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 who can take you to all of the major battles, actions, and sites of the last portion of the Overland Campaign before Ulysses S. Grant crosses the James River. The North Anna, the most overlooked Overland Campaign battle, is the hinge piece of the campaign.
Follow both armies as they spar and clash before they reach the Cold Harbor crossroad and entrench for a final bloody showdown.
Your North Anna tour will begin at Grant’s headquarters where you will learn how he plans to defeat Robert E. Lee who is behind the North Anna River; May 23-24, 1864.
See unique and rare sites at one of the fastest-growing battlefields in Virginia thanks to major battlefield preservation work over the last decade.
Learn about Lee’s plan to set a trap for Grant where he plans to Strike them a blow. See some of the best-preserved earthworks in Virginia as we explore Lee’s Inverted-V defenses of impressive earthworks.
Note: Robert E. Lee’s Inverted-V defenses require a challenging 2-mile round-trip hike with steps and inclines/declines. It is not for those with any mobility or medical challenges. This portion of the tour can be replaced with another alternative tour activity if need be. Please let us know your physical ability in advance of the tour.
We’ll take a 30-minute lunch break where your battlefield guide will give you a recommendation for a quick counter service location or restaurant if requested.
Afterward, travel to battlefield sites that led up to the battle of Cold Harbor; May 31-June 12, 1864. A good portion of your tour will take place off of the Cold Harbor National Park property.
Go to Haw’s Shop where a large cavalry action erupts as Grant crosses Pamunkey River.
Next travel to the Totopotomoy Creek battlefield where Grant will find Lee dug in a commanding ridge, blocking him from Richmond.
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 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.
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.
