Richmond Region Civil War & Emancipation Itinerary
In-depth experiences from all perspectives
The Richmond Region is a place where the Civil War and Emancipation are remembered and carefully studied, and where stories and sites are preserved for each new generation. While the 19th century’s Union troops cried on their conquest, “On to Richmond!” – today, it’s an invitation for your groups to explore some of the nation’s most authentic historic sites, artifacts and personal stories from all perspectives.
HISTORIC TREDEGAR
Includes the American Civil War Museum, White House of the Confederacy and Richmond National Battlefield Park Visitor Center. This is the ideal starting point for the exploration of the American Civil War and its legacies from multiple viewpoints: Union and Confederate, enslaved and free African Americans, soldiers and civilians. Historic Tredegar is located on the banks of the James River in downtown Richmond. Note: The White House of the Confederacy is located off site with bus drop off only.
Time: 3 hours to visit all three museums
Location: Downtown Richmond
Bus Parking: Onsite
CHIMBORAZO MEDICAL MUSEUM
Chimborazo Medical Museum sits on the site of the Civil War’s famous Chimborazo Hospital, where between 1861 and 1865, more than 75,000 Confederate soldiers received treatment. This site also serves as the headquarters for Richmond National Battlefield Park.
Time: One hour
Location: Chimborazo Park, Richmond, overlooking the James River
Bus Parking: Street parking
VIRGINIA MUSEUM OF HISTORY & CULTURE
A history museum, research library, and educational facility all wrapped in one. This 180+-year-old museum features award-winning permanent and visiting exhibitions about all areas of Virginia culture.
Time: One hour
Location: Museum District, Richmond
Bus Parking: Onsite
HOLLYWOOD CEMETERY
Established in 1847, Hollywood Cemetery is the final resting place of two U.S. presidents (James Monroe and John Tyler), other famous Virginians and thousands of Confederate soldiers. Must-sees: the Iron Dog, the Monument to Confederate Soldiers and the amazing view of the James River.
Time Allotment: One hour
Location: Downtown Richmond
Bus Parking: Contact directly
RICHMOND SLAVE TRAIL
From 1680 until 1780, Richmond was a principal port of entry for Africans being sold into slavery. The Manchester Slave Trail is a memorial to those who walked that route. Contact Elegba Folklore Society for customized walking or riding tours.
Time Allotment: Varies
Location: Downtown Richmond
DABBS HOUSE MUSEUM
This house served as General Robert E. Lee's field headquarters during the summer of 1862. Built in the 1820's, the original two-room dwelling was known as High Meadow. Today, the site is a Visitor Information Center that offers tours of the home and information on Henrico County and area history.
Hours of operation: Wed-Sun, 9am-5pm, Mon & Tue by appointment.
Time Allotment: 45 minutes
Location: 5 miles east of downtown in Henrico County
Bus Parking: Onsite
HANOVER TAVERN & HANOVER COURTHOUSE
During the Civil War, both Union and Confederate troops used the Tavern on their way to and from the battlefields. This part of Virginia saw the terrible Seven Days’ Battles of the 1862 Peninsula Campaign waged by Union General George McClellan. General Grant’s army ravaged this countryside again, during the final march to Richmond in 1864.
Time Allotment: Two hours to visit both the tavern and courthouse
Location: 20 miles north of Richmond in Hanover County
Bus Parking: Onsite
