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In 2011, the United States will mark the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War or War Between the States. Since much of the Civil War took place within the South, we have created this dedicated page on SouthernTravelNews.com. Look for stories about battlefield sites, historic homes, historic trails, destinations with unique Civil War history and cultural venues.
We will strive to be inclusive -- revealing not only Civil War history and stories of soldiers on both sides, but also the difficulties and valor of civilians and slaves. We understand the pride some travelers feel about the service of their ancestors, but are also sensitive to the difficult history of African Americans and women of the South, who also were deeply affected. We will strive -- over time -- to offer diverse editorial coverage.
If you are a destination, attraction or Civil Rights site, with details that help profile Civil War history, heritage and travel opportunities, send us information on this feedback page.
Southern Shorts
Tri-State Commemoration
Local visitor bureaus and Civil War attractions in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee have joined to promote travel as part of a Tri-State Civil War 150th Commemoration Association.
New Podcast Tour
In Alabama, the Decatur-Morgan County’s CVB has debuted a new Podcast featuring a 13-block Civil War Walking Tour. The audio tour includes the story of a four-day struggle between Confederate and Union Soldiers and the history of many of Decatur’s Civil War sites. Visit www.decaturcvb.org.
African-American Service
Few travelers know that Norfolk, VA, is home to the nation’s only monument dedicated to African-American soldiers who fought in the Civil and Spanish-American wars. Located at Elmwood Cemetery, 238 E. Princess Anne Rd., the West Point Monument memorializes black soldiers buried in the cemetery’s West Point section. This Virginia Civil War Trail site is highlighted by a statue of Sergeant Carney, the first African-American soldier to be killed in battle during the Civil War.
New Plays in Montgomery
Just in time for the Civil War sesquicentennial, the Alabama Tourism Department and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival have produced two new plays inspired by real Montgomery, AL, residents of the 1860s. Set for for 2011 are:
- “A Panoramic View” is the story of passionate secessionist William Lowndes Yancey.
- “The Flagmaker of Market Street” centers around the creation of the first Confederate flag by a slave whose owner holds secret pro-Union meetings.
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 Civil War Sesquicentennial |
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Searching for Civil War History in East TN
In East TN, the Civil War sites tend to be smaller and off-the-beaten path. That said, the history is fascinating.
While TN was firmly a Confederate state, some locals in East TN (see the blue star at left) were stong Unionists. Join freelance writer Holli Haynie for a look at the diverse perspectives and Civil War sites of East TN.
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Camp Nelson, KY: African-American Service
As part of the Abraham Lincoln bicentennial commemoration this year, the Kentucky Historical Society has compiled a new series of vignettes to detail the people, places and programs that were, in some way, affiliated with Lincoln or his legacy.
In this brief snapshot, the Society showcases the Union's Camp Nelson recruitment center in Kentucky. Come along to learn about this camp and its role in the War Between the States.
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Kentucky's Top Civil War Sites for Travelers
In 1863, Kentucky was strategic -- straddling the border between North and South. Thus, it was considered critical to both sides in the Civil War. Today, Kentucky fields a wealth of battlefields, museums, historic homes and cemeteries that visitors on the path of history might explore.
Professional freelance writer Betsa Marsh showcases five of the Bluegrass State's Top Civil War historical sites. So come along!
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In the Crossfire: Richmond's Civil War Sites
During the War Between the States (as the Civil War is called in the South), Richmond was the epicenter and capital of the Confederate world. It was a region of skirmishes, battles and hardships for soldiers and civilians alike. Decades later, Americans remain fascinated by the war's history and its lessons for a modern era.
A "must see" is the showpiece American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar. This superb museum tells the story of the war from three different perspectives -- that of Confederate, Union and African-American residents and solders who endured great hardships during the conflict.
At Richmond's eclectic civil war sites, you might eye J.E.B. Stuart's plumed hat, take a gander at the world's largest collection of Confederate flags or view Robert E. Lee's coat. Thousands of Civil War artifacts are on display in the area's many museums and historic sites.
For the scoop on Richmond's Civil War heritage, let's head out with freelance writer Roberta Sandler who lives in Florida but has family in Richmond and considers that her home away from home.
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Time Travel: Vicksburg's Old Courthouse Museum
Perhaps nowhere in the South is the memory of the Civil War as fresh as in Vicksburg. The river town endured a 47-day siege by Ulysses S. Grant's Union Army in 1863. Tales of devastating hardships endured by the civilian population are legend -- still passed from generation to generation.
Modern day visitors to Vicksburg will be warmly welcomed. In addition to friendly locals, the region offers down-home Southern cooking that's savory. Travelers may also explore an 1860s-era jewel -- the Old Courthouse Museum.
This museum is the best place to understand life in Vicksburg during the war and in the decades that followed. It's a gem not to be missed!
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On the Trail: West Virginia in the Civil War
Did you know West Virginia was created as a separate state in the aftermath of the Civil War. Previously, it was part of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
To preserve its war-time heritage, the state offers several free brochures that Civil War buffs may enjoy. Take a gander at what's offered for travelers seeking to explore the trails of history.
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Sleeping Giant: Florida's Role in the War
Everyone thinks of Virginia, Georgia or Mississippi for major sites related to the 1860s War between the States. But Florida in the Civil War?
Yes, it's true. While the Sunshine State wasn't as well-known a battleground as Virginia or Mississippi, for example, it was the site of several important Civil War battles and skirmishes.
Most critically, Florida's blockade-running efforts by Confederate soldiers and sympathizers helped keep supplies flowing to Confederate troops further north. Learn about three Civil War related sites in Florida that travelers might visit.
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