TOUR OPTIONS

Hallowed Ground Tours provides tours in a client’s vehicle (be that a car, van, or bus) and points out sites while you drive.  We do request a two-hour minimum for you visit with us.  While there are other tour options in the area, we are the only organization that gets beyond the City Streets and Stone Wall to other historic areas not on the Trolley or other Walking Tours.  For more specific information, please contact us at our E-mail or postal addresses.

Even though our name derives from Abraham Lincoln’s notable “Gettysburg Address” following that epic Civil War battle, there are so many “layers” of history here, that we proudly point out that we do not give battlefield tours, only.

For example:

We bluntly state to clients that seeing all four battles ‘in one day’ is virtually impossible. We admit that there are clients from throughout the world who come and spend DAYS on each battle.  We can do that, too.  But, sometimes personal schedules don’t permit that!  Thus we give the following suggestions, and even here we are not all-inclusive:

Battle of Fredericksburg Sites

This tour can last anywhere from a couple of hours to all day.  Sites include the City Docks, the river, Falmouth and the Fall Line, Chatham Manor (The Lacy House), the Pontoon Bridge Sites, the “Slaughter Pen Farm” battle area, Prospect Hill and Jackson’s line, as well as Marye’s Heights, the Stone Wall, the Sunken Road, and the National Cemetery..  The more time one spends, the more they will see of this epic 1862 defensive battle.

Battle of Chancellorsville Sites

Again, this could take any where from two and a half hours to all day.  Sites include the Fredericksburg line, Banks Ford, Five Mile Fork and Old Plank Road, the Lee-Jackson Bivouac as well as Jackson’s Flank March and attack.  In addition, there is the Jackson Wounding site, Chancellorsville itself, Hazel Grove, Fairview, and Salem Church.  This 1863 battle is called Robert E. Lee’s tactical masterpiece.  Of course, he never had Jackson to call upon for help after this.

Battle of the Wilderness Sites

This might be able to be seen rather quickly since many sites from this 1864 conflict are not accessible to the point that many visitors want to walk in to them.  But, we can see Ellwood, Saunder’s Field, Hancok’s line at the Brock Road, the Widow Tapp farm, and the site of Longstreet’s wounding.  Not to detract from any of the bravery that occurred here over 140 years ago, but some “Wilderness” tours last as short as ½ hour (as an overview with another tour) or up to 2-1/2 to 4 hours.

None of this lessens the importance of this battle.  If “knowing the terrain” is a vital part of understanding any battle, then this terrain takes the most time to understand.  In fact, the soldiers themselves probably didn’t understand it and we, today, can probably not do much better than take a map, get a direction, and (just like them) get lost in the Wilderness !  In any case, some of the key sites in this area are definitely “off-road”, so we work with our clients to “be prepared” for this.

Battle of Spotsylvania Court House

This immediate follow up to “The Wilderness” in 1864 was the epitome of trench warfare and a two week slug fest.  The tour can include the Brock Road and Catharpin Road approaches, Todd’s Tavern, Laurel Hill, Dole’s Salient, and, of course, the “Bloody Angle”.  Like the Wilderness, Spotsylvania can be seen somewhat more quickly or not.  Allow at least a couple of hours, or a little more to see it.

Battle of North Anna River

This little discussed and often foot noted 1864 battle was sandwiched between the giant fights at Spotsylvania and Cold Harbor.  Sitting on a county-preserved site, visiting it requires a great deal of walking among the best-preserved trenches anywhere.  In addition, you can visit the key railroad site of Hanover Junction nearby.  Special arrangements can be made to see this.  If you are based in Fredericksburg, you should allow 5 or 6 hours to get to and see this site.  We offer a “trip price” for this, instead of charging an hourly rate.   However, the visit to North Anna is definitely worth the time and trouble.

OTHER SITES

There are other National Park Service sites to visit, as well, such as the wonderful Jackson Shrine, at Guinea Station in adjacent Caroline County or the Salem Church site on the way to Chancellorsville.  There are specific sites in Stafford and Spotsylvania, as well.

Spotsylvania County

In addition to the many Civil War battlefield sites, this locality has a rich history in other endeavors, as well.  Established as a county in 1721 and named for early Royal Governor, Alexander Spotswood, the area is the site of what can, arguably be called, the beginnings of the iron and steel industry in the United States – Tubal Furnace.  In addition to an excellent Civil War museum (mentioned with other “sites to see”), there is a local County History Museum.

Stafford County

Of all the area’s localities, this one has been established the longest:  1664 .  Fitting into the Civil War picture essentially as the campsite for the entire Union Army of the Potomac during the winter of 1862-63, Stafford has a variety of other sites, too, such as wonderful Belmont, the home and studio of the American artist, Gari Melchers.  The Civil War sites include historic Hartwood Church, the “Mud March” and the “Beanpole and Cornstalk Bridge.  Multiple visits by President Abraham Lincoln can be document, too.

There’s always more ranging from the NPS’s wonderful Jackson Shrine at Guinea Station (where “Stonewall” died) to Hartwood Church and Aquia Landing in Stafford.

OTHER LOCAL TOUR OPTIONS

We like to say that using Hallowed Ground Tours as your guide service allows you to get “beyond the streets and Stone Wall” to see the entire local area:  Spotsylvania and Stafford Counties, as well as other parts of the City of Fredericksburg.  Other local, downtown tour options are available, as well.

Another great way to tour the downtown area is by taking one of the “Ghosts of Fredericksburg” Tours.  Led by a costumed guide carrying a lantern, this evening tour each Friday and Saturday night goes to various spots and discussing the haunting history of the ‘Burg covering not only the Civil War era but the Colonial and others, as well.  You can purchase tickets from their office on the second floor of “Elaine’s” at 623 Caroline Street (diagonally across from the Visitor Center), phone them at (540) 654-5415, or check them on-line at their website, www.ghostsoffredericksburg.com

The Trolley Tours:  For a  wonderful, informative overview tour of downtown Fredericksburg, we recommend the Trolley Tours, leaving a scheduled intervals from the downtown Visitor Center where tickets can be purchased at the counter.  The trolley driver is also your tour guide.

Old Towne Carriage Tours:  This regularly scheduled tour of the downtown area leaves from the Visitor Center and rolls through the streets via horse and buggy allowing you a leisurely look at the Historic District.  Your driver gives excellent narratives along the way.

Hallowed Ground Tours is committed to customizing any tour to fit your or your group’s needs  wishes, and interests.