Richmond National Battlefield Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Richmond National Battlefield Park |
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Union gun position at Malvern Hill
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 Richmond National Battlefield Park
Location in Virginia
Richmond National Battlefield Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Richmond, Hanover County, Henrico County, Chesterfield County, Virginia, USA |
| Nearest city | Richmond, Virginia |
| Area | 3,629.2 acres (14.687 km2) |
| Established | March 2, 1936 |
| Visitors | 94,967 (in 2016) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
| Website | Richmond National Battlefield Park |
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Richmond National Battlefield Park
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| NRHP reference No. | 66000836 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
The Richmond National Battlefield Park helps us remember 13 important places from the American Civil War. These sites are located around Richmond, Virginia. Richmond was the capital of the Confederate States of America for most of the war. The park connects different spots in the city with old forts and battlefields nearby. It helps visitors learn about the battles that happened here.
Richmond's Role in the Civil War
In May 1861, Virginia decided to leave the United States. It then joined the Confederacy. Richmond was a big city for making things. Because of this, it was chosen as the Confederate capital. Many battles took place around the city over the next four years.
Richmond National Battlefield Park covers almost 3,000 acres. This area is in the coastal plain of Virginia. It is bordered by the James and Chickahominy Rivers. Much of the park looks like it did during the Civil War. You can see beautiful meadows and old forests. Many animals also live there.
Key Sites in Richmond National Battlefield Park
Historic Places in Richmond City
Tredegar Iron Works
This was the most important iron factory for the Confederacy. It was a big reason why Richmond became the capital. This factory made about half of all the cannons used by the Confederate army.
- What to see: There is a visitor center and a Civil War museum. Park Rangers are there to help you. You can also watch interactive shows and see maps on big screens.
Chimborazo Hospital
This was the Confederacy's largest hospital camp. It could hold up to 4,000 patients at one time. Most patients came here to get better after being sick or hurt.
- What to see: The museum shows surgical tools and medical displays. You can also watch a film about the hospital.
Major Campaigns Around Richmond
Many big battles and campaigns happened near Richmond. These events shaped the war. The park protects many of these important battle sites.
The Peninsula Campaign (March-May 1862)
This was a plan by Union General George B. McClellan. He tried to attack Richmond from the east. He moved his army up the James River. Confederate cannons tried to stop him. He got very close to the city, but General Joseph E. Johnston launched a surprise attack.
- Chicakhominy Bluffs: McClellan's army was stopped by this natural barrier. The river was flooded, and parts of his army were separated.
- Drewry's Bluff: This was a sharp bend in the James River. Confederate forts here were too high for Union ships to attack. The Union fleet had to turn back. This delayed McClellan's plan to reach Richmond.
The Seven Days Battles (June-July 1862)
This was a series of quick battles. They are sometimes seen as part of the Peninsula Campaign. The new Confederate commander, Robert E. Lee, started these attacks. McClellan had to retreat, but Lee could not trap the Union army.
- Beaver Dam Creek: Also known as Mechanicsville. Confederate General 'Stonewall' Jackson arrived late. The Confederates lost many soldiers. The Union army still moved to a safer spot downstream.
- What to see: There is a walking trail along the lower part of the creek.
- Gaines' Mill: McClellan's defenses seemed very strong. But Lee launched his biggest attack of the war with 57,000 men. McClellan then retreated to the James River. He gave up his plan to capture Richmond.
- What to see: You can explore walking trails and read interpretive signs.
- Glendale: Lee saw a chance to cut off McClellan's army from the river. But Union counter-attacks saved their escape route. Several Union generals were hurt. General George A. McCall was captured.
- What to see: There is a Visitor Center, open at certain times of the year.
- Malvern Hill: This was the last of the Seven Days Battles. The Union army won this battle because they had better cannons. But their commander, McClellan, was not there. He was scouting Harrison’s Landing, where his army soon retreated.
- What to see: There is a Visitor Center, a walking tour, and a driving tour.
The Overland Campaign (May-June 1864)
This was Ulysses S. Grant's first campaign as the main Union General. He fought alongside the army commander, George Meade. The campaign started with a tough fight at the Battle of the Wilderness. Then came two defeats for the Union at Spotsylvania Court House and Cold Harbor.
- Totopotomoy Creek: Grant tried to make Lee fight in open land, but it did not work. The Confederates were safe behind the creek. They stopped all attacks. The beautiful Rural Plains mansion survived many cannon shots.
- What to see: You can take a tour of Rural Plains (the Shelton House).
- Cold Harbor: After some early success, Grant ordered a huge attack. His soldiers charged Lee's strong defenses. They were pushed back with many losses. Grant later said this was his biggest regret. But it was Lee's last big victory.
- What to see: There is a visitor center and a forest trail with signs explaining the battle.
The Siege of Petersburg (June 1864 - April 1865)
After his setbacks in the Overland Campaign, U.S. Grant began a long siege. He used his larger army to wear down Lee's tired and hungry Confederates. When Petersburg fell, Richmond's surrender was sure to follow soon.
- Fort Harrison: This was a very important fort for defending Richmond. It was captured by Benjamin Butler. This made Lee move his entire defense line west. The fort was renamed Fort Burnham to honor a Union commander who died there.
- What to see: There is a Visitor Center, open at certain times of the year.
- Howlett Line: This was a line of earthworks (dirt walls) built across the Bermuda Hundred peninsula. A small Confederate force used it to keep Benjamin Butler's army stuck. U.S. Grant said it was "like a cork in a bottle."
