Fredericksburg Battlefield

Intense fighting around Fredericksburg, across the Rappahannock River, resulted in a lopsided defeat for the US Army of the Potomac.

NPS Photo

 

Visiting the Battlefield

The ground on which the Battle of Fredericksburg took place surrounds the present day downtown center of the City of Fredericksburg. The park's visitor services, driving route, and trails provide a variety of options for exploring and connecting with the history of the battle. 

Visitor Services

Check the Operating Hours & Seasons page for our current hours and program schedule.

Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center
1013 Lafayette Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Speak with park staff, get maps and information, become a Junior Ranger, and wander the exhibits. Restrooms available. Park store located across parking lot.

Chatham Manor
120 Chatham Lane, Fredericksburg, VA 22405
When open, speak with park staff about the history of Chatham and its role during the battle. Restrooms available. Small selection of items from park store in foyer.

Driving Tour

The Fredericksburg Driving Tour follows the numbered stops on the park map. Below is a summary of the driving tour. Listen to the Fredericksburg Audio Driving Tour stop-by-stop online or on the NPS App (best for following the tour onsite, available at the Apple Store and on Google Play)

1. The Sunken Road: Start your visit at the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center, then explore the Sunken Road and the Fredericksburg National Cemetery.
2. Chatham: Cross the Rappahannock River to Chatham, a historic slave plantaion dating from 1771. The US Army of the Potomac crossed into Fredericksburg from here and later this location served as a field hospital.
3. Lee Hill: Re-cross the river to Lee Drive, on the outskirts of Fredericksburg, and visit the spot from which Confederate General Robert E. Lee watched the battle.
4. Howison Hill: This location was a Confederate artillery position and a location where some Fredericksburg civilians watched the battle.
5. Union Breakthrough: US soldiers broke through the Confederate line here, but did not recieve support and were pushed back, loosing their best chance for victory.
6. Prospect Hill: This location forms the southern end of the Confederate defensive line, which the Confederate forces successfuly held throughout the battle.

Trails

• Chatham Grounds Map (pdf): This historic slave plantation has reflected the history of the American South for over 250 years. Learn more about Chatham Manor.
• Sunken Road Walking Trail Map (pdf): 0.8 mi (1.3 km) loop. Start: Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center, Tour Stop 1. Follow the historic Sunken Road and climb to Marye's Heights leading to the Fredericksburg National Cemetery.
• North Lee Drive Trail Map (pdf): 2.8 mi (4.5 km) one way. This trail follows the course of North Lee Drive. There is no informational signage along the trail.
• Lee Hill Trail (no map): 0.5 mi (.8 km) round trip. Start: Lee's Hill, Tour Stop 3. Climb a winding trail to the top of Lee's Hill, Robert E. Lee's command post during the battle.
• South Lee Drive Trail Map (pdf): The following trails are accessible from South Lee Drive:
  • South Lee Drive Trail: 2.4 mi (3.9 km) one way. This trail follows the course of South Lee Drive. There is no informational signage along the trail.
  • Bernard's Cabins Trail: 1.8 mi (2.9 km) round trip. Start: Pullout along north side of South Lee Drive, between Tour Stops 4 & 5. Follow this trail to the location of cabins where enslaved people lived and an artillery position during the Battle of Fredericksburg.
  • Hamilton's Crossing Walking Trail: 0.64 mi (1 km) round trip. Start: Prospect Hill, Tour Stop 6. A short trail that leads to the site of Hamilton's Crossing, an important rail depot.

 

Prepare for Your Visit

 

 

Explore the Fredericksburg Battlefield

 

 

Map of Frederickburg Battlefield Sites

Alt Text Description: This is a map that marks sites on the Fredericksburg Battlefield. Sites on the Fredericksburg Battlefield span from the northern bank of the Rappahannock River at Chatham, to the area across the river on the outskirts of Fredericksburg. Sites located on the Fredericksburg side of the map are concentrated in two locations. Many sites surround the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center which is the location of the US assaults on Marye's Heights and the present-day Fredericksburg National Cemetery. Other sites are concentrated down Lee Drive to Prospect Hill, which was the other front of the battlefield. Each site can open to a separate webpage to discover more about that place. Those pages are listed below.