South Eastern USA Civil War Tour
Jul 4th, 2007, 12:49 AM
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South Eastern USA Civil War Tour
I'm planning around 15 or 16 days in the South East for April next year. In that time we have to get from DC to Atlanta by car before we fly out. We are both history buffs and will be keen to see some of the Civil War sites. We'll be looking to stay in towns and cities with historical character, good restaurants etc.
My initial thoughts of how to divide the time were to spend a couple of nights in DC (we have been before a couple of times so its just to get over the jetlag really), a couple of days in the Gettysburg area, a couple of days in Richmond and simialrly a couple of days in Charleston and Savannah.
While I know a bit of the history, I have no feel for what is worth spending our time at and what is "not to be missed". We'd prefer to use several bases rather than be on the road every day. Any suggestions of how to spend those 15 or 16 days would be appreciated.
My initial thoughts of how to divide the time were to spend a couple of nights in DC (we have been before a couple of times so its just to get over the jetlag really), a couple of days in the Gettysburg area, a couple of days in Richmond and simialrly a couple of days in Charleston and Savannah.
While I know a bit of the history, I have no feel for what is worth spending our time at and what is "not to be missed". We'd prefer to use several bases rather than be on the road every day. Any suggestions of how to spend those 15 or 16 days would be appreciated.
Jul 4th, 2007, 03:25 AM
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If you are going to be in DC, I would only spend one night there and then get out to Antietam Battlefield and Harpers Ferry to do some historical touring there while recovering from jet lag. Shepherdstown, WV, is the oldest town in West Virginia - 3 miles from Antietam, 10 from Harpers Ferry - and has several good restaurants in the historic downtown area. The Park Service guides are great or there are several local guides for hire for tours of the battlefields and surrounding area.
Jul 4th, 2007, 04:21 AM
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Here are some books that may help you. I think you may be coming from England?
http://www.amazon.com/Touring-Caroli.../dp/0895871467
You have a good bit of travel to get in just to get to Atlanta!
Charleston is worth a number of days in and of itself.
Savannah is worth at least one--and is a couple of hours south of Charleston. And then it is a good 4-6 hour drive to Atlanta (I think). So maybe blocking out your trip with these kinds of times will help you connect the dots with battlefields further north.
There is Antietam and Appomattox to be seen also.
I suspect Virginia (Gettysburg is close) will occupy one block of time and then the Southeast coast another.
Have fun.
http://www.amazon.com/Touring-Caroli.../dp/0895871467
You have a good bit of travel to get in just to get to Atlanta!
Charleston is worth a number of days in and of itself.
Savannah is worth at least one--and is a couple of hours south of Charleston. And then it is a good 4-6 hour drive to Atlanta (I think). So maybe blocking out your trip with these kinds of times will help you connect the dots with battlefields further north.
There is Antietam and Appomattox to be seen also.
I suspect Virginia (Gettysburg is close) will occupy one block of time and then the Southeast coast another.
Have fun.
Jul 4th, 2007, 05:45 AM
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I use to live in Fredericksburg, VA (45 min south of DC on I-95) and while I couldn't care less about the Civil War that town sure did attract a lot of Civil War buffs. There are a few battlefields nearby, lots of restaurants, little boutiques and the town itself is kind of cute (as long as you don't have to live there). Let me know if you want more info on the town. Or you can check out the local paper the Free Lance-Star.
Jul 4th, 2007, 05:59 AM
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As you may know, you can take a boat to Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor and tour the site where the war began. This is a must-see, I suggest, and so is Appomatox, Va., where (for the most part) the war concluded. ... All the battlefield parks are generally well preserved and all of them offer considerable natural charms as well as a haunting history lesson. Antietam and Gettysburg are probably the most prominent, but all are worthwhile.
Jul 4th, 2007, 11:13 AM
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Many thanks for the help so far. It's lifting my excitement level! Coming from Australia actually.
