From Enslaved to Soldier: African American Civil War Tour

Embark on an insightful African American Civil War tour across Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County, Virginia, delving deep into the region’s rich history.

Your journey begins at the City Docks, the historic landing site of the first enslaved individuals in Fredericksburg. From there, we’ll visit a plantation house to gain a deeper understanding of the enslaved people’s daily lives. Learn about one of the earliest and most significant acts of self-emancipation, triggered by the arrival of the Federal army in 1862.

Immerse yourself in the poignant stories and experiences of the enslaved people from the localities of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County.

As the tour progresses, we’ll explore the profound impact of the Emancipation Proclamation and the subsequent formation and deployment of the United States Colored Troops (U.S.C.T.). The tour reaches its apex with a visit to the historic battleground where the U.S.C.T. bravely engaged Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia for the very first time.

If the Academy Award-winning film “Glory,” depicting the valor of the 54th Massachusetts in Georgia and South Carolina, captivated you, then the tales of the 23rd U.S.C.T.’s exploits in Virginia are sure to resonate deeply with you.

Along the way, our local battlefield guide historians will answer some of these popular questions.

• What is the difference between Agricultural and Urban slaves?
• How could so few people control so many slaves?
• How interconnected was slavery to this community,, and what was the impact when slavery ended?
• What is one of the largest slave escapes during the Civil War?
• Will black soldiers fight against their old slaveholders?
• Are slaves too timid to be soldiers?
• Were there 300,000 black Confederate soldiers?
• And much more…..

This private battlefield tour pairs nicely with the Battle of Fredericksburg which happened December 11-13, 1862.

If you have any questions, please get in touch. 

Let a Local Battlefield Guide Show You the Way

Let us show you the way as you relax and skip the self-guided tour hassle. Your own battlefield guide will meet you at the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center; in front of the museum shop building off of the back parking lot.

After an introduction, your battlefield guide will join your vehicle as you depart to your first stop. It is recommended that the battlefield guide drive your vehicle so you can relax and enjoy the tour, but it’s up to you who drives.

Joining your vehicle keeps the cost down so you can see more battlefields with us.

Step-on battlefield guides are available for larger passenger vehicles (van or bus). For more information and prices, please contact us.