Fredericksburg And Spotsylvania National Military Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park is a historical site located in the state of Virginia.


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Summary

The park is a popular destination for history buffs, military enthusiasts, and families looking for a fun and educational day out.

There are many reasons to visit the park, including the opportunity to learn about the American Civil War, explore historical battlefields, and see authentic artifacts and exhibits. Visitors can also participate in ranger-led tours, attend living history events, and walk through the park's scenic trails and gardens.

Some of the most iconic points of interest in the park include the Fredericksburg National Cemetery, the Chancellorsville Battlefield, and the Spotsylvania Court House Battlefield. These locations offer a glimpse into the dramatic events that took place during the Civil War and help visitors understand the significance of these battles.

Interesting facts about the park include its designation as a National Military Park in 1927, its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966, and its status as the final resting place of nearly 15,000 Union soldiers.

The best time of year to visit the park depends on personal preference, but many visitors choose to come during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild and the foliage is beautiful. Summer can also be a popular time to visit, but it can be hot and crowded.

In conclusion, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park is a fascinating and educational destination for anyone interested in American Civil War history. With its beautiful scenery, rich history, and numerous attractions, this park is a must-see for anyone visiting Virginia.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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