Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park (Georgia, Tennessee): This park preserves the sites of two significant Civil War battles: the Battle of Chickamauga (September 18-20, 1863) and the Battles for Chattanooga (November 23-25, 1863). Chickamauga was one of the bloodiest battles in the Western Theater, resulting in a Confederate victory. However, the subsequent Union victories at Chattanooga opened the gateway to the Deep South and set the stage for General William T. Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign. The park encompasses numerous battlefields, monuments, and historic sites, offering visitors a comprehensive understanding of these pivotal battles.
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park (Virginia): This park commemorates four major Civil War battles: Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, The Wilderness, and Spotsylvania Court House. These battles were some of the most intense and bloody of the war, highlighting the strategic importance of the area and the determination of both Union and Confederate forces. The park includes historic structures, battlefields, and visitor centers, providing insights into the tactics, leadership, and human experiences of the soldiers who fought there.
Gettysburg National Military Park (Pennsylvania): The park preserves the site of the Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1-3, 1863. This battle was a turning point in the Civil War, resulting in a Union victory and halting General Robert E. Lee’s invasion of the North. The park features extensive battlefields, monuments, and the Gettysburg National Cemetery, where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address. Visitors can explore the history and significance of the battle through guided tours, exhibits, and interpretive programs.
Kings Mountain National Military Park (South Carolina): This park commemorates the Battle of Kings Mountain, fought on October 7, 1780, during the American Revolutionary War. The battle was a decisive victory for the Patriot militia over the Loyalist forces, significantly boosting Patriot morale and disrupting British plans in the Southern colonies. The park offers hiking trails, interpretive exhibits, and educational programs that highlight the battle’s importance and the contributions of the Overmountain Men.
Shiloh National Military Park (Tennessee, Mississippi): The park preserves the site of the Battle of Shiloh, fought on April 6-7, 1862. This battle was one of the early major engagements in the Western Theater of the Civil War and resulted in a Union victory. The park features historic battlefields, monuments, and the Shiloh National Cemetery. Visitors can learn about the intense fighting, the strategies employed by both sides, and the impact of the battle on the course of the war.
Vicksburg National Military Park (Mississippi, Louisiana): The park commemorates the Siege of Vicksburg, a critical Union victory that took place from May 18 to July 4, 1863. The siege resulted in the surrender of the Confederate forces and gave the Union control of the Mississippi River, effectively splitting the Confederacy in two. The park includes battlefields, restored forts, historic buildings, and the Vicksburg National Cemetery. Visitors can explore the significance of the siege, the hardships endured by soldiers and civilians, and the strategic importance of Vicksburg in the Civil War.
Other National Military Parks:
Guilford Courthouse National Military Park – North Carolina
Guilford Courthouse National Military Park in Greensboro, NC commemmorates the American Revolutionary War Battle of Guilford House on March 15, 1781. The battle opened the seven month campaign in the Southern colonies that resulted in the surrender of the British at Yorktown.
Horseshoe Bend National Military Park – Alabama
Horseshoe Bend National Military Park preserves one of the last battles of the War of 1812 in March 1814. This conflict took place in Daviston, Alabama over a part of the War of 1812 known as the Creek War. The American forces were led by Andrew Jackson, who went on to lead the American forces in the Battle of New Orleans and later become President of the United States.
Pea Ridge National Military Park – Arkansas
Pea Ridge National Military Park in northwest Arkansas protects the site of the Battle of Pea Ridge, considered the most pivotal Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River and an integral part of maintaining Missouri in the Union. The battle was fought in March 1862.