Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area - Frequently Asked Questions (U.S. National Park Service)

1. What is the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area?

The Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area encompasses the 95 counties of Tennessee and organizes its programs and projects along eight historic corridors that crisscross the state. The Heritage Area tells the whole story of America’s greatest challenge, 1860-1875, through sites and resources across the entire state. Our landscape is rich with powerful reminders of the Civil War and its compelling stories of the home front, the demands of occupation, the freedom of emancipation, and the promise and challenge of Reconstruction. Through strong partnerships, the Heritage Area creates educational, tourism, preservation, and recreation opportunities through a variety of services, outreach, and funding.

2. What kinds of activities do you offer in the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area?

Interpretive experiences are available at numerous battlefields, museums, historic houses, cemeteries, and public parks throughout Tennessee. You can experience the stories of the heritage area by car, through walking and hiking trails, and by boating. In fact, several important sites--Pittsburgh Landing on the Tennessee River and the Heloise port on the Mississippi River--are most accessible by boat.

3. How do I get around the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area?

The state’s four largest cities have excellent major airport terminals, especially at Memphis and Nashville, where rental car services are available. Limited excursion trains operate from Nashville and from Chattanooga. For a copy of one or more of our many Civil War driving tours, please contact our office at (615) 898-2947.

4. How can I get involved in what’s happening in the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area?

The Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area provides many educational and volunteer opportunities. Contact our office at (615) 898-2947 or at civilwar@histpres.mtsu.edu for more information.

5. How do I learn more?

To learn more, please visit our website at http://histpres.mtsu.edu/tncivwar.