Take a comprehensive battlefield tour of the Battle of the North Anna and the Battle of Cold Harbor.
We’re the only private battlefield guides covering all major battles and sites of the Overland Campaign’s final phase before Ulysses S. Grant crosses the James River. The North Anna, often overlooked, is a crucial part of the campaign. Follow both armies as they spar and clash before reaching Cold Harbor for a final, bloody showdown.
Your North Anna tour begins at Grant’s headquarters, where you’ll learn about his plans to defeat Robert E. Lee, who is positioned behind the North Anna River from May 23-24, 1864. You’ll visit unique and rare sites on one of Virginia’s fastest-growing battlefields, thanks to significant preservation efforts over the last decade.
Discover Lee’s strategy to trap Grant and see some of Virginia’s best-preserved earthworks in Lee’s Inverted-V defenses. Note that visiting these defenses involves a challenging 2-mile round-trip hike with steps and inclines, unsuitable for those with mobility or medical issues. Alternative tour activities are available; please inform us of your physical abilities in advance.
After a 30-minute lunch break with dining recommendations, we’ll visit key sites leading up to the Battle of Cold Harbor (May 31-June 12, 1864), including Haw’s Shop, where a large cavalry action took place, and Totopotomoy Creek, where Lee blocked Grant from Richmond. Finally, we’ll explore
Cold Harbor National Park, seeing entrenched Confederate positions and hearing personal stories from both sides, discussing why this battle is remembered as one of American history’s bloodiest and most lopsided.
This private battlefield tour pairs nicely with the Battles of Spotsylvania Court House and Cold Harbor: The Overland Campaign Part 1 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 in front of the Carmel Baptist Church.
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 North Anna and Cold Harbor can be tailored into one of our Custom Battlefield Tours.
