History can be found in the land that lie between Richmond and Washington D.C., from the colonial period to the awesome bloody conflicts of America's Civil War. Here you'll find the placid Potomac that runs by Mount Vernon and the site of the Battle of Bull Run, these stories await new listeners and visitors of all ages.

Fredericksburg - George Washington's boyhood hometown, Fredericksburg was founded in 1728 below the fall line of the Rappahannock River, there was a fort built on the site as early as 1676. The city houses several historic structures dating from the colonial period. In 1862 the Civil War Battle of Fredericksburg was fought in and around the city, over 18,000 men were killed or wounded. During the Battle of Chancellorsville, the city served as a hospital for Confederate wounded. In turn after the Battle of the Wilderness, the city served as a hospital for the Union forces. Over 8,000 acres of battlefield relating to four major Civil War engagements have been preserved in the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County National Military Park.

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County National Military Park - Due to its strategic location between Richmond and Washington, Fredericksburg was in the crossfire from both sides. Within a 17 mile radius of the city lie the sites of four legendary Civil War battles including the Battle of Chancellorsville, the Battle of Fredericksburg, the Battle of the Wilderness and the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse. From the union headquarters at Chatham to the Stonewall Jackson Shrine, these places explore the poignant stories as told from both sides of the conflict. / several locations in and around Fredericksburg / 540-373-6122 / $

Manassas National Battlefield Park - A tiny railroad junction in this place called Manassas led to a small town becoming the pawn in a terrible game of Civil War. It was in Manassas in July of 1861 that picnickers from Washington D. C. marched out with the Union army to watch them end an insurrection of Southern Troops. After ten hours of fighting, the southern Confederate Army forced the Union to retreat. A year later, the armies would again meet and again after three long days, the bloody outcome favored the south. The First Battle of Manassas and the second battle known as the Battle of Bull Run are illustrated in museum displays and a slide show. Walking trails take the visitor to scenic viewpoints of battlefield sites. / SR 234 between I-66 and US 29 / 703-361-1339 / $

Mount Vernon - The most famous historic home in America, Mount Vernon is full of insights into its main designer and builder, George Washington. To see Mount Vernon is to know something about the man who was our First President. The interior colors will amaze visitors as much as the the river views will impress. This was the refuge of the gentleman farmer, the General of the Continental Army and last but not least, the Father of our Country, who refused to be named king of the United States and here too, is where he was laid to rest. / George Washington Memorial Parkway / south of Alexandria / 703-780-2000 / $

Reserve Early ...while your preferred accommodations are still available.