Richmond National Battlefield Park

Richmond's history starts with the American Revolution. But it was the Civil War that brought Virginia's largest city to the forefront. Richmond served as the capital of the Confederacy, which made it the ultimate prize for Union forces.

This battlefield's significance is not just about the climactic burning of Richmond. The national monument is more about the legacy of Richmond through a pivotal time in American history. This happens through 11 different sites on 763 acres within the city.

The park pays homage to the men and women, Confederate and Union, African-American and Caucasian, who sacrificed themselves in the name of a cause. Tour the old Tredegar Iron Works, where artifacts from the Civil War are on display. Three separate battlefields bring the time period to life. Each battlefield gives you a glimpse of how much Richmond struggled to survive for three years. The city was under pressure from advancing Federal troops moving from Washington.

See miles of original fortifications, from simple trenches to incredibly complex forts. One site shows how Union troops tried to break through to Richmond by sailing up the James River in 1862. Several lengthy campaigns followed.

Richmond National Battlefield Park stands today as a testament to a trying time in America.