Embark on an in-depth tour of the Cold Harbor battlefield, a key event from May 31 to June 12, 1864, marking the final battle of General Ulysses S. Grant’s Overland Campaign before crossing the James River.
Your tour begins at the Cold Harbor Battlefield Visitor Center, where you’ll meet your guide. The introduction sets the stage for Robert E. Lee and Grant’s strategic maneuvers after leaving North Anna, moving closer to Richmond.
Visit the Haw’s Shop battlefield, the site of initial clashes in this phase of the campaign, where Union cavalry encountered Confederate forces by the Pamunkey River. Then, explore the Totopotomoy Creek battlefield, witnessing the strategic ridge Lee fortified against Grant, with views of the historic Shelton House, significant to both the Union Army and Patrick Henry.
The tour proceeds to the Cold Harbor crossroads, revealing the preserved battlefield and entrenched Confederate positions that thwarted Grant’s assaults. Experience personal stories from the conflict and understand why Cold Harbor is remembered as one of the bloodiest and most unequal battles in American history.
Conclude with insights into the American Battlefield Trust’s extensive preservation efforts in Virginia, highlighting the importance of Cold Harbor in Civil War history.
This private battlefield tour pairs nicely with the Battle of North Anna Tour, the previous battle of the Overland Campaign; May 23-24, 1864.
Let us show you the way as you relax and skip the self-guided tour hassle. Your own battlefield guide will meet you in front of the Cold Harbor Battlefield Visitor Center.
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.
Note: Battle of Cold Harbor can be tailored into one of our Custom Battlefield Tours.