If I were to take the suggestion of concentrating on VA then on the South East Coast at Charleston, any suggestions of where to stay in between the two? And what would be a good VA base?
If I were to take the suggestion of concentrating on VA then on the South East Coast at Charleston, any suggestions of where to stay in between the two? And what would be a good VA base?
Jul 4th, 2007, 11:31 AM
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This site may be helpful -
http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/cwusa.html
Personally, I'd head toward Chattanooga, TN after VA and visit Chickamauga battlefield, Lookout Mtn, etc. and follow Sherman's route in to Atlanta. Visit some sites in the Atlanta area and head toward the coast (Savannah) and on to Charleston.
That's what I'd do. Be sure to stop off to drive around Madison, GA - the town too pretty to burn. Sherman destroyed everything in his path on his March to the Sea, but his roommate from West Point was from Madison so he left this gorgeous antebellum town untouched.
http://americancivilwar.com/statepic/cwusa.html
Personally, I'd head toward Chattanooga, TN after VA and visit Chickamauga battlefield, Lookout Mtn, etc. and follow Sherman's route in to Atlanta. Visit some sites in the Atlanta area and head toward the coast (Savannah) and on to Charleston.
That's what I'd do. Be sure to stop off to drive around Madison, GA - the town too pretty to burn. Sherman destroyed everything in his path on his March to the Sea, but his roommate from West Point was from Madison so he left this gorgeous antebellum town untouched.
Jul 4th, 2007, 01:06 PM
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Lots of good Civil War history to the west, but I think they need to end in Atlanta. It would add a LOT to the trip--and/or miss Charleston. I would not miss Charleston even if it had nothing to do with CW history!! I think they have to stay on the coast and then make a run TO Atlanta. Your idea of seeing Madison is really good however.
Jul 4th, 2007, 03:40 PM
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Here's a variation. What do you guys think of this?
Instead of starting in DC start in Philadelphia. We were getting to the starting point by train from NYC anyway. A couple of days in Philly then, over the next 10 days drive from Philly to Gettysburg, Antietam, Harpers Ferry down to Appomattox and to Richmond. Fly to Charleston. I see there are indirect flights on UA and others for around $130.00, After a few days in Charleston fly drive to Savannah then on to Atlanta.
The advantage of this is that there is not so much driving - well, a bit less, there is still a lot!
Instead of starting in DC start in Philadelphia. We were getting to the starting point by train from NYC anyway. A couple of days in Philly then, over the next 10 days drive from Philly to Gettysburg, Antietam, Harpers Ferry down to Appomattox and to Richmond. Fly to Charleston. I see there are indirect flights on UA and others for around $130.00, After a few days in Charleston fly drive to Savannah then on to Atlanta.
The advantage of this is that there is not so much driving - well, a bit less, there is still a lot!
Jul 4th, 2007, 06:46 PM
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Last year I did as "TurtleMichael" suggests:A couple of days in Philly then, drove from Philly to Gettysburg, Antietam, Harpers Ferry down to Appomattox and to Richmond. Richmond has Museum of the Confederacy and a great Fine Arts Museum. Of all the CW sites I have visited including Chattanooga, Gettyburg is NOT to be missed-I spent 2 and 1/2 days there..Antietam by comparison is very small (1/2 day)
but still impressive. While Chattanooga is not very far from Atlanta, it is in the opposite direction and I would stick with Charleston and Savannah
Sounds like a wonderful trip..
but still impressive. While Chattanooga is not very far from Atlanta, it is in the opposite direction and I would stick with Charleston and Savannah
Sounds like a wonderful trip..
Jul 4th, 2007, 08:14 PM
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If you can, try to stay at the Piper Farm B * B in Antietam located right on the battlefield area. A 2 day visit gives you a great deal of history and appreciation of the tremendous slaughter that took place there. It was one of the highlights of our Civil War trip.
