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Special Event
Event
Gaines' Mill From Above and Below
Fee:
Free.Location: LAT/LONG: 37.579868, -77.290632
6283 Watt House Road Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Dates & Times
Date:
Saturday, May 30, 2026
Time:
10:00 AM
Type of Event
Cultural/Craft Demonstration
Guided Tour
Hike
Living History
Talk
Walk
Weapons Demonstrations at 10 am and 2 pm, Walking tour at 11 am.
Description
The 1862 battle of Gaines' Mill was the largest in Virginia up to that time. Both sides used new technology, such as balloons for observation, machine guns, repeating weapons, and more. Park staff and re-enactors will demonstrate the Confederate attack formations used in the battle, and lead a special walking tour focused on new technology.
Weapons Demonstrations at 10 am and 2 pm. Meet at the Mississippi Monument on Watt House Road.
Walking tour begins at the Watt House (6283 Watt House Road, Mechanicsville) at 11 am. The walking tour is one and a half hours and will cover 1.5 miles over uneven terrain. Good shoes, water, and bug spray are recommended.
Program is free.
Reservation or Registration: No
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