's a little weird that it's right in the middle of a neighborhood. A guy cutting his grass next door sort of brought you back out of the era and into modernity.

You must start with the video to fully appreciate what you will be seeing around the site. There is so much history here it is amazing. To think of all the men who sacrificed their lives on this battlefield. We only spent an hour, definitely could have spent more. The national cemetery ip the hill was also very sobering.

I enjoyed my time driving around the various subsets that make up the entire park. easy directions and signs, lots of information readily available. and i learned a lot!

The National Battlefields in Fredericksburg and throughout Spotsylvania County truly represent living history. As you walk on the hallowed ground where Civil War Soldiers lived and died is chilling. There are cannons in some of the fields, grave markers, information boards and more to help you through your walking trip through our history, America's history.

This park provides a tranquil escape for walks, jog/runs, cycling whilst absorbing nature, and if want, period history. Reflections often cause you to pause to think about the horrors of the Civil War and the social issues.

It was awesome to be able to learn about both north and south without it seeming like one was better than the other. So much to see and read. Even the 4 year old likes walking and asking questions.

Went for my Husband who is interested in the civil war... I know nothing about the war other than the lectures when I stupidly ask a general question to my husband and sorry I zone out 😉

However, I found it interesting and it kept my son (6 years) interested too with the cards he was given by the friendly rangers. I don't know how many times we built a bridge in the interactive area but it kept both my son and Husband happy as he was free to roam.

The location is free with plenty of parking and is well laid out and with enough information on the trail for me to keep up with who did what. There are very knowledgeable rangers around who answered even the most dumb questions from me in a friendly and affable way. I never felt stupid and I thank them!

There is a small information centre in regards to the war campaign and this focuses not only on the battle but the people in the area and it's affect on them - more my interest than guns and fighting..

My husband went on a short tour with the ranger and my son and I went independently and we were all satisfied with the level we got from the park.

My only complaint - please lower the holly around the beautiful statue to Kirkman as being only little I couldn't see the inscription and it was a heart rendering story (reminded me of the First World Wars football match in no man's land).

Definitely recommend to anyone; regardless of being interested in the civil war.

Walked the battlefield's hallowed ground with NPS Rangers Frank O'Reilly and Mike Westermeier on the 153rd anniversary of the battle. Their interpretative discussions were outstanding. I feel very fortunate for the experience.

Great place to visit to learn about some of the history of Fredericksburg. Safe and family-friendly.

Hiked the south end of Fredericksburg battlefield on a hot day in September. Beautiful country along the Rapahannock river, rolling hills to get the blood pumping. Lost in imagining the horror of the battle, Meade's breakthrough, the gallant Pelham's enfilading fire, Max Gregg's death.

Spent a half day visiting the various sites around Fredericksburg. The visitor center was extremely well done, and the maps to the various sites were very helpful. Plan on spending more time here than you first think.

Excellent series of exhibits about several different Civil War battles that took place in this area. Although 150 years in the past, the costs of war are vividly made apparent. The reasons for the war are also addressed but less so. One movie neglected slavery altogether...but the majority of exhibits gave some attention to the importance of African-American lives.

Fredericksburg has a great downtown that looks the way it did 150 years ago with some nice restaurants and boutiques and antique stores. I have lived in the area for five years and enjoyed going to town once or twice a month.

I recently participated in at Spotsylvania Court House Battlefield Living History Tour and it was absolutely impressive. My wife and I both enjoyed the experience and believe it is an opportunity not to be missed. We would not ordinarily organize something like this but are glad we had the opportunity to be involved and educated on what was the site of 22 hours of continuous hand-to-hand combat during the Civil War. The Spotsylvania Exhibit Shelter is a great starting point with good displays and maps to orientate you to the ground and history of the battle.
Guided tours are offered most weekends and Memorial Day, at 1:30 and 4:00.

One of the best locations for anyone with even a passing interest in Civil War history.Visit town as well. Great local restaurants.

We visited this park on a very rainy September day. I am a big history buff and have been wanting to visit this park for many years. My husband and I were in Virginia visiting from Texas and this park was on my list of must-see places to go. We got to the visitor center when it was misting and looking like rain. There is a film to watch that explains some of the battle and what happened way back then, and the visitor center has other artifacts and things to read. My husband and I were about the only ones there that day as it was in the middle of the week and the visitor center has a tour of the battlefield that we were afraid was going to be cancelled because of the weather. The ranger (and I am so sorry that I don't remember his name) got his rain gear on and said that he could tell that we really wanted to do the tour. He went out with us and gave us a personal tour in the pouring rain that started just about when the tour started. We learned so much from him and my husband (who is not a history buff) can still tell people some of the facts that we learned that day. We had a wonderful visit and a huge part of it was the former Marine ranger who was there. He made what could have been a rainy disappointing part of our trip a day we will always remember.

