Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park (Episode 6)

Send us Fan MailHalfway between Washington D.C. and Richmond — between two capitals at war — four of the Civil War's most significant battles were fought within a few miles of each other over 18 months. Fredericksburg. Chancellorsville. The Wilderness. Spotsylvania Court House.Most people drive past this park every time they take I-95 between D.C. and Richmond. Ranger Mary O'Neill joins The Parks Podcast to explain what's hidden in those fields and forests — and how to actually experience one of the most historically rich, most undervisited parks near the nation's capital.In this episode: — Why all four battles happened in the same small area — geography, strategy, and two capitals at war — The Battle of Fredericksburg — and why General Burnside decided to attack anyway — The Chancellorsville campaign and what it bookends with the Emancipation Proclamation — How the park was established — and why its founding story is more complicated than most — Chatham Manor — donated to the NPS in 1975, with a view of the battlefield across the river — The Fredericksburg National Cemetery Luminaria — 15,000 candles, one for each burial, Memorial Day weekend — Driving tours, hiking trails, ranger programs, and how to make the most of a half-day or full day — Dogs at the park — what's allowed and what's notLinks mentioned: — Plan your visit: nps.gov/frsp — NPS App for audio battlefield tours — Luminaria: held Saturday of Memorial Day weekendSupport the show