Battle of Cold Harbor

Cold Harbor
FromUSD$340
Cold Harbor
FromUSD$340
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2081
  • Guided Driving Tour With stops in each location
  • 4 Hours9:00 am or 1:00 pm
  • Richmond Area Battlefields
  • $340Maximum 6 guests

Join a Historic Campaign on This Battle of Cold Harbor Tour

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 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 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.

What's Included

  • Professional & qualified local battlefield guide
  • Locate ancestor’s regiment on the battlefield With advance notice only

What to Bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Bottled water
  • Jacket & umbrella
  • Sunglasses & sunscreen
  • Hat & light clothes
  • Insect repellant

What's Not Included

  • Vehicle
  • Food & drinks
  • Gratuities Optional

Overview

  • Tour meets at 9:00 am or 1:00 pm in front of the Cold Harbor Battlefield Visitor Center; 5515 Anderson Wright Dr. Mechanicsville, VA 23111.
  • The tour goes beyond the National Park property at Cold Harbor
  • Discover the leadup to the battle at the Haw’s Shop and Totopotomoy Creek battlefields
  • See original Civil War earthworks at the Cold Harbor National Park property site
  • Cover Grant’s attacks against Confederate entrenchments leading to a bloody repulse

Special Notes

  • The minimum recommended age is 10 years old.
  • The tour makes multiple stops and gets out of the vehicle
  • Walking at stops is minimal, usually steps from the vehicle (no hiking involved)
  • Tour can accommodate those with mobility challenges
  • Traveling between stops has commentary
  • The tour continues in all weather conditions as adjustments can be made to make everyone comfortable
  • We can locate an ancestor’s unit on the battlefield for no additional charge by simply giving us their unit’s information, for example, 10th New York regiment – Advance notice of a week or more is advised to better prepare.

Reviews

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