Jul 4th, 2007, 09:08 PM
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Go to www.civilwartrails.org
Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina have marked highways with the original routes of the troops as much as possible. In central Virginia, many of these routes are scenic and rural. you would need to rent a car and it will be worth it to see some of the orginal route.
Also a must-see is the National Park Visitors Center in Richmond, VA at the restored Tredegar Iron Works. The website is www.nps.gov/rich
Post again as you firm up your plans.
Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina have marked highways with the original routes of the troops as much as possible. In central Virginia, many of these routes are scenic and rural. you would need to rent a car and it will be worth it to see some of the orginal route.
Also a must-see is the National Park Visitors Center in Richmond, VA at the restored Tredegar Iron Works. The website is www.nps.gov/rich
Post again as you firm up your plans.
Jul 5th, 2007, 03:39 AM
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Sorry to tell you, maile, but my colleague at the Piper Farm B&B on the Antietam Battlefield retired about 18 months ago. They continue to live in the property but are no longer open as a bed & breakfast. There are many other nice B&Bs in the area of Sharpsburg and Shepherdstown, WV to try.
Jul 6th, 2007, 02:18 PM
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Because we live in Michigan, we went to Gettysburg for 2 days, then onto Richmond and back up to D.C. for a few days and headed back home.
We have 4 kids, and Gettysburg left them in amazement. Consider a guided tour (instead of the tapes or bus). The tour guide drove our vehicle and took us along the route and personalized it where we were interested the most, like the Iron Brigade which included men from Michigan .
Our kids are so into history now we are going to Boston this year. We did Antietam too, but there was no comparison.
One thing we would have done differently in Gettysburg were our accomodations. We stayed at a hotel outside of town and once we saw all the activity in the town at night, we wished we were there.
Good luck.
We have 4 kids, and Gettysburg left them in amazement. Consider a guided tour (instead of the tapes or bus). The tour guide drove our vehicle and took us along the route and personalized it where we were interested the most, like the Iron Brigade which included men from Michigan .
Our kids are so into history now we are going to Boston this year. We did Antietam too, but there was no comparison.
One thing we would have done differently in Gettysburg were our accomodations. We stayed at a hotel outside of town and once we saw all the activity in the town at night, we wished we were there.
Good luck.
Jul 6th, 2007, 06:45 PM
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After Harpers Ferry, head west to I-81 south and stop in Winchester, VA, Cedar Grove Battlefield in Middletown, the New Market Battlefield and Museum and then stay on I-81 south to I-64 to Richmond.
Jul 7th, 2007, 05:39 AM
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TurtleMichael--I think you've got a great plan to start in Philly and then fly from Richmond to Charleston. You certainly will skip a lot of needless driving that way.
In case you are interested in visiting one "oddity" of the Civil War, you can now visit the gravesite of Stonewall Jackson's arm. See http://www.roadsideamerica.com/set/arms.html for more info.
Although we haven't made it to this gravesite yet (it's only been open a couple of years), we have been to many other Stonewall Jackson sites. I can recommend touring his home in Lexington, Virginia. While in Lexington, you can also visit the tomb of Robert E. Lee and the grave of his horse, Traveler. Lexington is also the home of the Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University of which Lee was president after the Civil War until his death.
Right off Interstate 95 near Chancellorsville is the Stonewall Jackson Shrine. It is a small, but lovely plot of land on which sits the house where Jackson died. When we visited it on a long-ago Sunday, we were the only people there and the National Park ranger (who was mowing the grass when we arrived) was only too happy to give us a personal tour. There are picnic tables there and we found it to be a nice, quiet spot for a picnic.
If you have not already visited the Manassas Battlefield on your previous visit to D.C., I recommend going there too. (It's where Jackson got his nickname of "Stonewall"). As you may know, citizens of D.C. drove out in their buggies to the see the battle (1st Manassas) thinking the Confederates would be routed and the war would quickly be over. Unfortunately, things didn't quite work out that way.
