Last updated: December 8, 2024
Thing to Do
Fredericksburg Anniversary
NPS Photo
In 2024, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park will be holding special programs remembering the Battle of Fredericksburg.
Sunken Road Walking Tour
Friday, December 13, 2024
2 pm - 3:15 pm
Meet for the program at the battle painting between the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center and park store (1013 Lafayette Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA 22401), 75 minutes
On December 13, 1862 Union soldiers assaulted Confederate defenses surrounding the town of Fredericksburg. Why did the Battle of Fredericksburg happen? How do we remember this battle today? This tour will walk along the battlefield in the Sunken Road area, up Marye's Heights, and into the Fredericksburg National Cemetery. This walking tour will cover about 0.5 mile over terrain that includes a gravel road and a hill.
Living History at the Innis House
Saturday, December 14, 2024
10 am - 4 pm
Living historians will be onsite at the Innis House along the Sunken Road for this drop-in program from 10 am to 4 pm. Park at the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center (1013 Lafayette Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA 22401)
What was life like for soldiers in the Civil War? How did they understand their role in their world? Visit the Innis House along the Sunken Road from 10 am to 4 pm to meet and converse with living historians about the Civil War period and the Battle of Fredericksburg.
Turmoil at Bernard’s Cabins
Saturday, December 14, 2024
10 am - 11:30 am
Meet at the Bernard’s Cabins trailhead, on South Lee Drive about .6 miles from Lansdowne Road, 90 minutes, includes about 1.5 miles of walking
Explore where enslaved people's homes were destroyed to create a Confederate artillery position. The events that swirled around this place help us better understand the battle's scope and wider meaning of the war. This program will last 90 minutes and includes 1.5 miles of walking over park trails.
Their War, Their Words: A Sunken Road Tour
Saturday, December 14, 2024
2 pm - 3:30 pm
Meet for the program at the battle painting between the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center and park store (1013 Lafayette Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA 22401), 90 minutes, includes about 1 mile of walking
One of the most famous sites connected with the Civil War is Fredericksburg’s Sunken Road. Over the course of the Battle of Fredericksburg, thousands of Union soldiers attacked the road, while thousands of Confederates defended their position protected by a formidable stone wall. This tour will consider the various perspectives of people who experienced the battle through their own words in the attempt to answer the essential question: how do we all see the same event differently?
Details
Activity
Arts and Culture
Check the program schedule to learn more about specific activities.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets are allowed on park grounds, but not in buildings or the Fredericksburg National Cemetery.
Activity Fee
No
All programs are free and open to the public. Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park is a fee free park.
Reservations
No
Season
Winter
Typically, in person anniversary programming will fall on the weekend nearest to the dates of the battles.
Time of Day
Park grounds are open sunrise to sunset. Check the schedule for specific program times.
Accessibility Information
- Physical accessibility of park programs varies depending on the program.
- Assisted listening devices are available upon request. (If interested in a program that begins somewhere other than a visitor center, let us know ahead of time if you would like to use one of these devices.)
We strive to make our programs as accessible as possible. If you have any questions or need an accommodation for yourself or a member of your party, please contact us and we will do our best to make your visit as meaningful as possible.