Civil War Book Group: Rebel Yell: The Violence, Passion and Redemption of Stonewall Jackson by S.C. Gwynne

Welcome to the Civil War Book Group! After years of conflict over the institution of slavery the Civil War would be the turning point that set the course of the United States into the 20th century and beyond. Join us on the first Wednesday of each month as we explore th......More

Welcome to the Civil War Book Group! After years of conflict over the institution of slavery the Civil War would be the turning point that set the course of the United States into the 20th century and beyond. Join us on the first Wednesday of each month as we explore the meaning of the Civil War and how the past has shaped who we are today through a diverse selection of narratives novels and histories. In partnership with the Central Rappahannock Regional Library.  For May: Rebel Yell: The Violence Passion and Redemption of Stonewall Jackson by S.C. GwynneMeet at Fredericksburg Library Branch (1201 Caroline St. Fredericksburg)Stonewall Jackson has long been a figure of legend and romance. As much as any person in the Confederate pantheon—even Robert E. Lee—he embodies the romantic Southern notion of the virtuous Lost Cause. Jackson is also considered without argument one of our country’s greatest military figures. In April 1862 however he was merely another Confederate general in an army fighting what seemed to be a losing cause. But by June he had engineered perhaps the greatest military campaign in American history and was one of the most famous men in the Western world. Jackson’s strategic innovations shattered the conventional wisdom of how war was waged he was so far ahead of his time that his techniques would be studied generations into the future. Learn more about the Civil War Book Group...

Meet at Fredericksburg Branch of Central Rappahannock Regional Library (1201 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA, 22401)

Sunken Road Walking Tour

Why did the Battle of Fredericksburg happen in December 1862? Join a guided tour of the one of the most iconic and recognized battlefield landmarks of the war. This walking tour will cover no more than 0.5 mile over mostly flat terrain.

Meet for the program at the battle painting between the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center and park store (1013 Lafayette Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA 22401).

Investigating Chancellorsville

Why did the US and the Confederate armies clash in May of 1863 and why does it matter? Join park staff to learn about the Chancellorsville Campaign and dive into some of the big questions surrounding this contested battle.

Meet for the program at the battle painting in front of the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center (9001 Plank Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22553).

Jackson Death Site Open House

Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson died on May 10, 1863. Visit the farm office of the Fairfield Plantation, the building that Jackson died in, and reflect on the life and legacy of this historical figure.

12019 Stonewall Jackson Road, Woodford, VA 22580

Sunken Road Walking Tour

Why did the Battle of Fredericksburg happen in December 1862? Join a guided tour of the one of the most iconic and recognized battlefield landmarks of the war. This walking tour will cover no more than 0.5 mile over mostly flat terrain.

Meet for the program at the battle painting between the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center and park store (1013 Lafayette Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA 22401).

Investigating Chancellorsville

Why did the US and the Confederate armies clash in May of 1863 and why does it matter? Join park staff to learn about the Chancellorsville Campaign and dive into some of the big questions surrounding this contested battle.

Meet for the program at the battle painting in front of the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center (9001 Plank Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22553).

Sunken Road Walking Tour

Why did the Battle of Fredericksburg happen in December 1862? Join a guided tour of the one of the most iconic and recognized battlefield landmarks of the war. This walking tour will cover no more than 0.5 mile over mostly flat terrain.

Meet for the program at the battle painting between the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center and park store (1013 Lafayette Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA 22401).

Investigating Chancellorsville

Why did the US and the Confederate armies clash in May of 1863 and why does it matter? Join park staff to learn about the Chancellorsville Campaign and dive into some of the big questions surrounding this contested battle.

Meet for the program at the battle painting in front of the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center (9001 Plank Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22553).

Sunken Road Walking Tour

Why did the Battle of Fredericksburg happen in December 1862? Join a guided tour of the one of the most iconic and recognized battlefield landmarks of the war. This walking tour will cover no more than 0.5 mile over mostly flat terrain.

Meet for the program at the battle painting between the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center and park store (1013 Lafayette Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA 22401).

Investigating Chancellorsville

Why did the US and the Confederate armies clash in May of 1863 and why does it matter? Join park staff to learn about the Chancellorsville Campaign and dive into some of the big questions surrounding this contested battle.

Meet for the program at the battle painting in front of the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center (9001 Plank Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22553).

