![]() Join Richmond National Battlefield Park and the American Civil War Center as we explore Richmond in 1863 with a weekend full of ranger-led tours, museum tours, demonstrations, and a marrated, multimedia presentation. Download the schedule of events (pdf) Friday, July 19 Voices from the Storm: Richmond 1863 Saturday, July 20 Soldiers' Misery: Prison Life in Wartime Richmond By 1863, large numbers of Federal prisoners of war—mostly Union officers—were held in the military prisons of Richmond. As they endured their confinement, the Confederate military prison staff struggled to care for them in the midst of the shortages affecting the South's entire economy. Join a Park Ranger for this exploration of the Richmond military prison community's efforts to "sit out the War" as the conflict continued into an uncertain future. This program involves an easy walk of approximately one-half mile. Angels on the Battlefield (gallery tour)
A Prisoner's Life on Belle Isle (ranger-led tour)
Sunday, July 21 "A Great Calamity" - The Tragedy at Brown's Island At the C.S. Laboratory on Brown's Island near Tredegar, mostly young women and girls did the dangerous work of producing the materiel of war. On Friday, March 13, 1863, one of the war's most tragic homefront disasters took place when an explosion ripped through the facility, killing more than 45 workers, the youngest of whom was only 9 years old. This tour will explore Brown's Island and this heart-breaking story. A Woman's War (gallery tour) From nurses, workers and spies, these remarkable women not only maintained the home front, they were instrumental in what happened on the battlefront! A costumed interpreter will lead this family friendly gallery tour that explores the roles women played during the American Civil War. "Blood or Bread!" - Richmond Bread Riots The cry of "Blood or Bread!" echoed through the streets of the capital as a mob, led by angry women, broke into stores and warehouses. The Richmond Bread Riot took place on April 2, 1863. Join park rangers as we explore its causes, walk the route, and discuss its effects. The walking tour covers two miles and will last two hours. Expect uneven surfaces, and limited seating is available along the route. Meet at the Washington Monument on Capitol Square. ![]() |
Last updated: June 27, 2013