• Photo of cannon at Antietam National Battlefield

    The Civil War

Preservation

The Civil War may long be over, but one battle still remains: the fight to preserve its legacy. The National Park Service is committed to helping protect the historic resources that tell the story of our nation's bloodiest war, and not just the ones on federal parkland. From grants, to documentation projects, to archeological research, learn about how our agency is keeping numerous sites across the country safe.

 

Stories from Preservation

Showing results 1-5 of 13

  • A Most Horrid Picture

    Modern photograph of a medicine kit from the Civil War

    When the war began, medical practitioners were only beginning to understand the benefits of cleanliness and good sanitation. As a result, two out of every three deaths in the Civil War were caused by disease rather than injury. Caregivers like Clara Barton, the "Angel of the Battlefield" brought food and supplies to the soldiers and inspired new hope and life to the injured and dying. Read more

  • Antietam National Battlefield

    A Savage Continual Thunder

    Lithograph of Battle of Antietam

    In September 1862 Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee crossed the Potomac River and invaded northern territory, hoping that a major victory on Union soil would encourage European recognition of the Confederacy, and force the north to sue for peace. At the same time, President Lincoln hoped for a Union victory that would provide him with the opportunity to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. Read more

  • Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

    Archeology in the Park - Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

    Photo of archeologist excavating the U.S. Armory grounds at Harpers Ferry

    The Musket Factory site on the grounds of the Harpers Ferry, Virginia Armory has been the focus of a multi-year, multi-disciplinary study that includes a thorough examination of the site's archaeological resources. Substantial efforts have been made to make the process of these investigations and their findings accessible to the public. Read more

  • Manassas National Battlefield Park

    Archeology in the Park - Manassas National Battlefield Park

    An image of Robinson House with two people sitting on the front porch from March 1862

    Until its destruction by fire in 1993, a rare example of a pre-Civil War African American homestead existed on the Grounds of the Manassas National Battlefield Park. Subsequent archeological excavations at the site unearthed a surprising discovery. Read more

  • Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site

    Archeology in the Park - Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site

    Photo of Ulysses S. Grant, his wife Julia and their son Jesse

    Ulysses S. Grant spent four years as a farmer at White Haven, his father-in-law's estate near St. Louis, Missouri, between 1854 and 1858. Recent archeological investigations of a satellite structure of the main house at White Haven have brought to light many details of slave life at the plantation in the years preceding the Civil War. Read more