Sunken Road Walking Tour

Why did the Battle of Fredericksburg happen in December 1862? Join a guided tour of the one of the most iconic and recognized battlefield landmarks of the war. This walking tour will cover no more than 0.5 mile over mostly flat terrain.

Meet for the program at the battle painting between the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center and park store (1013 Lafayette Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA 22401).

Investigating Chancellorsville

Why did the US and the Confederate armies clash in May of 1863 and why does it matter? Join park staff to learn about the Chancellorsville Campaign and dive into some of the big questions surrounding this contested battle.

Meet for the program at the battle painting in front of the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center (9001 Plank Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22553).

Fredericksburg National Cemetery Luminaria

Saturday, May 23, 20268 pm - 11 pmWhereThe cemetery is located at the intersection of Sunken Road and Lafayette Boulevard. Attendees may park at the University of Mary Washington lot at the corner of William Street and Sunken Road. The Fredericksburg Trolley will provid......More

Saturday, May 23, 20268 pm - 11 pmWhereThe cemetery is located at the intersection of Sunken Road and Lafayette Boulevard. Attendees may park at the University of Mary Washington lot at the corner of William Street and Sunken Road. The Fredericksburg Trolley will provide free shuttle service between the parking area and the national cemetery. Accessible parking for vehicles with state-issued accessible hangtags or license plates will be available in the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center lot at 1013 Lafayette Boulevard.About the LuminariaJoin us for the 31st annual luminaria at the Fredericksburg National Cemetery on Saturday, May 23, 2026. Visit the cemetery between 8 pm and 11 pm to experience the luminaria. This event is free to the public. In the event of rain, the event will be moved to Sunday, May 24th.During the luminaria, 15,300 candles brighten the Fredericksburg National Cemetery. Each candle represents a soldier buried in the cemetery and honors those who died in the service of this country. Throughout the evening a bugler will play “Taps” every 30 minutes as park staff posted throughout the cemetery relate stories about some of the soldiers.The Fredericksburg National Cemetery was established in 1866 and remained open for military burials until 1945. It holds the remains of 15,243 soldiers, sailors and Marines, most of whom died during the Civil War. At least 85% of the graves are unidentified, resulting in over 12,770 unknown burials in the cemetery. The annual luminaria has served as a poignant tribute to the fallen since 1996. Learn more about the Fredericksburg National Cemetery.This event would not be possible without the assistance of local Scouts, who volunteer to set up and light the luminarias.A separate commemorative observation will be held at the Fredericksburg National Cemetery on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25th.Please note that pets are not permitted in the cemetery.

The cemetery is located at the intersection of Sunken Road and Lafayette Boulevard, however, those wishing to attend the luminaria may park at the University of Mary Washington lot at the corner of William Street and Sunken Road. The Fredericksburg T

Sunken Road Walking Tour

Why did the Battle of Fredericksburg happen in December 1862? Join a guided tour of the one of the most iconic and recognized battlefield landmarks of the war. This walking tour will cover no more than 0.5 mile over mostly flat terrain.

Meet for the program at the battle painting between the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center and park store (1013 Lafayette Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA 22401).

Investigating Chancellorsville

Why did the US and the Confederate armies clash in May of 1863 and why does it matter? Join park staff to learn about the Chancellorsville Campaign and dive into some of the big questions surrounding this contested battle.

Meet for the program at the battle painting in front of the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center (9001 Plank Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22553).

Memorial Day Ceremony and Observance

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2026, visit the Fredericksburg National Cemetery for a quiet observance of this hallowed holiday.The event will begin at 10 am with a short 15-minute ceremony in the cemetery, including a bugler playing taps and the 23rd USCT living hist......More

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2026, visit the Fredericksburg National Cemetery for a quiet observance of this hallowed holiday.The event will begin at 10 am with a short 15-minute ceremony in the cemetery, including a bugler playing taps and the 23rd USCT living history group presenting colors. From 10:15 am to 4 pm park staff will be stationed in the cemetery to share stories about the history of Memorial Day in Fredericksburg and facilitate remembrance activities to honor those who lost their lives in service to the United States. Golf carts will be available to facilitate access up to the cemetery.Join staff at 10:30 am and 2 pm for walking tours of the Sunken Road.