Welcome to Washington, D.C., America’s front yard filled with monuments, memorials and eclectic neighborhoods. Upon arrival, pick-up your rental car and proceed to your hotel. It is unthinkable to begin any journey learning about Civil War history without first exploring Washington, D.C. At the western end of the National Mall is the Lincoln Memorial, which honors the memory of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th U.S. president. Arlington National Cemetery was established during the 1861-1865 Civil War on the grounds of Arlington House, once the estate of Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s wife, and has been a military cemetery ever since.
 

After leaving Washington, D.C., the next stop is Manassas National Battlefield Park, north of Manassas, Virginia. The site commemorates two battles, one in 1861 and the other a year later, between the Union and Confederate armies. This is where Confederate Gen. Thomas Jackson earned the nickname ‘Stonewall’. South of Manassas is Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, known as ‘Americas Battleground’, where four Civil War battles were fought and the war came to its climax. A key city in the Civil War was Richmond, Virginia, the capital of the Confederate States of America for much of the war. The Richmond National Battlefield Park commemorates the many battles fought and the defense of the city.
 

Do not leave Richmond before visiting the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, which celebrates the life of Walker, who was born to a former slave and later became the first AfricanAmerican woman to charter a bank in the USA. A civil rights activist, she devoted her life to helping African-Americans. Take a respite from Civil War history to explore the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park. Travel the spectacular Skyline Drive, then take a hike on over 500 miles (805 km) of trails to experience lush forests, waterfalls, incredible views and wildlife.
 

Leave Shenandoah National Park and take a step back in time at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, site of the famous abolitionist uprising of 1859 led by John Brown. Tour this historic community and find battlefields, museums, a variety of hiking trails, and old-fashioned taverns and shops. Now, travel to Gettysburg National Military Park, site of the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, a turning point for the Union in the Civil War and the inspiration for Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.
 

Return to Washington, D.C., to continue to explore the USA capital. The African-American Civil War Memorial honors the African-American soldiers and sailors who fought for freedom from slavery during the Civil War. A must-stop is Ford’s Theater; tour the museum that tells the story of the fateful night in 1865 when Lincoln was assassinated.
 

Return your rental car prior to your departure flight.