Things To Do and Places To Go
in each state

The National Park Service Sesquicentennial Commemoration of the Civil War

There are over 70 parks in the National Park System which have resources that are related to the history of the Civil War. They provide opportunities to tour the real places where this struggle occurred nearly 150 years ago. From Fort Sumter National Monument in South Carolina where the Civil War began on April 12, 1861 to Appomattox Court House National Historic Park in Virginia where Lee surrendered on April 9, 1865 and everywhere in between. There are forts, visitor centers, cemeteries, museums, quiet battlefields to explore and living history demonstrations. Take the opportunity to visit some historic places that shaped our nation.

Few people who visit the Outer Banks realize that these islands were battlefields during the Civil War. Whoever could control these barrier islands and sounds could control North Carolina. Although not as famous as other great Civil War battles, they were pivotal for control of North Carolina. One island even became a symbol of hope for slaves seeking a new life.

The state of Virginia was the site of 122 battles during the Civil War. 3 times more than in any other state. Visit the Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park in Virginia to learn more about the human cost of this war. If you are interested in information about the battles, visit The American Battlefield Protection Program to get locations, dates, commanders, estimated casualties, descriptions of the battles and the results.

Visit Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park in Kentucky or Ford's Theatre National Historic Site in Washington, DC to learn more about the president that served during the Civil War and struggled to unite a nation.

For more information visit
The National Park Service Sesquicentennial Commemoration of the Civil War

Past Spotlights