ECW Weekender: Fredericksburg Events

It’s Fredericksburg anniversary weekend and it seemed appropriate to share the history tours and walks that are hosted by the National Park Service on Saturday and Sunday. We’ve copied the listed from the NPS website and wish you a great weekend of history if you are able to participate.

(And there are rumors that some ECW members may be attending these tours… We’d love to chat with you about history!)

Saturday, December 14th

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Living History Life in the Camps

Visit Prospect Hill for displays and interactions with members of the 47^th Virginia, Company I, reenactment group.  At Tour Stop 6, Prospect Hill. (GPS Coordinates: 38°14’53.64″N  77°26’9.09″W).

9:30 a.m.  To the Pontoons!: The Struggle to Cross the Rappahannock 

Gather at Chatham to recount one of the dramatic days of the war: December 11, 1862, as the Union army struggled to cross the Rappahannock River. The program includes a walk to the upper pontoon crossing site. Chatham:  120 Chatham Lane, Fredericksburg, 22405. Presenter: John Hennessy

10:00 a.m.  Civil War Drill and Music

Watch a Civil War drill and music demonstration by members of the 47^th Virginia, Company I, reenactment group.  At Tour Stop 6, Prospect Hill. (GPS Coordinates: 38°14’53.64″N  77°26’9.09″W).

12:00 noon  Civil War Drill and Uniforms

Learn about Civil War drills and uniforms in this demonstration by members of the 47^th Virginia, Company I, reenactment group.   At Tour Stop 6, Prospect Hill. (GPS Coordinates: 38°14’53.64″N  77°26’9.09″W).

12:30 p.m.  Deadly Ground: Sunken Road, Marye’s Heights, and the Swale

This program will take a close look at what was likely the strongest tactical position ever used by Lee’s army, and the efforts of Union commanders and soldiers to counter it. Park at the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center, 1013 Lafayette Boulevard, 22401.  Presenter: Frank O’Reilly.

1:30 p.m.  Civil War Drill Demonstration and Presentation

Watch a Civil War drill and learn about the role of the 47^th Virginia in the Battle for Prospect Hill by members of the 47^th Virginia, Company I, reenactment group.  At Tour Stop 6, Prospect Hill. (GPS Coordinates: 38°14’53.64″N  77°26’9.09″W).

3:00 p.m.  Battle in the Balance:  Prospect Hill

Walk to forgotten ground on the south end of the field, where the battle hung in the balance—where Union troops for a time broke Stonewall Jackson’s line. Meet at Tour Stop 6, Prospect Hill. (GPS Coordinates: 38°14’53.64″N  77°26’9.09″W). Presenter: Greg Mertz.

Sunday, December 15th

11:30 a.m.  In the Footsteps of the Irish Brigade

Join us for what has become a legendary walk through the streets of Fredericksburg to the Sunken Road.  Meet at the City Dock, 201 Sophia Street. Note: after the program, stay for the Remembrance walk and then plan for a walk back to your car after the program.  Presenter: Frank O’Reilly.

2:00 p.m.  157th Anniversary Remembrance Walk 

Join long-time park historian Greg Mertz, who will reflect on the Battle of Fredericksburg, the Sunken Road, and the men who fought there after working at the site for more than 30 years. Park at the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center, 1013 Lafayette Boulevard, 22401.