I love history. So while in the area we stopped at the Fredericksburg battlefield visitors center and immediately met Conservation Officer and historian Gary. No tours were scheduled that day but he told us if he could round up 6 people interested, he would give the tour. Well, we ended up with close to 20 folks to take this tour. Gary painted a picture with words about the battle in a very understandable way. He even let us go inside of the Innis home on site. What a story that was! Best tour I have ever been on and I've been on many.

Great walk to learn about the history here! We didnt venture into visitor's center so I can't comment on what's available there. We opted to just walk the property and enjoy our walk. There are lots of informative signs along the way to help you understand the events.

The trip to the Battlefield and Spotsylvania National Military Park was fascinating and we explored on foot. The walking trail allows for gaining a good idea and orientation in the topography of the area and peculiarities of the terrain which played a role as a decisive factor in the battle.

Walked the sunken road and visited angel of maryes height statue and walked the fredericksburg cemetery with nice views from their. We then drove the battlefield and explored each stop on the map. Was a great historical battlefield that was well worth the stop

We really enjoyed our drive through the battlefield. Quiet but interesting, unfortunately we were unable to see some things because you had to hike or walk to them and we were not prepared. What we did see was.enjoyable.

Free park, but rangers are knowledgeable about all aspects of not only that house, but of the Fredricksburg campeign as a whole. Numerous owners lived in that house, and had different functions added to it. It stood during the Revolutionary War, and was a union hospital in the Civil War. But later contained a dairy, and formal gardens for a wealthy person's country living with a great view of Fredricksburg. Now it is a museum, but more a museum of history than of artifacts. Grounds are well kept and show a great piece of Southern life in the Old South.

The story of the slaughter here was both frightening and horrifying. The Algerian styled uniforms made this a terrible image.

It was so cold when we visited Fredericksburg National Military Park so we enjoyed our tour from the inside of our vehicle with the heat cranked. I'd like to revisit in the warmer weather as there was so much to see. I personally took a photo of the same shot that you have posted on TripAdvisor.

Both of these national battlefields are well preserved and interpreted by the National Parks Service. All of the rangers I spoke with were friendly, knowledgeable and professional. It was very hot when I was in the area and I did the Fredericksburg walking tour before the museum opened. It was much cooler and I had the whole area to myself.

You don't have to be a Civil War buff to enjoy these many National Park areas, but if you are you will also be amazed. Visitor Center at Chancellorsville had excellent short movie overview and nice small museum. Wilderness battlefield has shelter with information but also trail into woods with many trenches, plus Elwood Manor/General Warren's headquarters. Spotsylvania Courthouse also has shelter and trails with good signage. Fredericksburg battlefield has small museum and well-done park area. Options to get quick overview and impression to several days of in-depth exploration.

See the site of some of the most difficult fighting of 1864. Visit the museum at Spotsylvania Court House to experience this important area and understand the role it played in the war. From Fredericksburg to Chancellorsville to the Wilderness to Spotsylvania Court House the war unfolded.

The trip to the Battlefields was fascinating and very informative. Our 16-year-old granddaughter planned this trip, and we were so very pleased.

Our tour of the Visitors Center and the Sunken Road tour took about three hours and was excellent. The movie was excellent and the museum was very good.

We joined a Sunken Road guided tour conducted by Seasonal Ranger, Jane Winthrop, who did an excellent job presenting the history. She opened up the Innes House and remained to answer questions.As with all the guided tours in all 4 sections of this park, you learn bits of history not in the museum, the film's or the kiosks. Pet owners accompanied the trip and were welcomed by Jane, since Bark in the Park event was scheduled that evening.

We continued the walk to the Angel of Marye's Heights memorial and Marye's Heights, including the National Cemetery.

We did the driving tour but it did not add to the history for us.it can be skipped...but if you want to picnic or walk/hike, some good opportunities exist.

The sunken road and stone are as they appeared during the Civil War. There are many informative plaques describing the battle. Also, there was a very moving memorial of a Confederate soldier who gave water to dying Union soldiers on the battlefield. I didn't get to see the visitor centre but I did go to the souvenir shop.

This is an amazing history tour. It encompasses so much. If only everyone could see and experience the vastness of this area and how so many people sacrificed their lives for us.

Must see the film to get a good orientation. There are some nice artifacts and displays. The area is well marked. Not like Gettysburg where you have monuments every 100ft. Rangers were helpful but could do a better job with the history of the battle.

Great park and part of the 4 major battles fought in the Civil War in the area. Frederickburg and Chancellorsville have movies and large exhibits that explain all about the battles that occurred here. It's very convenient since all the battlefields are within 20 minutes drive of each other. Definitely worth the stop to tour.

have visited this area many times and always see something i missed on earlier visits. a great place for history buffs.park rangers are always very helpful.

