ECW Weekender: History at Sunset at FredSpot

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park has brought back its popular “History at Sunset” programs for the late summer and early fall.

Unlike in past years, the programs are NOT all on Friday evenings. Also, they’ll run bi-weekly instead of weekly into October rather than wrapping up in mid-August.

Here’s a quick look at what the park has in store. For more information, you can read the park’s full press release here.

August 20- Thunder and Flame: Bernard’s Cabins in the Battle of Fredericksburg
Explore one of the lesser-known aspects of the battle that took place on December 13, 1862. Discover the story of an artillery duel that would destroy the homes of enslaved workers and leave a permanent mark on the land around it. Meet at Bernard’s Cabins trailhead (on the south part of Lee Drive about .6 miles from Lansdowne Road).

September 3- Tunes of the Civil War
Listen or sing along to vocalists and string musicians as they perform and share stories about popular melodies from the Civil War period, including sea shanties, camp songs, and patriotic airs. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Park at the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center. 1013 Lafayette Boulevard, Fredericksburg.

September 17- Guinea Station During the Civil War
Uncover the full story of Guinea Station including its early development, its connections to the railroad and the Chandler plantation, its role in an 1864 cavalry skirmish, and its use in transporting U.S. prisoners of war. Meet at the Stonewall Jackson Death Site, 12019 Stonewall Jackson Road, Woodford.

October 1- Trailblazers of Chatham: Women Who Made History
Discover the stories of trailblazing women who lived and worked at Chatham, and their fights to secure freedoms and break barriers over the course of more than 200 years of the site’s history. Meet near the parking lot. 120 Chatham Lane, Fredericksburg.