Tour of the Fredericksburg Battlefield

The Battle of Fredericksburg, fought in mid-December of 1862, was one of the most intense and devastating battles of the American Civil War. Early in the timeline of the war, this battle saw Union and Confederate forces clash in a strategic location along the Rappahannock River. The Union Army suffered heavy casualties, making it one of their most lopsided defeats.

Today, the battlefield stands as a preserved site where visitors can walk through history, explore key battle locations, and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who fought in one of the Civil War’s most significant conflicts.

The Union Army of the Potomac, commanded by Major General Ambrose Burnside, sought to capture the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia, by crossing the Rappahannock River at Fredericksburg. However, logistical delays allowed General Robert E. Lee’s Confederate Army of Northern Virginia to establish an extremely strong defensive position.

When the battle commenced, the Union troops faced brutal resistance, especially at Marye’s Heights, where Confederate artillery and rifle fire devastated repeated Union assaults.

By the end of the battle, Union forces had suffered more than 12,600 casualties, while Confederate losses were estimated at 5,300. The overwhelming Confederate victory bolstered Southern morale and further frustrated the Union’s efforts to gain an advantage in Virginia.

A visit to Fredericksburg Battlefield offers a comprehensive look at one of the Civil War’s most famous engagements. Several sites across the battlefield provide a deep historical experience for enthusiasts, students, and historians alike.

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park

The Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park preserves the battlefield and offers guided tours, interactive exhibits, and walking trails. Visitors can explore battle maps, weaponry, and personal stories of soldiers who fought at Fredericksburg. For a full breakdown of all the wars the U.S. has ever been in, you can read our History of America’s Wars article.

The Sunken Road and Marye’s Heights

One of the most famous locations in the battle, Marye’s Heights, was where Confederate forces under General James Longstreet fortified their position behind a stone wall along the Sunken Road. Union soldiers made repeated, ill-fated assaults on this stronghold, resulting in staggering losses. Walking along the preserved Sunken Road provides an unparalleled view of the battlefield’s brutal reality.

Chatham Manor

Chatham Manor, originally a plantation, played a significant role in the battle as a Union headquarters and field hospital. Today, visitors can explore the estate, learn about its wartime significance, and view exhibits on Civil War medicine and the lives of enslaved people who lived on the property before the war.

Fredericksburg National Cemetery

Located on Marye’s Heights, this cemetery is the final resting place for more than 15,000 Union soldiers who fought in Fredericksburg and surrounding battles. It serves as a solemn reminder of the high cost of war and provides a place for reflection and remembrance.

Prospect Hill

On the southern end of the battlefield, Prospect Hill was a key Confederate position defended by General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s troops. The Union attack on this position was one of the few that came close to breaking Confederate lines, but ultimately, it failed. The site now offers historical markers and an excellent vantage point to understand the Confederate defensive strategy.

Flags played a crucial role in the long line of civil war battles, started at Fort Sumter, serving as rallying points for soldiers, identifying units, and communicating orders amidst the chaos. At Fredericksburg, regimental flags were carried through gunfire. Many of these historic banners are preserved in museums and collections today.

For enthusiasts interested in Civil War-era flags, Gettysburg Flag Works offers a collection of historically accurate replicas. Browse our Historical Civil War Flags to bring a piece of history into your collection.

A visit to Fredericksburg Battlefield is more than just a trip through history—it is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made during the Civil War. There were many other battles in the Civil War like the Battle of Antietam, but the Fredericksburg battle was monumental for the war. Whether walking the Sunken Road, visiting Chatham Manor, or standing atop Marye’s Heights, each step on the battlefield offers insight into the immense struggles and heroism of those who fought.