Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park

National Military Park · VA · nps.gov page

A line of four cannons placed in front of crescent shaped earthen gun pits.
Fairview, in the Chancellorsville Battlefield, was the location of intense fighting during the Civil War.Photo: Buddy Secor

Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania, this is America's battleground, where the Civil War roared to its bloody climax. No place more vividly reflects the War's tragic cost in all its forms. A town bombarded and looted. Farms large and small ruined. Refugees by the thousands forced into the countryside. More than 85,000 men wounded; 15,000 killed--most in graves unknown.

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News

  • Large Georgian mansion with manicured lawn.
    Historic Chatham Reopens June 6 After Major Rehabilitation Project

    Visitors will once again be able to tour historic Chatham beginning June 6, 2026, following a major rehabilitation project that improves safety, preserves the historic house and protects its collections for future generations.

  • Fredericksburg National Cemetery Luminaria Canceled

    The Fredericksburg National Cemetery Luminaria has been canceled due to inclement weather. During the luminaria, local scouts light 15,300 candles in white paper bags. The placement and successful lighting of the candles cannot occur in rainy conditions. The safety of our community of attendees, the local scouts who set up the luminarias, and event staff is our top priority. Due to the complexity of event preparation, there is no rain date.

  • Ranger speaking in a cemetery lit by luminarias
    2026 Memorial Day Weekend Events at the Fredericksburg National Cemetery

    As we celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary, Memorial Day offers an opportunity to reflect on the cost of preserving the ideals first articulated in 1776. Visit Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park this Memorial Day weekend to reflect on the sacrifice of those who lost their lives in service of the United States.

Photos

Monument in national cemetery illuminated by candles
Thousands of visitors join us every year for our Memorial Day Illumination of the National CemeteryPhoto: NPS Photo
A gravel path bordered by a stone wall leading to a small, two story white house.
The Sunken Road on the Fredericksburg Battlefield is one of the most popular walking spots in the park.Photo: NPS Photo
Trees with fall colors in front of large brick manor house
When visiting Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania, be sure to explore our numerous historic structures, such as Chatham Manor pictured herePhoto: Buddy Secor
A cannon in a misty clearing surrounded by sparse trees.
The Overland Campaign began at Saunders Field on the Wilderness Battlefield.Photo: Buddy Secor
A bowl-shaped field surrounded by autumn trees.
The Bloody Angle in the Spotsylvania Battlefield is a peaceful place today.Photo: NPS Photo
A living historian dressed as a US Civil War soldier speaks with a family outdoors.
During the summer, visitors may encounter park living historians and learn about soldiers' experiences during the war.Photo: NPS Photo
A middle aged couple stand at a visitor center desk and speak with a park service volunteer.
Make one of our visitor centers your first stop for orientation, maps, and exhibits about the battles we protect.Photo: NPS Photo

Park information and photos come from the National Park Service. This is not an official NPS site.