Videos

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  Fredericksburg

  The Battle of Fredericksburg raged in December of 1862. Army of the Potomac Commander Ambrose Burnside sent US forces across the Rappahannock River and into the streets of Fredericksburg in an attempt to force Confederate forces of the Army of Northern Virginia out from the heights surrounding the town. It would be a demoralizing loss for the US just weeks before the official passage of the Emancipation Proclamation. This 22-minute film is shown in the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center.

  Duration:

  23 minutes, 46 seconds

 

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  Chancellorsville

  In the spring of 1863, United States General Joseph Hooker puts an ambitious plan into motion for his Army of the Potomac. His opposition is Confederate General Robert E. Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia. Despite all odds, the Battle of Chancellorsville would turn out to be a decisive victory for Lee and the Confederate Army: a victory that enabled Lee to march north to the fields of Pennsylvania. This 22-minute film is shown in the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center.

  Duration:

  23 minutes, 58 seconds

 

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  Chatham

  For 250 years, Chatham has dominated the heights opposite Fredericksburg on the banks of the Rappahannock River. Follow Chatham's history from slave plantation to Civil War, from ruin to rebirth, from private property to a protected historic site. This 14-minute film is shown at Chatham when the house is open.

  Duration:

  14 minutes, 2 seconds

 

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  Key Factors to Consider When Evaluating Civil War Battles

  With hindsight, it is easy to look back at the decisions of leaders and soldiers during the Civil War and point out how to correct their mistakes. It is more challenging, but much more rewarding, to try to understand why people made the decisions they did in the context of their experiences during a particular time and place. Join Ranger Pete at the Sunken Road and discuss some important things that we need to understand as we study Civil War history.

  Duration:

  6 minutes, 10 seconds

 

More Park Videos

• In the Footsteps of the Irish Brigade is a recording of the popular annual walking tour with Ranger Frank O'Reilly that traces the movements and history of the Irish Brigade at the Battle of Fredericksburg.
• Browse the full library of videos from Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park on nps.gov or visit the park's YouTube channel.