State(s): Virginia
Link: https://www.nps.gov/frsp/index.htm
During a recent family visit, we turned the drive into an adventure of its own — weaving in a remarkable string of historic and natural stops along the way. From the storied grounds of Fort Monroe National Monument and the rich colonial history of Colonial National Historical Park, to the Civil War echoes of Richmond National Battlefield Park and Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, each stop offered a deeper look into the stories that shaped our nation. We also carved out time for the serene trails of Prince William Forest Park, the hallowed fields of Monocacy National Battlefield, the breathtaking scenery of Ohiopyle State Park, and the historic grounds of Fort Necessity National Battlefield — rounding out the journey with a truly unique visit to First Ladies National Historic Site. It was the kind of road trip that reminds you just how much history and beauty there is to discover, even on the way home.
Info
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park is a historic site in Virginia that preserves the battlefields of four major Civil War engagements: the Battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania Court House. Together, these battles resulted in over 100,000 casualties, making this one of the most bloodied stretches of land in American military history. The park serves as both a memorial to those who fought and fell there and an educational resource where visitors can explore the landscapes, monuments, and stories of the conflict that shaped the nation.
What We Did
Though the visitor center was closed, the trip was still worthwhile — the bookstore was open, and a park ranger was on hand to help orient the visit. A walk around the grounds offered a chance to take in the landscape and learn more about the history of the area. The remaining sites will have to wait for another day, but there’s already plenty to look forward to on the next visit.
On our way to the next stop — Prince William Forest Park — we made a lunch detour at La Caverna Bar and Grill, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of the day. We shared an spread of chicken fajitas, chicken tacos, and pupusa, and every bite was absolutely delicious. The staff spoke primarily Spanish, which made ordering a bit of an adventure, but we managed just fine and left with full stomachs and big smiles.