Take a comprehensive battlefield tour of the battle of Cold Harbor; May 31-June 12, 1864.
The Battle of Cold Harbor was the fourth and last Overland Campaign battle before General Ulysses S. Grant crossed the James River.
Your private battlefield tour will start in front of the Cold Harbor Battlefield Visitor Center, where you will meet your own battlefield guide. Receive a tour introduction and hear about Robert E. Lee and Grant leaving the North Anna and making strategic movements closer to the Confederate capital of Richmond.
See where the opening shots of the next phase of the Overland Campaign take place at the Haw’s Shop battlefield. As Union cavalry splashes across the Pamunkey River, they will run up against Confederate cavalry screening Lee’s forces as they start to dig in along the Totopotomoy Creek.
Next travel to the Totopotomoy Creek battlefield where Grant will find Lee dug in a commanding ridge, blocking him from Richmond. Today, the battlefield is owned by the National Park Service. One can view the historic Shelton House which was used by the Union Army and also has a Patrick Henry connection.
Later, follow both armies as movement shifts to the Cold Harbor crossroads, just 10-miles north of Richmond. Travel to the Cold Harbor National Park property where the center portion of the battlefield is preserved. See Confederate entrenched positions that will repulse Grant’s repeated attacks. Hear personal stories from both sides.
We will discuss how the battle is remembered as one of American history’s bloodiest, most lopsided battles.
Learn about some of the largest battlefield preservation efforts in Virginia at Cold Harbor by the American Battlefield Trust.
This private battlefield tour pairs nicely with the battle of North Anna which is 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.