I recently became aware that my great-grandfather's infantry regiment was at the Battle of Chancellorsville. I read in the regimental history that they were in a reserve position and located at the extreme right flank of the Union army. Upon arrival to the visitor's center, I asked the ranger if he could help me find the right flank. The ranger, who had 31 years of experience at this battle site, produced a very thick book and was able to immediately pinpoint this regiment's location. When I asked him if this location was accessible, he said that unfortunately it is now a part of a residential subdivision and not inside the national park.

We proceeded to walk the trail behind the visitor's center which had markers showing where Gen. Stonewall Jackson was shot by his own troops while reconnoitering the battlefield. The drive round the loop road and the location of the Chancellor House were well marked.

I was happy to see where my great-grandfather served his country in 1863.

A beautiful area steeped in history, Lots to see and do, the battles took place in many areas, so you can actually spend a couple of days going over it all.

Another place on our Civil War trail, this is a place to be visited if you are interested interested in the History.

I am a civil war historian and have written a book on General
Lee. This is one of the best interpretations of all of the Civil War battlefields in Virginia. Definitely recommend a visit.

A nice place to walk trails or just enjoy the beauty of nature. Well maintained park. Good for all ages. A lot of history here.

Actually, it's impossible to see everything, but our step-on tour with Scott Walker of Hallowed Ground Tours was the most efficient and informative way to understand the Battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, the Wilderness, and Spotsylvania. He directed us down country roads to the battlefields, explained troop positions, movements and strategy, and augmented his information with Civil War photos and interesting anecdotes. The tour included Chatham Manor also. We had a four-hour tour, which was probably the maximum Civil War information we could absorb in one day. At the conclusion, Scott gave us copies of the battlefield placements and prints of some of his photos. The tour was money well spent.

A great morning spent exploring the Fredricksburg Battlefield followed by an afternoon at Spotsylvania. I knew very little about these battles before I arrived from the UK and found both greatly educational. An absolute must for military history buffs.

Fredericksburg was the site of one of the more senseless attacks of the war, one in which under pressure to achieve a victory General Ambrose Burnside marched thousands of union troops across open field against entrenched Confederates in an ideal defensive position on high ground. The result was not a victory, but rather unimaginably massive union casualties.

The battlefield is relatively compact by Civil War standards. It ranged from the town of Fredericksburg to St. Marye’s Heights about a mile away. Unfortunately, however, much of it has not been preserved, so that the fields where so many union soldiers died are now covered mostly with relatively modern housing. Still, however, this site is worth a visit for several reasons.

I was surprised when we pulled into the visitor center to see that the lot was basically sitting on a part of the heights occupied by the Confederate army. It’s actually at one end, so it was very convenient for the loop walk around the Confederate positions and cemetary.

The visitor center is well worth a visit beforehand to give you an overview of the battle, plus helpful maps on what the area looked like in 1862, at the time of the battle. It also has interesting information on the looting that occurred in the town, creating bad will that helped fuel the war afterwards.

There is a 20-minute film they show for $2 that is well worth the small amount of money. Narrated by James Earl Jones, it gives a good account of the battle and is helpful to understanding the mistakes on the union side that led to defeat.

Outside, you can walk along St. Marye’s Heights and the “sunken” road where the Confederate troops stood behind a stone wall with artillery behind them. It isn’t hard to see why they prevailed. There is also a touching monument to a southerner who ignored sides and treated the wounded soldiers out of compassion and without regard to his own safety.

This is one of four battlefields from three different campaigns that are relatively close to each other due to the area being on the contested ground between Washington and Richmond. We’d recommend grabbing a map and then visiting one or more of the others (Chancellorsville being the closest, followed by the Wilderness and Spotsylvania Courthouse).

The visitors center museum is an excellent way to become informed about the battle. Volunteers are available to answer questions and they provide a brief but informative tour at no charge.
There is a short walking trail at the visitors site that takes you through a major part of the battle and a national cemetary.
The full battlefield is spread out and you need to drive through a lot of developed areas to see it all.
Be sure to visit Chatham, a historic plantation house that was used as union headquarters and a field hospital during the battle.

The F. and S. military Park does not enough information to be really useful. Much of the battlefield is developed. It is hard to see fields of Fire and how the Confederates held off the Union Army.

I toured both the Fredericksburg Battlefield and the Spotsylvania Battlefield on the same day,May 1st; a nice time to visit, when temperate weather and relatively low humidity. At Fredericksburg one must walk the Sunken Road trail and get a deep feeling for the bloody struggle that took place there. Walking up onto Marye's Heights gives you a perfect understanding of the effective defensive position held by Lee. The 6-stop auto tour at Fredericksburg is also a must. Stop #2, Chatham Manor, is worthy of a longer stop, maybe 1-2 hours; a 12 minute video is shown inside the manor itself and the river view offers a tremendous panorama and a pontoon replicating those used by the Union forces to cross the Rappahannock is on display. The Spotsylvania Battlefield has no visitor's center like that of Fredericksburg, only a visitor's shelter which gives a visitor complete information about the battle before beginning the 8-stop auto tour. I spent the most time on the tour walking Upton's Road (Stop #2) and then at Stop #3, the Mule Shoe salient/Bloody Angle. One should not rush while touring these sites. There is a lot to learn, to see, to feel. Hallowed ground indeed.

