Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park is a historical site located in Virginia. It spans across 8,070 acres and consists of four major battlefields from the American Civil War: Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania Court House.

The park is situated in Spotsylvania County, approximately 50 miles south of Washington D.C. and 55 miles north of Richmond. Its central location makes it easily accessible for visitors from both cities as well as other nearby areas.

The historical background of the park dates back to 1862 when the Union and Confederate armies engaged in fierce battles in the region. The Fredericksburg Battlefield witnessed the Union Army's unsuccessful attempts to cross the Rappahannock River, resulting in heavy casualties. Chancellorsville was another significant battle, where Confederate General Robert E. Lee managed to defeat a larger Union force led by General Joseph Hooker.

The Wilderness Battlefield commemorates the intense fighting that took place in a dense forest, which claimed thousands of lives over two days. Lastly, the Spotsylvania Court House Battlefield reveals the continued conflict between the Union and Confederate armies in May 1864, highlighting the strategic importance of the region.

Visitors to Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park can explore these four historically significant battlefields. The park offers informative guided tours, interpretive exhibits, and ranger-led programs to enhance visitors' understanding of the events that occurred on these grounds.

Additionally, the park features several hiking trails that allow visitors to walk in the footsteps of soldiers and experience the battlefields firsthand. These trails offer breathtaking vistas and unique perspectives of the landscape.

Nearby attractions include the Fredericksburg Historic District, which offers a glimpse into the city's rich history with its well-preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings. The Mary Washington House, the childhood home of George Washington's mother, is also worth a visit for history enthusiasts.

For those interested in further exploring Civil War history, nearby attractions like the Chatham Manor, where Union troops once used the mansion as headquarters, and the Stonewall Jackson Shrine are worth a visit.

Overall, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park provides a memorial to the sacrifices made during the American Civil War. Its location, historical significance, and range of activities make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and those looking to explore the region's past.

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park is situated in the picturesque state of Virginia in the United States. This historic park encompasses four major Civil War battlefields: Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania Court House. Nestled between the vibrant cities of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania, the park stretches across an expanse of rolling hills, dense forests, and meandering rivers. The terrain is marked by its diverse landscapes, ranging from open fields to thick woodlands, creating a captivating backdrop for visitors to explore. Its prime location, just a short drive from the bustling capital of Washington D.C., makes it easily accessible to history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking to immerse themselves in the rich heritage and natural beauty that Virginia has to offer.

Address & Contact

120 Chatham Ln
Fredericksburg, VA 22405
Driving Directions
Phone: 5406933200
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park would be in April or May. During these months, the average maximum temperatures range from 69°F to 76°F, providing a pleasant climate for outdoor activities. The average minimum temperatures range from 44°F to 54°F, ensuring comfortable conditions throughout the day. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation is moderate, ranging from 3.6 inches to 4.7 inches, allowing for enjoyable outdoor experiences without excessive rainfall. These months also offer a lower number of visitors compared to the peak summer months, allowing visitors to avoid large crowds and fully appreciate the historical and natural attractions of the park.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park are: Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Biking Road Biking Hiking Front-Country Hiking Living History Self-Guided Tours - Auto Reenactments Historic Weapons Demonstration

Topics

Learn about these topics at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park: Birthplace Presidents Animals Birds Architecture and Building Archeology Fish Military US Army African American Heritage Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Women's History Infantry and Militia Artillery Battlefields Monuments and Memorials Wars and Conflicts Civil War Cavalry Enslavement Medicine Hospital Plantations National Cemetery Reconstruction Great Depression Farming and Agriculture

Visitor Centers

Jackson Death Site

Confederate General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson died in the farm office building of the Fairfield Plantation. Today, that office building is all that remains of the former slave plantation situated near the critical transportation hub of Guinea Station. The Jackson Death Site grounds are open every day, sunrise to sunset but the building is open seasonally.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Jackson Death Site.

Campsites within or near Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park

Quality Inn Fredericksburg, Central Park Area

A stay at Quality Inn Fredericksburg, Central Park Area places you in the heart of Fredericksburg, within a 5-minute drive of Spotsylvania Towne Centre and University of Mary Washington. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2310 Plank Road, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401
Web: Link

Residence Inn by Marriott Fredericksburg

With a stay at Residence Inn by Marriott Fredericksburg in Fredericksburg, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Spotsylvania Towne Centre and Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 60 Towne Centre Blvd, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22407
Web: Link

Courtyard by Marriott Fredericksburg Historic District

When you stay at Courtyard by Marriott Fredericksburg Historic District in Fredericksburg, you'll be in the historical district, within a 10-minute walk of Fredericksburg Presbyterian Church and Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 620 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401
Web: Link

Kenmore Inn

A stay at Kenmore Inn places you in the heart of Fredericksburg, steps from Mary Washington House and 3 minutes by foot from Rising Sun Tavern. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1200 Princess Anne St, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401
Web: Link

Hyatt Place Fredericksburg at Mary Washington

With a stay at Hyatt Place Fredericksburg at Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, you'll be connected to a shopping center, just a 1-minute walk from University of Mary Washington and 6 minutes by foot from Mary Washington Hospital. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1241 Jefferson Davis Highway, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401
Web: Link

Best Western Fredericksburg

Located in Fredericksburg, Best Western Fredericksburg is in the historical district, within a 5-minute drive of University of Mary Washington and Spotsylvania Towne Centre. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2205 Plank Road, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401
Web: Link

WoodSpring Suites Fredericksburg

A stay at WoodSpring Suites Fredericksburg places you in the heart of Fredericksburg, within a 5-minute drive of United States National Slavery Museum and Spotsylvania Towne Centre. Featured amenities include express check-out, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1455 Carl D Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401
Web: Link

Braehead Manor

When you a stay at Braehead Manor in Fredericksburg, you'll be in the mountains, just steps from Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park and Fredericksburg Battlefield. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 123 Lee Drive, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401
Web: Link

The Richard Johnston Inn & 1890 Caroline House

A stay at The Richard Johnston Inn & 1890 Caroline House places you in the heart of Fredericksburg, within a 5-minute walk of Fredericksburg Presbyterian Church and Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 711 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401
Web: Link

Clarion Hotel & Suites Convention Center Fredericksburg

Located in Fredericksburg, Clarion Hotel & Suites Convention Center Fredericksburg is a 2-minute drive from Spotsylvania Towne Centre and 7 minutes from Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. Featured amenities include a computer station, a 24-hour front desk, and multilingual staff. This hotel has 12 meeting rooms available for events. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2801 Plank Road, Building B, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401
Web: Link