If you’ve traveled to Virginia to experience an exciting Civil War reenactment or to learn about Civil War battles in Virginia, you’re on the right track. More major battles during the Civil War took place in Virginia, the Capital of the Confederacy, than in any other state. Civil War battles in Virginia are frequently scheduled for reenactment for the enjoyment and education of visitors, and the year 2006 marks the 225th anniversary of the Siege of Yorktown, the important Civil War Virginia battle that ended the Revolutionary War.
For travelers visiting Virginia in the summer who are interested in viewing a Civil War reenactment, try the Civil War Weekend at Pamplin Historical Park, the largest even put on each June at Pamplin. Experience Civil War in Virginia like you were there when the boom of the cannons start, and observe battlefield demonstrations as they load and fire blanks from their muskets. You’ll see Civil War Virginia medicine reenacted, music, exhibits, and more. Pamplin Park is located near Petersburg, Virginia and offers highway access off Interstate 85. Admission fee is $13.50 for the entire weekend.
At Virginia’s Yorktown, Civil War reenactment is almost as thrilling as experiencing the real thing. During the month of July Yorktown celebrates The Road to Independence on July 4th at the Yorktown Victory Center. Visitors can join in military drills related to the Civil War battles in Virginia and learn about the people who signed the Declaration of Independence. Admission to the Yorktown Victory Center, a museum of the American Revolution, is $8.25 for adults, $4 for youth (6-12). A combination ticket is available with the Jamestown Settlement.
Another great Civil War reenactment even in Virginia not to miss is the Civil War Virginia reenactment at the Laurel Hill Encampment in Ararat, VA during the month of October. Guests will be haunted and thrilled by the battle cries, clash of sabers and the boom of cannon fire. At this Civil War Virginia reenactment even witness hundreds of re-enactors in action and enjoy book signings, 19th century music, food vendors, and bagpipers. Civil War Battles: Sat. & Sun. 1:30 pm. Camps open at 10:00 am. There is a Candlelight Tour of The Horrors of War, as well as a tour of the wounded and first aid station. Guests can also witness a “skirmish” Saturday night after dark. Contact the J.E.B. Stuart Birthplace Preservation Trust for more information, including admission rates.
If you happen to be visiting Virginia in March and you’re in need of a Civil War reenactment activity, don’t miss the Battle of Waynesboro Commemoration site in Waynesboro, VA. Visitors can tour the streets that now cover the battle grounds and talk with re-enactors and follow the map that features the location of the military units involved in Civil War battles in Virginia. The commemoration site is set to be open for one year, from Saturday, March 04, 2006 - Sunday, March 04, 2007 (9:00 AM-4:00 PM).
There are many more activities to choose from for visitors interested in Civil War Virginia activities and Civil War reenactment, so keep your ears open during your visit and you might hear about a small battle being reenacted in almost any of Virginia’s small Civil War towns. Also keep in mind that for young children Civil War reenactment can often seem like the real thing, so either prepare them for what they may see or have them stay at home.
