Civil War Parks

The battle of Cold Harbor was one of the final conflicts of General Grant’s Overland Campaign during the Civil War and one of the bloodiest in our country's history. The battlefield is now part of the Cold Harbor Battlefield Park, which maintains 3 separate locations that all explain events that unfolded here during the summer of 1864. The park's Visitor Center is the starting point for the auto tour of the battlefield. There are a few miles of hiking trails in each of the 3 park locations, which have markers that explain significant events that occurred at that location. Confederate and Union breastworks can be seen in several locations along the way.

Listed in the National Register of Historic places, Meadow Farm Museum is a living history museum consisting of a 19th century farmhouse, several outbuildings, and a blacksmith forge. It is a great place to spend the day with the family, learning about farm life in the 19th century. Costumed interpreters are on the grounds several weekends throughout the year explaining various aspects of the day to day operations of the farm and the museum hosts year-round activities and workshops.

The Third Battle of Winchester is a self-guided tour along a wide paved/gravel trail that explains the story of the Civil War battle that occurred here in September 1864. There are several places along this path where you can access the network of hiking trails.  We were advised by the land manager that bicycles are not allowed within the park.