The 20 minute video helped expedite our visit and we walked the Sunken Road trail with our 6 year old and while we wished we could hit the other 3 battlefields this gave us enough to get the gist and my husband bought a book at the shop for further interest but definitely hit the visitor center and watch the movie, very moving

It is a nice visit. See the movies in the basement level first. At Fredericksburg, the Sunken road walk is short. Having read about the Battle of Fredericksburg and the infamous Sunken Road, it was surreal for me to walk there. Walk up the hill on the walk. Again, it is not long.
Driving to the other areas - Chancellorsville and the Wilderness is nice once you get out of the congestion around Route 95. The movie at Chancellorsville was excellent as well. Prior to the National Park, there is a quick stop of day 1 of Chancellorsville and the Spotsylvania Museum. It is a nice stop. Very small but nice.
The Wilderness map quest took you to the exhibit shelter. I never saw a visitor center.
We did not get to Spotsyvania.
Be sure to upload the National Parks App. It has driving tours for all locations.

So incredibly biased it was offensive. While important to learn about the civil war, it is also important to teach without bias and clear negative tone towards union soldiers. Thankfully, the confederate side lost yet the south can’t seem to get over it. Confederates lost their lives trying to continue to enslave people... that should bring humbleness and acknowledgement to monuments but NOPE. The site itself was beautiful and went on a gorgeous day but couldn’t even continue to walk through because of the language on monuments.

The park consists of four areas spread over a large portion of the Fredericksburg vicinity. There were four battles fought here: Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, The Wilderness and Spotsylvania Court House. Visit them all to get the complete story.

There are four parks in the Fredericksburg area associated with the Civil War. Among the horrible tragedy of the war, there are stories of outstanding service and heroism. If you are a Civil War buff, and even if not, these parks are a must.

The Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Park is a great place to visit. In this area of land visitors have the option of visiting four battlefields. I had three ancestors who fought in three out of the four battlefields, so I have a personal connection to these battlefields. The park rangers were kind enough to show me where my ancestors' regiments were during the Battles of Fredericksburg, Wilderness and Spotsylvania. When you go the part of the battlefield where your ancestors were you experience something that can't be described in words. You just have to go to the park itself for the experience. If you don't have a personal connection, it's still a must see because it is part of American history. The park is smaller than Gettysburg but I feel it's more personal and you can get so much out of it. I recommend spending two days (two battlefields a day) and exploring the battlefields. Don't just read the exhibits and move on. Get out of the car and walk around to get a feel of the battlefield. I had a great two days and so will you.

Well done attraction where you can visit and learn at your own pace. The staff is very friendly and the $2 movie is worth the price (there are no other charges).

The focus of this review is on the Spotsylvania battlefield. The battlefield itself is quite small and fairly well preserved. You can see the earthworks and there are several monuments throughout. There are places to park at each key location with signage throughout to tell the tale. I took a little over an hour to hit each spot and read the signs.

This battlefield was a pleasure to visit. Very clean and lots of information about the battle here. Talked to the park rangers and they were very helpful. Good to see the information put out very well.

This place is easy to get to from I-95, had plenty of free parking when I was there (August during the week), no admission charge, and the extensive grounds are well maintained. There is ample signage to inform you of the various events on the grounds before you, giving the visitor a good picture of the battle and side stories that were a part of it. Definite worth the visit if you're at all interested in Civil War history.

The parks are nice and preserved the most that they can. With a good guide, you can really visualize the history and the events that occurred at each location.

You need a few hours to do this one justice. There are several options including a 20 minute movie, a guided tour, a self-guided tour, a small museum, then several other parts of the battlefield that need to be accessed by car. The highlight of the tour is Marye's Heights and the Sunken Road. They also have a great little Gift Shop with a nice selection of books. I stayed about 1.5 hours, and took a walk down the Sunken Road and back through the Confederate Cemetary. The Park Ranger asked me how long I wanted to take, then helped me customize my visit. Fredericksburg is about 45 minutes from Richmond, so plan accordingly.

A wonderful walking tour presented by Park Ranger Kevin Lloyd. He brought the battle to life with vivid descriptions of the battles and the people involved. Beautiful grounds to walk and reflect on the sacrifices made. Likewise, a helpful exhibit inside of the visitor center. We then continued with the driving tour presented in a map. We had already toured the equally impressive Chancellorsville and Wilderness National Battlefields.