Six national battlefields are located near Washington, DC. They are beautiful historic sites to visit and pay tribute to American war heroes.
1. Antietam National Battlefield
Sharpsburg, Maryland. Located 70 miles north of Washington, DC. The Battle of Antietam was the first invasion by the Confederate Army into the North during the Civil War. In just one day, 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or missing. Take a self-guided 8 1/2 mile auto tour or hike through the battlefield. Regularly scheduled events are scheduled throughout the year. The new Pry House Field Hospital Museum features exhibits relating to the care of wounded.2. Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park
Bristow, Virginia. Prince William County's newest Civil War Battlefield Park opened to the public in October 2007. The 127-acre park features interpretive signs, a pond and nearly three-miles of walking and equestrian trails through scenic woods, leading up to 203 mostly unmarked gravesites of Confederate soldiers.3. Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park
Located 55+ miles southwest of Washington, DC. There are four Civil War battlefields in Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania Counties in Northern, Virginia: Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness and Spotsylvania. Driving tours and walking trails are available through each battlefield. It is suggested to start your day at the Visitor Centers at the Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville Battlefields to gather information, maps and directions. Guided tours and special events are scheduled seasonally.4. Gettysburg National Military Park
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Located 80 miles north of Washington, DC. The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point of the Civil War during which 51,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or captured over a three-day period. This important historic site attracts visitors from all over the country to participate in a wide variety of activities including walking and driving tours, campfire programs, living history demonstrations, Junior Ranger programs and specialized group tours. A new Museum and Visitor Center and Cyclorama Gallery opened in 2008.
