The National Historic District Preview

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Winchester Battlefields Visitor Center

The James R. Wilkins Winchester Battlefields Visitor Center is the main orientation center for the Civil War in Winchester. This is a great place to start your visitor experience with information about all of Winchester’s battlefields and Civil War related sites. The site features interpretive exhibits, orientation films, a digital projection map of the Third Battle of Winchester, and souvenirs.Open April 1st to October 31stThur, Fri, Sat, Mon – 10am to 4pmSunday - 1pm to 5pm

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Third Winchester Battlefield Park

Third Winchester Battlefield Park is comprised of more than 600 acres of preserved battlefield open to the public. The Third Battle of Winchester, fought on September 19, 1864, was the largest and costliest battle ever fought in the Shenandoah Valley. More than 54,000 men fought and over 8,600 became casualties. The park includes over 6 miles of walking trails and more than 30 interpretive markers and monuments that tell the story of that fateful day.Open from Dawn to Dusk. Please be aware that bicycles are not permitted on the grass trails.There are three separate entrances to the park. See below for a trail map, directions, and parking.

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Shenandoah Valley Civil War Museum

Located in the historic Frederick County Court House, The “One Story… A Thousand Voices” exhibit tells the Shenandoah Valley’s Civil War story through the experiences of the people who lived through it – using artifacts, captivating imagery, and eyewitness accounts to show history at a personal, human level. The building was used as a hospital, barracks, and prison during the Civil War and graffiti from the soldiers is still visible on the walls today.Open Monday – Saturday - 10am to 5pmSunday – 1pm to 5pm

Kernstown Battlefield

Follow the Kernstown Battlefield walking trails for insights into the events of the First and Second Battles of Kernstown, fought in 1862 and 1864. Browse the battlefield Visitor Center to learn details of the history and see the 1854 Pritchard House where the family of Samuel and Helen Pritchard huddled in the cellar waiting for quiet to return to their farm, now a 388-acre Civil War battlefield park.(540-450-7835)Open May – OctoberSaturday and Sunday – 10am to 4pm

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Cedar Creek Battlefield

Start your visit at the National Park Service's Visitor Center. Pick up maps and a Junior Ranger activity book. Plan your visit with a park ranger or volunteer. See exhibits to learn about the settlement and agricultural history of the Shenandoah Valley as well as its role as an important theater of war during the Civil War, including the October 19, 1864 battle where the Union victory helped secure President Abraham Lincoln’s reelection.(540-869-3051)

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Fisher's Hill Battlefield

Fisher’s Hill is a series of low hills and ridges that stretch across the narrowest point in the Shenandoah Valley. This naturally strong defensive position was known as “The Gibraltar of the Valley” and site of the September 22, 1864, battle that saw Union soldiers sweep the Confederate defenders from the field. The site includes interpretive markers about the battle, a walking trail, and breathtaking scenic views.Open Daily From Dawn Till Dusk

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New Market Battlefield Visitor Center and Museum

Begin your battlefield visit here and explore the exhibit on the Battle of New Market, one of the last major Confederate victories in the Shenandoah Valley. A trail system begins on site that follows the Confederate advance as they drove the Union army from the town and ultimately defeated them during the May 15, 1864 battle. The trail system includes interpretive markers and the Virginia Monument. The museum showcases military artifacts from the French and Indian War, through the Civil War, to Vietnam. The museum store features books, relics, souvenirs, and visitor information on New Market and other surrounding battlefields in the region.Museum & Battlefield Hours of Operation:Monday - Saturday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pmMuseum Admission Rates:Adults - $12.00Children under 18 - FreePhone: 540-630-7777

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Strayer House Visitor Center / National Historic District Offices

Learn about the Battle of New Market in the downtown orientation center once used as a headquarters by Confederate Gen. Stonewall Jackson and Gen. Jubal Early. The building features exhibits on New Market’s Civil War story featuring the Battle of New Market and beyond. The exhibit and a small gift shop are in a shared space with Jackson’s Corner Café and provide the perfect starting point to explore Civil War New Market and the numerous interpretive markers throughout the town that highlight the May 15, 1864, battle that occurred in the town.Open Monday – Friday 7am to 4pmSaturday - 8am to 3pmSunday - 11am to 3pm

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Harrisonburg Battlefield

Though mostly lost to development, a preserved section of the battlefield tells the story of the June 6, 1862, action as Union forces pursued Stonewall Jackson’s army east of Harrisonburg. The grounds feature a short walking trail with interpretive markers and a monument to Confederate Col. Turner Ashby on the site where he was mortally wounded during a skirmish with Union forces.Open Daily Dawn to Dusk

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Mill Creek Country Store

Located on the Cross Keys Battlefield, the store has battlefield souvenirs and visitor information on the battles of Cross Keys, Port Republic, Harrisonburg, and Piedmont. It also provides made-to-order sandwiches, baked goods, and snacks as well as unique and interesting artwork and antiques.Open Monday – Friday 6am to 7pmSaturday – 8am to 5pm

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Cross Keys Battlefield

Visit the ground of the June 8, 1862, penultimate clash of Stonewall Jackson’s Valley Campaign, where Confederate troops under Gen. Richard Ewell defeated Union Gen. John C. Fremont. Here, you can learn about the battle from the Confederate defensive position and learn about other sites to visit on the battlefield. The site features a trail, monument, and interpretive markers.Open Daily Dawn to Dusk

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Port Republic Battlefield

The Battle of Port Republic was a ferocious, hard-fought Confederate victory that brought a triumphant end to Stonewall Jackson's famed Valley Campaign. Visit the battlefield at the key location, the “Coaling”. It was here that the battle was decided. Explore the site with interpretive markers and trails that cover the battle and view the open plains along the South Fork of the Shenandoah River where much of the fighting occurred.Open Daily Dawn to Dusk

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Port Republic Museum

The museum is housed in the historic Frank Kemper House, which was built c. 1835-1845. It was used both as a residence and as an inn and tavern for travelers, primarily for river boatmen. During the Civil War, Confederate Gen. Turner Ashby’s body was brought to the house after he was killed near Harrisonburg on June 6, 1862. The museum features a remarkable array of artifacts and outstanding exhibits that bring the history to life.Open by Appointment: (540-327-4277)

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Piedmont Battlefield

Located along Battlefield Road north of New Hope, there are two parking areas with interpretive markers about the June 5, 1864, battle that saw Union Gen. David Hunter engage with a small Confederate army under Gen. William “Grumble” Jones. Jones was killed in the fighting and his army routed as Union forces continued their movement south and captured Staunton the following day.Open Daily Dawn to Dusk

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Highland County Museum

Built in 1851 by George Washington Hull, it is believed to have been the first large brick home in McDowell and was soon known as The Mansion House. It served as a hospital during the Battle of McDowell in May 1862 and now houses the McDowell Battlefield Orientation Center.Open 2nd Weekend in March with Maple Festival to October 31Thursday, Friday & Saturday11:00 - 4:00 or by appointment(540-396-4478)

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McDowell Battlefield

Just 1.5 miles east of McDowell is the main entrance to the McDowell Battlefield. A parking lot with a trail to the top of Sitlington’s Hill, provide access to the battlefield an interpretive markers that detail the action that took place on May 8, 1862. The battle resulted in the first Confederate victory of Gen. Stonewall Jackson’s famed 1862 Valley Campaign.Open Daily Dawn to Dusk

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