Finally, before you visit you may wish to check out the website of the National Park Service. A number of Civil War battlefields and historical sites are administered by the NPS and you can get information about these sites which may help you decide where you want to visit.
In case you are interested in visiting one "oddity" of the Civil War, you can now visit the gravesite of Stonewall Jackson's arm. See http://www.roadsideamerica.com/set/arms.html for more info.
Although we haven't made it to this gravesite yet (it's only been open a couple of years), we have been to many other Stonewall Jackson sites. I can recommend touring his home in Lexington, Virginia. While in Lexington, you can also visit the tomb of Robert E. Lee and the grave of his horse, Traveler. Lexington is also the home of the Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University of which Lee was president after the Civil War until his death.
Right off Interstate 95 near Chancellorsville is the Stonewall Jackson Shrine. It is a small, but lovely plot of land on which sits the house where Jackson died. When we visited it on a long-ago Sunday, we were the only people there and the National Park ranger (who was mowing the grass when we arrived) was only too happy to give us a personal tour. There are picnic tables there and we found it to be a nice, quiet spot for a picnic.
If you have not already visited the Manassas Battlefield on your previous visit to D.C., I recommend going there too. (It's where Jackson got his nickname of "Stonewall"). As you may know, citizens of D.C. drove out in their buggies to the see the battle (1st Manassas) thinking the Confederates would be routed and the war would quickly be over. Unfortunately, things didn't quite work out that way.
Finally, before you visit you may wish to check out the website of the National Park Service. A number of Civil War battlefields and historical sites are administered by the NPS and you can get information about these sites which may help you decide where you want to visit.
Jul 7th, 2007, 08:16 AM
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If you are driving down towards DC from Philadelphia, you might want to wander around the 'Amish Country' area (Lancaster County). It's a rural interesting place with some backroads that are worth driving through, and is a very different culture from the rest of what you will see in the US.
Jul 7th, 2007, 06:51 PM
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Thanks to all for some really great information and advice here. I think we need 6 weeks rather than 3!
Over the next week or so I'll try to develop the plan further. I'd then like to put it back to you guys for comments. It's still 9 months away so I don't need to get into too much detail yet. I always have this issue of over-planning and therefore taking away the spontaneity so I'll have to deal with that urge as well! But ots great fun planning!
Over the next week or so I'll try to develop the plan further. I'd then like to put it back to you guys for comments. It's still 9 months away so I don't need to get into too much detail yet. I always have this issue of over-planning and therefore taking away the spontaneity so I'll have to deal with that urge as well! But ots great fun planning!
Jul 8th, 2007, 05:12 AM
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Atlanta History Center
http://www.atlhist.org/template.cfm?cid=425
Has a huge permanent exhibition about the civil war that is excellent, I thought it was very well done.
"With 1,400 objects displayed in the 9,200-square-foot DuBose Gallery, Turning Point is one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive exhibitions about one of the most important events in our country’s history. Real objects such as cannons, uniforms and flags make history come alive. Poignant photos and personal stories show how the war impacted those who experienced it. Display maps explain the sequence of events. Videos interpret what happened and why. Touch-screen computer learning stations can answer your questions and deepen your understanding. You’ll find this exhibition to be a powerful and fascinating experience, whatever your level of interest or knowledge of the Civil War."
http://www.atlhist.org/template.cfm?cid=425
Has a huge permanent exhibition about the civil war that is excellent, I thought it was very well done.
"With 1,400 objects displayed in the 9,200-square-foot DuBose Gallery, Turning Point is one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive exhibitions about one of the most important events in our country’s history. Real objects such as cannons, uniforms and flags make history come alive. Poignant photos and personal stories show how the war impacted those who experienced it. Display maps explain the sequence of events. Videos interpret what happened and why. Touch-screen computer learning stations can answer your questions and deepen your understanding. You’ll find this exhibition to be a powerful and fascinating experience, whatever your level of interest or knowledge of the Civil War."
