History At Sunset Series Starts At Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park's History at Sunset series features outdoor talks and history walks / NPS file

History At Sunset Series Starts At Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park

By National Parks Traveler

Compiled from NPS releases

June 28, 2025


Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park in Virginia launches its annual History at Sunset series on July 4th weekend, with programs including special walks and history talks. 

A different program takes place at 6:30 p.m. every other Saturday. Each lasts 90 minutes and there is no charge to visitors. Those participating in outdoor events should be prepared with bug spray, water, and comfortable walking shoes or a lawn chair or blanket.

The schedule is below, and anyone attending should also check the park website for updates and additional information.

July 5 – Summer 1862: The Occupation of Fredericksburg

During the summer of 1862, Union soldiers occupied Fredericksburg and experienced life around people whose perspectives on the war were vastly different from their own. For Fredericksburg’s civilians, the occupation put a spotlight on war’s ability to impact a community and be a catalyst for change. This program explores the ways the 1862 occupation of Fredericksburg challenged the assumptions of soldiers and civilians about the nature of the Civil War and shaped how they understood their place in it.
This will be a stationary program on the Chatham lawn. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Park at Chatham, 120 Chatham Lane in Fredericksburg.

July 19 – Old Salem Church

At the beginning of its history Old Salem church was a house of worship for a community of enslavers and the people they enslaved. In time, this structure became a refuge from war for Fredericksburg’s civilians, the epicenter of a battle, and finally a protected historic landscape. Join us inside Old Salem Church for a program that explores the many-faceted history of this storied place.
Park at (new) Salem Baptist Church, 4044 Plank Road, Fredericksburg. Accessible parking is available at the Old Salem Church lot.

August 2 – Fact and Fiction: Exploring Red Badge of Courage at Chancellorsville

Stephen Crane’s Red Badge of Courage tells the story of a young Civil War soldier’s first taste of combat - capturing the fear, doubt, and courage that come with it. Lauded by some veterans and criticized by others, the novel has long sparked debate for its vivid, emotional portrayal of war. But how closely does it reflect the true experiences of soldiers who fought at Chancellorsville? Join park staff for a 2.5-mile walking tour and compare Crane’s fictional narrative with the real voices of those who lived the battle.
Park at Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center at 9001 Plank Road in Spotsylvania.

August 16 – Lore, Legacy, and Liability at the Slaughter Pen Farm

Speculation abounds regarding the convoluted events on the southern end of the Fredericksburg battlefield that eventually resulted in a congressional investigation. Join us for this 1.5 mile walk where we examine the intentions of the commanders, implications of their decisions, and how their actions have been regarded by the participants and historians.
Park in the field at Slaughter Pen Farm, 11190 Tidewater Trail in Fredericksburg.

By

Compiled from NPS releases

June 28, 2025

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Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park's History at Sunset series features outdoor talks and history walks / NPS file

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park in Virginia launches its annual History at Sunset series on July 4th weekend, with programs including special walks and history talks. 

A different program takes place at 6:30 p.m. every other Saturday. Each lasts 90 minutes and there is no charge to visitors. Those participating in outdoor events should be prepared with bug spray, water, and comfortable walking shoes or a lawn chair or blanket.

The schedule is below, and anyone attending should also check the park website for updates and additional information.

July 5 – Summer 1862: The Occupation of Fredericksburg

During the summer of 1862, Union soldiers occupied Fredericksburg and experienced life around people whose perspectives on the war were vastly different from their own. For Fredericksburg’s civilians, the occupation put a spotlight on war’s ability to impact a community and be a catalyst for change. This program explores the ways the 1862 occupation of Fredericksburg challenged the assumptions of soldiers and civilians about the nature of the Civil War and shaped how they understood their place in it.
This will be a stationary program on the Chatham lawn. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Park at Chatham, 120 Chatham Lane in Fredericksburg.

July 19 – Old Salem Church

At the beginning of its history Old Salem church was a house of worship for a community of enslavers and the people they enslaved. In time, this structure became a refuge from war for Fredericksburg’s civilians, the epicenter of a battle, and finally a protected historic landscape. Join us inside Old Salem Church for a program that explores the many-faceted history of this storied place.
Park at (new) Salem Baptist Church, 4044 Plank Road, Fredericksburg. Accessible parking is available at the Old Salem Church lot.

August 2 – Fact and Fiction: Exploring Red Badge of Courage at Chancellorsville

Stephen Crane’s Red Badge of Courage tells the story of a young Civil War soldier’s first taste of combat - capturing the fear, doubt, and courage that come with it. Lauded by some veterans and criticized by others, the novel has long sparked debate for its vivid, emotional portrayal of war. But how closely does it reflect the true experiences of soldiers who fought at Chancellorsville? Join park staff for a 2.5-mile walking tour and compare Crane’s fictional narrative with the real voices of those who lived the battle.
Park at Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center at 9001 Plank Road in Spotsylvania.

August 16 – Lore, Legacy, and Liability at the Slaughter Pen Farm

Speculation abounds regarding the convoluted events on the southern end of the Fredericksburg battlefield that eventually resulted in a congressional investigation. Join us for this 1.5 mile walk where we examine the intentions of the commanders, implications of their decisions, and how their actions have been regarded by the participants and historians.
Park in the field at Slaughter Pen Farm, 11190 Tidewater Trail in Fredericksburg.