Take a comprehensive battlefield tour of the Battle of The Wilderness and the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House.
These two epic battles marked the beginning of the end for the Confederacy, starting Ulysses S. Grant’s Overland Campaign. These were the first major battles after Gettysburg, where Grant and Robert E. Lee first clashed. Meet your guide at the Wilderness Battlefield Exhibit Shelter to see the battle’s opening shots on May 5, 1864, and view the original Civil War earthworks.
Experience the forest of the Wilderness, where new combat tactics and wildfires erupted. Visit the Brock Road, Plank Road intersection, the site of intense fighting. At Tapp Field, witness the historic “Lee to the rear!” moment with the Texas Brigade on May 6, 1864. Learn about Grant’s decision to head south to Richmond on May 7, 1864.
After a 30-minute lunch break with dining recommendations, we’ll travel to the Spotsylvania Court House battlefield, following Grant’s route. See the opening shots at Laurel Hill on May 8, 1864, and visit Upton’s assault site on May 10, 1864. Explore the Mule Shoe and hear about the May 12, 1864, 22-hour hand-to-hand combat.
Visit the Bloody Angle, the site of intense fighting, and see monuments left by the regiments. At Lee’s Final Line, view a recreated Civil War earthwork line.
Conclude with Grant’s decision to move towards Richmond, vowing to “fight it out on this line if it takes all summer.” Then we return to the Wilderness Battlefield Exhibit Shelter with commentary, ending the tour where it began.
This private battlefield tour pairs nicely with the (Battles of the North Anna and Cold Harbor: The Overland Campaign Part 2 combo tour.)
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 Wilderness Battlefield Exhibit Shelter – National Park Service.
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: The battles of The Wilderness and Spotsylvania Court House can be tailored into one of our Custom Battlefield Tours.
