Last updated: June 6, 2026
Thing to Do
History at Sunset
NPS Photo
History at Sunset is an annual series that focuses on areas rarely visited, stories rarely told, or familiar sites seen through a different lens. Park rangers lead each History at Sunset program. All programs are free and take place every other Saturday evening at 6:30 pm. Most include walking, with distances ranging from about 0.5 to 1.5 miles. Participants are recommended to bring bug spray and water and to wear sturdy and comfortable walking shoes.
2026 History at Sunset Schedule
All programs begin at 6:30 pm and are about 90 minutes.
June 13 – Decisions and Consequences: The First Shots at Chancellorsville, May 1, 1863
6:30 pm-8 pm
Battlefield hike; 1 mile; meet at the May 1 Battlefield (American Battlefield Trust), 6159 Plank Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22407
At the beginning of the Battle of Chancellorsville, the US Army of the Potomac stole a vital march on the Confederates at Fredericksburg and threatened to catch them in a vise. Hooker's initial approach and subsequent decision to withdraw had profound consequences on the battle. We will examine the area of the heaviest fighting on May 1 and discuss the decisions that made the Battle of Chancellorsville. The walk will be on well-maintained trails and will cover about one mile including climbing a hill with a moderate to easy slope.
June 27 – The Revolution and Its Legacy
6:30 pm-8 pm
Mostly stationary talk; meet Chatham 120 Chatham Lane, Fredericksburg, VA 22405
Explore the many ways that Chatham’s William Fitzhugh and other local citizens supported the American Revolution through money and armaments. With the young nation embroiled in war again less than a hundred years later, how did Civil War soldiers camped in Stafford County understand the legacy of the revolutionary generation? Bring a lawn chair and join park rangers for a mostly stationary program at Chatham.
July 11 – Jackson’s Flank Attack in History and Memory
6:30 pm-8 pm
Mostly stationary talk; meet at Chancellorsville Battlefield Tour Stop 8, Jackson’s Flank Attack
How did this legendary assault transpire, what were the real impacts, and why is it so exalted? Join park rangers as they separate truth from fiction while investigating this famous event. Bring a lawn chair for this mostly stationary program with minimal walking at the Jackson's Flank Attack tour stop on the Chancellorsville Battlefield.
July 25 – Untold Stories of the Sunken Road
6:30 pm-8 pm
Walk; about .25 mile; park in the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center parking lot at 1013 Lafayette Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Take a deep dive into the history of the Sunken Road beyond our regular programming to learn about the people and moments that shaped this iconic landscape. This special evening tour will include rotating stations along the Sunken Road each covering a unique story. This program will include walking about .25 mile over the Sunken Road on the Fredericksburg Battlefield.
August 8 – Bullock House Site: Battle of Chancellorsville on May 3
6:30 pm-8 pm
Battlefield hike; about 1 mile; meet at Chancellorsville Battlefield Tour Stop 2, Bullock House Site
On May 3, 1863, the Battle of Chancellorsville roared around the home of Oscar and Catherine Bullock. Join park staff to learn how the fighting that day changed the course of the battle and how the people who lived here contended with the aftermath of war. This program will meet at the Bullock House Site on the Chancellorsville Battlefield and will include a walk along a wooded trail of approximately 1 mile.
Details
Duration
60-90 Minutes
Most History at Sunset programs are around 90 minutes long.
Activity
Guided Tours
Age(s)
All ages are welcome. Programs may deal with topics including war, death, violence, and enslavement.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Well behaved pets are welcome on most park programs. Pets are not allowed inside park buildings or in the Fredericksburg National Cemetery.
Activity Fee
No
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park is a fee-free park.
Location
Location varies by program
Each History at Sunset takes place at a different location. Check program details for more information.
Reservations
No
Season
Summer, Fall
The History at Sunset schedule changes every year, but typically programs begin in the summer and continue into the late summer or early fall.
Time of Day
Day, Dusk
Programs will take place in the evenings and end around sunset.
Accessibility Information
Most History at Sunset programs include some walking. Check the individual program descriptions for expectations regarding physical accessibilty.
Assistive listening devices are available upon request (if you need this accomodation and could let us know a day in advance we would greatly appreciate it).
We strive to make our programs as enjoying and fullfilling for as many people as possible. If you or a member of your party needs any accomodations or has any concerns, feel free to contact the park and we will do our best to meet your needs.
Assistive listening devices are available upon request (if you need this accomodation and could let us know a day in advance we would greatly appreciate it).
We strive to make our programs as enjoying and fullfilling for as many people as possible. If you or a member of your party needs any accomodations or has any concerns, feel free to contact the park and we will do our best to meet your needs.