We changed our travel plans at the last minute to avoid getting stuck in the snow that was forecast for Virginia during our spring break, and ended up in the cute little town of Fredericksburg. Our first stop was the Fredericksburg National Military Park, where some of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War occured.
The Union, under General Burnside, suffered a stunning defeat in December 1862 after thousands of troops were mowed down as they tried to cross an empty field to attack the Confederates.
From their strong position on Marye's Heights, the Confederates were able to win victory and force the Union army to retreat across the Rappahanock.
The statue below honors Richard Kirkland, a young Conferderate soldier who brought water to the wounded Union soliders behind the wall. He became known as the "Angels of Marye's Heights."
Over 15,000 Union soldiers, mostly unknown, are buried here at the Fredericksburg National Cemetery.
After visiting the battlefield and cemetery, we headed into downtown Fredericksburg and toured the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop and Rising Sun Tavern, both of which were fascinating.
If your wig got mussed during your doctor's visit, you could stick your head through the opening in the door to the powder room, and a servant would powder your wig.
Brunch at a Spencer Devon, a local craft brewery
After spending most of the day in Fredericksburg, we drove an hour south to Richmond, where Gene's cousin Ed and his family live. They invited us to dinner at their house and drove us around Richmond, pointing out the highlights. We ended the evening with dessert at the historic Jefferson Hotel. We had such fun catching up!
What a delightful way to end our evening!
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