In the Footsteps of the Civil War Soldier

It was right here in this place. It was not that long ago. Across the field but face to face stood soldiers row on row. Proudly wearing blue or gray, their flags against the sky - it was a day much like today. They stood prepared to die.

American soldiers fought and died in places like Manassas and Fredericksburg - places through which I travel all the time. My home state is Virginia, where reminders of our horrendous war are everywhere. Place names, historic buildings, battlefields, and cemeteries all present the reality of a huge conflict. In spite of urban sprawl, many battlefields are preserved in their historical appearance. There I sometimes pause to wonder at the terrible carnage that people inflicted upon each other - and realize that the American Civil War was not that long ago. This is not ancient history, and the effects of this war are still with us today.

Now Enrolling NVCC Advanced Civil War Course
Scheduled for May 16-18, 2008

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Below: Chronology | Contact Information

General Pages: A Typical Trip including Tips for Teachers | Why I Study the Civil War | Links

The Conflict Begins,1859-1861 Alexandria, Harper's Ferry, The North Invades Virginia, Bull Run , Ball's Bluff The Struggle for West Virginia: Philippi and Cheat Mountain, The Kanawha Valley Campaign Jackson's Valley Campaign, 1862 Shenandoah Valley from the Potomac to McDowell:   Starting with The Romney Campaign, end with Port Republic The Peninsula Campaign, 1862 Fort Monroe, Williamsburg, Mechanicsville, Richmond The Antietam Campaign, 1862 Cedar Mountain, Second Manassas, Frederick, Antietam Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Mosby's Raiders, 1862-1863 Part One and Two (also Battle of Waterford) The Gettysburg Campaign, 1863 The Aftermath of Gettysburg, Grant's Overland Campaign,1863-1864 including Wilderness, Spotsylvania and North Anna to Cold Harbor; also The Battle of New Market The Valley Campaign of 1864 including Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek The Petersburg Campaign and Appomattox

These pages reflect 18 seasons of field trips taken as part of a class with Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale Campus. Our leader is Professor Charles P. Poland; the course is "Advanced Civil War."

This is a work in progress. Thanks for visiting.

Linda Walcroft
P.O. Box 103, Basye, VA 22810

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