From National Parks Traveler
Compiled from NPS releases
July 27, 2025
Two important sites at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park in Virginia are closing for several months for construction, renovations, and maintenance upgrades.
The Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center and Chatham will both shut down Aug. 4. The visitor center is expected to be closed for six to seven months. Work at Chatham, a former slave plantation that was occupied by the U.S. Army in the Civil War, is expected to take about a year.
The grounds of both locations will remain open sunrise to sunset, and the park store near the visitor center will continue to be open daily. Park staff will be present for educational programming and orientation.
Work at the visitor center includes the installation of a fire suppression system as well as waterline and electrical system upgrades. Chatham will undergo an interior rehabilitation project that includes lead paint encapsulation, new carpet, and plaster repair. The site has only been partially open this summer due to other ongoing construction.
As part of the project, employees will move and store historic artifacts from each building.
The Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center and other park sites remain open. Visitors should check the park's website for the latest updates.