News Release

National Park Service Announces Special Programs for the 156th Anniversary of the Battle of Fredericksburg

Flowers placed in remembrance along the Stone Wall at the Sunken Road in Fredericksburg.

NPS

News Release Date: November 24, 2018

Contact: Greg Mertz, 540-693-3200 ext 4100

Fredericksburg, VA: On Saturday, December 8^th and Sunday, December 9^th, join the National Park Service in commemorating the 156^thAnniversary of the Battle of Fredericksburg with historian-led programs.
 
Saturday, December 8^th
 
9 a.m.: Crossing the Rappahannock. This program will look at the dramatic events of December 11, 1862, as the Union army struggled to get across the Rappahannock. We will take the same view of the event as thousands of soldiers did, watching from the heights of Chatham, above the crossing. With John Hennessy. 60 minutes. Meet at Chatham (120 Chatham Lane, Fredericksburg)
 
10:30 a.m.: Fighting in the Streets. Join Frank O’Reilly as he walks the streets that witnessed the first major urban combat in American History on December 11, 1862. 90 minutes. 
Gather at the upper pontoon crossing at Sophia and Hawke Streets (GPS Coordinates: 38.307868, -77.460916). On-street parking available nearby.
 
2:00 p.m.: “Men fell like leaves in autumn:” The Fight for Prospect Hill.  Join Greg Mertz to explore the Southern end of the Fredericksburg Battlefield, the only place where Union troops were able to penetrate the Confederate line. 90 minutes.
Meet at Tour Stop 6, Prospect Hill (GPS Coordinates: 38.248090, -77.435651)
 
Sunday, December 9^th


11:30 a.m: In the Footsteps of the Irish Brigade
Join Frank O’Reilly for what has become a legendary walk through the streets of Fredericksburg to the Sunken Road. Two hours. 
Meet at the City Dock, 201 Sophia Street. Note: plan for a walk back to your car after the program. 
 
2:00 p.m.: 156^th Anniversary Remembrance Walk
Join Elizabeth Parnicza for a walk of reflection and remembrance along the Sunken Road. 60 minutes. 
Park at the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center, 1013 Lafayette Boulevard, 22401.
                                                                              
Weather in the Fredericksburg region during December can be unpredictable. Check the forecast in the days leading up to the programs, and keep an eye on the park’s Facebook page for weather updates. Warm or layered clothing and comfortable, sturdy footwear is recommended for all programs.
 
For additional information check our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FredericksburgSpotsylvaniaNMP, or call the park at 540-693-3200.