Educational Adventures at Richmond National Battlefield Park

Richmond National Battlefield Park preserves and protects 1,938 acres of historic ground around Richmond and consists of 13 Civil War sites. There are five visitor centers that orient and interpret the stories of the tragic events of the American Civil War. Discover the battlefields of 1862 and 1864, explore the famous Tredegar Iron Works – the Confederacy’s most important iron foundry and rolling mill, walk the historic trails and participate in a variety of hands-on educational activities that will excite the students and are tailored to meet the Standards of Learning for Virginia.

Richmond, the capital to the Confederacy during the Civil War, was the principal manufacturing, medical and supply center for the south. Two of the largest Union operations of the war, the Peninsula Campaign of 1862 and the Overland Campaign of 1864, brought Union troops within sight of the city. The residents of Richmond saw their lives transformed. Wartime Richmond – swollen by government, the military, refugees, prisoners and the wounded – lived with anxiety. Landowners outside the city saw their farms converted into battlefields. Previously unknown places – names like Cold Harbor, Gaines’ Mill, Malvern Hill and New Market Heights – attained national significance for the key battles that were fought there.

Education is a primary mission of Richmond National Battlefield Park. The park’s education staff is invested in providing high quality programs and services. Please join us in our Educational Adventures.