Battlefields
Virginia is full of Civil War battlefields. The area around Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania has a string of them. Today we visited several of them. Here, as with all the battlefield sites we have visited around the country, the NPS staff (rangers, interns, and volunteers) do an excellent job of presenting the participants and progression of the actions that took place in each area. They can talk nonstop for 30-60 minutes giving a chronological description of names, numbers, locations, actions, and outcomes. It really enhances ones understanding and appreciation of what you are seeing and how it applies to other events of the time and even today. If you visit a NPS site always watch the movies if offered and take in as many Ranger talks as you can.
Example of the pathways around the Chancellorsville visitor center. Cool stuff. Looks like shredded bark that is used in landscaping but it is treated with something. It is springy. Like walking on a cushion but with support and bounce back. Very comfortable.
Chancellorsville battle is where ‘Stonewall’ Jackson was mortally wounded – by his own men. Monument marks approximate area where he was shot.
Grave of unknown Union soldier found during placement of monument above. Marker placed as tribute to all who died here. There were a LOT.
Grave site of ‘Stonewall’ Jackson’s arm. Google it.
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