Virginia Civil War Battles: 3 Ways to Experience Them Today

If you were not born and raised in the South, chances are you know little about the battlegrounds of the Civil War, which were all in the South. You’ve heard of famous ones like Gettysburg and Appomattox. But, when you visit the Shenandoah Valley, you’ll find that the grounds of Virginia Civil War battles have been preserved to tell the story of the war that raged through our state. You’ll be hard pressed not to rub up against the Shenandoah Valley Civil War history scattered across these beautiful hills. Here are three ways to experience Virginia Civil War battles during your vacation!

For American history and Civil War buffs, the Shenandoah Valley is hallowed ground. So, when you come to visit, you’ll want to know everything there is to do here to get the full experience. Download our free Vacation Guide for the best ideas for things to do while you’re here! At By the Side of the Road Inn & Cottages, we want you to have the very best visit!

3 Ways to Experience Virginia Civil War Battles Today

20 Battlefields Preserved

The Shenandoah Valley Civil War history is crucial to the story of this entire divisive move to separate north and south because the area was literally a gateway to the north for Confederate armies. This means that war raged throughout the Shenandoah Valley from 1861 through 1865. This was the most contentious region in the country as both sides tried to gain a stronghold of the land. As a result, the Valley saw many battles, leaving war-torn land in their wake. Twenty of these battlefields have now been officially preserved, and the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation is always looking to raise funds to preserve more of the area’s heritage.

The National Heritage Area

In 1996 Congress designated eight counties throughout the Shenandoah Valley as a National Heritage Area now known as the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District. This preservation of the sites of many of the war’s battles not only means that many of the buildings that were left standing are still there, but also that there are miles and miles of untouched farmland throughout the valley that are absolutely pristine, making this a wonderful place to visit both for its natural beauty and the chance to learn about the Shenandoah Valley Civil War history.

The Annual Shenandoah Valley Civil War Conference

If the Shenandoah Valley Civil War is something that truly piques your interest, consider joining others of the same mind for the annual conference. The 2017 event took place April 26th through the 29th and was titled “Mystify, Mislead, & Surprise: Stonewall Jackson in the Valley.” It featured one of the most mythic generals of the war and how his strategies affected the war.

If the area’s heritage is something that interests you, there is no shortage of opportunities to learn about it throughout the Shenandoah Valley. From epic battles to burning fields, this already rugged landscape became treacherous for a few years in the 19th century, leaving many people homeless and without a livelihood. Today, it’s full of life, beauty, and rich history.

Explore the History of the Shenandoah Valley

When you plan your trip to the Shenandoah Valley, you’ll have the chance to engage with some of the most important history of our country. And, you don’t have to be a history buff to appreciate that fact. So, for easy access to some of the best things to do in the area, be sure to stay at By the Side of the Road Inn & Cottages where our rooms and cottages are perfect for your visit. No matter what time of year, you’ll find an enticing respite prepared for you and yours. So, browse our availability and contact us today to book your Shenandoah Valley getaway!

 

For more ideas of things to do and see while in the area, download your copy of our free Vacation Guide!