News Release

National Park Service Observes the 157th Anniversary of the Battle of Fredericksburg with Weekend Programming

News Release Date: November 19, 2019

Fredericksburg, VA: On Saturday, December 14^th and Sunday, December 15^th, join the National Park Service in observing the 157^th Anniversary of the Battle of Fredericksburg with historian-led programs.

See the full schedule of events below. Each program will last about 90 minutes.  

Saturday, December 14^th:

*9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Living History Life in the Camps
Visit Prospect Hill for displays and interactions with members of the 47^th Virginia, Company I, reenactment group. At Tour Stop 6, Prospect Hill. (GPS Coordinates: 38°14'53.64"N 77°26'9.09"W).

9:30 a.m.: To the Pontoons!: The Struggle to Cross the Rappahannock
Gather at Chatham to recount one of the dramatic days of the war: December 11, 1862, as the Union army struggled to cross the Rappahannock River. The program includes a walk to the upper pontoon crossing site. Chatham: 120 Chatham Lane, Fredericksburg, 22405. Presenter: John Hennessy
 

*10:00 a.m.: Civil War Drill and Music
Watch a Civil War drill and music demonstration by members of the 47^th Virginia, Company I, reenactment group. At Tour Stop 6, Prospect Hill. (GPS Coordinates: 38°14'53.64"N 77°26'9.09"W).
 

*12:00 noon: Civil War Drill and Uniforms
Learn about Civil War drills and uniforms in this demonstration by members of the 47^th Virginia, Company I, reenactment group. At Tour Stop 6, Prospect Hill. (GPS Coordinates: 38°14'53.64"N 77°26'9.09"W).

12:30 p.m.: Deadly Ground: Sunken Road, Marye’s Heights, and the Swale.
This program will take a close look at what was likely the strongest tactical position ever used by Lee’s army, and the efforts of Union commanders and soldiers to counter it. The walk will include Brompton. Park at the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center, 1013 Lafayette Boulevard, 22401. Presenter: Frank O’Reilly.
 

*1:30 p.m.: Civil War Drill Demonstration and Presentation
Watch a Civil War drill and learn about the role of the 47^th Virginia in the Battle for Prospect Hill by members of the 47th Virginia, Company I, reenactment group. At Tour Stop 6, Prospect Hill. (GPS Coordinates: 38°14'53.64"N 77°26'9.09"W).

3:00 p.m.: Battle in the Balance: Prospect Hill. 
Walk to forgotten ground on the south end of the field, where the battle hung in the balance—where Union troops for a time broke Stonewall Jackson’s line. Meet at Tour Stop 6, Prospect Hill. (GPS Coordinates: 38°14'53.64"N 77°26'9.09"W).
Presenter: Greg Mertz.

*Living history programs with the 47th Virginia updated 11/25/2019.  

Sunday, December 15^th:

11:30 a.m.: In the Footsteps of the Irish Brigade
Join us for what has become a legendary walk through the streets of Fredericksburg to the Sunken Road. Meet at the City Dock, 201 Sophia Street. Note: after the program, stay for the Remembrance walk and then plan for a walk back to your car after the program. Presenter: Frank O’Reilly. 

2:00 p.m.: 157^th Anniversary Remembrance Walk
Join long-time park historian Greg Mertz, who, after working at the site for more than 30 years, will reflect on the Battle of Fredericksburg, the Sunken Road, and the men who fought there. Park at the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center, 1013 Lafayette Boulevard, 22401.

                                                                 
Weather in the Fredericksburg region during December can be unpredictable. Wear warm clothing and footwear, check the forecast in the days leading up to the programs, and keep an eye on the park’s Facebook page for weather updates.

For additional information, visit our website at www.nps.gov/frsp, check our Facebook page, or call the park at 540-693-3200.