News Release
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Contact: Stephanie Pooler
RICHMOND, VA.— On Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2, Richmond National Battlefield Park invites the public to explore the 160th Anniversary of the Battle of Cold Harbor, site of the 1864 battle between United States and Confederate armies. This year’s event features living history demonstrations, including Ulysses S. Grant’s encampment, a variety of guided ranger-led tours and hands-on children’s activities for all ages. Visitors to this free event should begin at the Cold Harbor Battlefield Visitor Center, 5515 Anderson Wright Drive, Mechanicsville, VA, 23111.
At ballot boxes and on battlefields, 1864 was a year of decision. Weeks of relentless Civil War fighting in Virginia led to the June 1864 Battle of Cold Harbor. A United States victory could capture Richmond and ensure a November reelection for Abraham Lincoln, while a major defeat might turn voters against the war and the future of emancipation.
On Saturday, June 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. visitors can learn about the daily lives of Civil War soldiers in the Overland Campaign with artillery, rifle and camp demonstrations occurring throughout the day. The first artillery demonstration begins at 10am. Ranger-led walking tours offered at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Children (and kids at heart) are invited to join rangers to explore the Overland Campaign with hands-on exhibits and a tabletop war game. Children can earn a Junior Ranger badge by completing the Overland Campaign Junior Ranger booklet.
The event continues Sunday, June 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visitors can view living history, artillery, and rifle demonstrations throughout the day. Ranger-led battlefield tours offered at 10:30 a.m. and 3:00p.m., with artillery demonstrations at 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Throughout the day children’s activities, including educational hands-on exhibits, a Junior Ranger booklet and tabletop war games are available.
For a full and detailed list of the weekend’s events, visit us online at Richmond National Battlefield Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov). In the event of inclement weather, updates will be posted at www.Facebook.com/RichmondNPS.
NPS
Last updated: May 8, 2024